St. John's University

What you'll study

The programme covers the mechanisms of drug action, safety assessment, and the biological response to chemicals across molecular, cellular and whole-organism levels. Teaching blends taught modules, laboratory practicals and an independent research project or capstone.

• Core modules: molecular and cellular pharmacology, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, principles of toxicology, drug metabolism and biotransformation, and experimental design/biostatistics.
• Laboratory and practical skills: in vitro and in vivo assay techniques, tissue culture, chromatographic and mass‑spectrometric methods for drug and metabolite analysis, and toxicological pathology.
• Advanced and elective topics: neuropharmacology, cardiotoxicity, toxicogenomics and biomarkers, environmental and occupational toxicology, clinical toxicology, and regulatory affairs and risk assessment.
• Research project or capstone: an extended laboratory‑based research project supervised by faculty, or a substantial literature and data‑driven capstone with a presentation and written thesis/report.
• Skills development: training in research ethics, scientific communication, grant writing, data analysis and project management to prepare students for professional roles or PhD study.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant subject such as pharmacology, pharmacy, biomedical science, toxicology, chemistry or a closely related discipline. Typical candidates will have a strong background in biology and chemistry and demonstrable laboratory experience.

• Academic transcript demonstrating an appropriate honours degree or equivalent qualification.
• Personal statement outlining relevant experience, research interests and career goals.
• References, usually two academic or one academic and one professional.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through a recognised test unless exempt.
• Where relevant, applicants with professional experience but without a traditional academic background may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis; some applicants may be asked to provide additional evidence of quantitative and laboratory competence.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme go on to a range of roles across industry, healthcare, government and research. The course provides foundations for scientifically focused careers that require understanding of drug action, safety and regulatory frameworks.

• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry: roles in drug discovery, ADME/PK, drug safety/toxicology, preclinical testing and clinical research support.
• Regulatory agencies and public health bodies: positions in risk assessment, regulatory science, safety evaluation and policy development.
• Contract research organisations (CROs) and testing laboratories: study design, safety testing and analytical services.
• Environmental and occupational toxicology: monitoring and mitigation of chemical exposures in workplace and environmental settings.
• Clinical and hospital settings: pathways into clinical toxicology and poison information services, often combined with further clinical training.
• Further research and academia: many graduates proceed to PhD study or research technician positions in academic labs.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John's University offers a small‑group learning environment within well‑equipped laboratories and research facilities, taught by faculty with active research and translational experience. The university's location provides proximity to a broad network of hospitals, research institutions and industry partners, facilitating internships and collaborative projects.

• Interdisciplinary teaching that links pharmacology, toxicology and regulatory science to real‑world applications.
• Opportunities for hands‑on laboratory research under the supervision of experienced faculty.
• Support for professional development, including scientific communication and career services geared towards life sciences employers.
• Clear progression routes to PhD programmes or specialised professional roles in the life sciences and regulatory sectors.