University of Reading

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced taught modules with a substantial independent research project or dissertation. Core subject areas typically include pharmacology and toxicology, pharmaceutics and drug delivery, medicinal chemistry and drug design, clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, pharmaceutical analysis and quality assurance, and regulatory and professional aspects of medicines.

Teaching methods include seminars, laboratory practicals, case-based learning and lectures, complemented by a research placement where you design and carry out an experimental or literature-led project under academic supervision. Typical module topics you can expect are:

• Mechanisms of drug action and safety assessment
• Formulation science and controlled release technologies
• Analytical methods for pharmaceutical quality control
• Medicinal chemistry principles and lead optimisation
• Clinical pharmacy practice, medicines management and patient safety
• Research methods, statistics and experimental design
• Regulatory affairs, law and ethics in pharmacy

The programme is research-led and multidisciplinary, drawing on expertise across chemistry, toxicology, pharmacology and clinical pharmacy. Assessment is by a mix of written exams, coursework, laboratory reports, presentations and the final dissertation or project report.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (upper second-class or equivalent) in pharmacy, pharmacology, biomedical science, chemistry or a closely related subject. Applicants with lower-class honours plus relevant professional experience, or an appropriate postgraduate diploma, may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International applicants whose first language is not English are usually required to demonstrate competence in English through an approved qualification. The programme may also require evidence of laboratory experience for some routes, and all candidates should provide academic references and a personal statement outlining their suitability and interests.

Career prospects

Graduates from this Master's pathway move into a wide range of roles across the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Typical destinations include:

• Research and development in pharmaceutical and biotech companies
• Regulatory affairs, quality assurance and control
• Clinical research and clinical trials management
• Formulation and analytical laboratories
• Hospital or community pharmacy support roles, medicines optimisation and clinical services (with appropriate professional registration where required)
• Further academic research (PhD) and teaching positions

The School's links with industry and healthcare providers, together with laboratory and project experience, help graduates demonstrate practical skills and research competence valued by employers.

Why study at University of Reading

The University of Reading's School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences offers research-led teaching within modern laboratory facilities on the Whiteknights campus. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, biology and clinical research groups, and from established industry and NHS links that support project placements and careers advice.

Teaching is delivered by academic staff active in pharmaceutical research, ensuring modules reflect contemporary challenges in drug discovery, formulation and medicines use. Small-group practicals, a supervised research project and access to analytical and formulation instrumentation prepare graduates for scientific and professional roles in the medicines sector.