Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £18,600 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
Course summary
- Gain a comprehensive knowledge of pharmacology and biotechnology.
- Develop applied research techniques using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.
- Build confidence in presenting your work to academic and professional audiences.
- Enhance your investigative skills, including the design, execution and interpretation of practical work.
Our MSc course equips you with a strong foundation in pharmacology and biotechnology, preparing you for a diverse range of careers. You’ll explore their role in healthcare, industry and research, while developing your analytical and problem-solving skills. Whether your goal is industrial or academic research, entrepreneurship or education, this course provides the expertise you’ll need to succeed.
To complete an extended research project, see our MRes Pharmacology and Biotechnology course.
Student satisfaction
This course scored 93% for overall student satisfaction in the Postgraduate Taught Student Satisfaction Survey 2025.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
You’ll study in an engaging and supportive environment, designed to develop your independence, critical thinking and professional skills. The course follows our Hallam Model, ensuring an applied, collaborative and industry-relevant approach to your learning.
Lectures introduce key concepts, with interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises to encourage deeper learning. You'll engage with recent scientific developments and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Key skills are embedded in your modules and research project – including scientific writing, literature and database searching, data handling and critical analysis.
You’ll progress from tutor-led to student-centred learning, encouraging independence and professional growth. You’ll receive continuous guidance and constructive feedback to support your academic journey.
You learn through:
- lectures and seminars
- interactive workshops
- practical laboratory classes
- independent research project work
- small group academic tutorials
Key themes
You’ll study the integration of pharmacological science with biotechnological applications through a number of core modules. These introduce key innovations and concepts in receptor pharmacology and the molecular mechanisms of drug interactions. You’ll also explore the application of biotechnological methods in drug development, and the use of genetic and molecular tools for therapeutic advancements.
Elective modules give you the chance to study topics including drug discovery pipelines, cancer treatment and therapies, and applications of data science. These electives allow you to take ownership of your learning to suit your future goals and personal interests.
You’ll then progress to a research project in trimester 3, supervised by one of our academics to advance an area of pharmacological or biotechnological challenge. You’ll gain hands-on, independent experience with advanced analytical equipment. You’ll then present your findings in research groups.
Course-level support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to academic and career development support
- one-to-one guidance from student support advisers
- online and in-person resources from the Skills Centre, including assignment planning and structuring assistance
Applied learning
Live projects
You’ll engage in hands-on laboratory work, applying advanced research techniques to solve real-world challenges in pharmacology and biotechnology. Most research projects are related to up-to-date applied research, with some collaboration with external partners.
Networking opportunities
You’ll have opportunities to connect with industry professionals through guest lectures, career fairs, mentoring schemes and leadership programmes – helping you build valuable industry connections.
Course leaders and tutors
Walid Omara
Senior Lecturer Biomedical SciencesStaff profile for Dr Walid Omara, Lecturer in Microbiology at Sheffield Hallam University
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Conduct an independent literature review to enhance critical analysis and understanding of research topics.
• Design a structured research proposal with clear aims, ethical considerations, and safety protocols.
• Develop practical lab skills through structured experiments, including data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in research.
• Help identify and articulate your employability skills
Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.
This module aims to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of laboratory-based research and examine the important issues that make good laboratory practice. Within the programme, this module will prepare you for the semester two laboratory module and the semester three independent research project.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Fundamental practical laboratory training (including reagent preparation, accuracy and precision in performing experiments, health and safety) which will be underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
• A range of course focussed laboratory methodologies and, where appropriate, other practical procedures.
• Effective communication and presentation skills development via the preparation of visual and written work in an appropriate context.
• Introduction to ethical issues and foundations of scientific integrity forming the implications of good laboratory practice.
• Understand and apply fundamental statistical methods for data analysis.
• Employability skills and career preparation (including CV development, application process).
This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.
Module content:
- Evaluate the concept of Biotechnology applications of Pharmacology.
- Understand the principles of pharmacogenomics and pharmacogenetics and their applications.
- Evaluate the new approaches of biotherapies and latest technology in drug discovery.
- Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis and pharmacological calculations.
Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.
By engaging successfully with this module a student will be able to:
1. Evaluate the concepts of pharmacological properties related to a drug.
2. Critically review the processes involved in drug evaluation as pharmacological tools and therapeutic agents.
3. Evaluate the range of drug targets and related molecular processes within biological systems.
4. Evaluate quantitatively pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutic properties of drug molecules.
5. Retrieve information on drugs from library resources and evaluate and critically analyse the information.
Indicative Content:
- Processes of drug discovery and development
- Concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
- Quantification and analysis of drug properties
- Receptor theory and mathematical models
- Pharmacophore theories ~ rational design vs serendipity
- Cell structure and subcellular organelles
- Inter and intra cellular signalling, Cell cycle
- Apoptosis and Cellular transport mechanisms
- Extracellular matrix and cellular adhesion
To provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project over a period of eight weeks. The vast majority of projects will be lab-based, all within the bioscience and chemistry research areas. Projects will be appropriate to the specific degree programme on which the student is enrolled. This will be followed by a writing-up period during which the student will prepare an article-style written report.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Literature review, relevant to the area of study, using information databases
• Planning of an agreed research project
• Acquisition and demonstration of practical skills
• Critical analysis of research results
• Preparation of written report
• Oral scientific communication
• Contributing to a research community
Elective modules
Drug discovery is the process of identification and development of new medicines. This module will provide the student with an up-to-date theoretical understanding of the development of both biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drugs and knowledge of current examples of these medicines. At the end of the module, students should be able to critically appraise and evaluate current literature in the field of biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drug discovery.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Target discovery - identification and validation of targets
- Target discovery - development of screening and functional assays
- The impact of genomics on drug development
- Small molecule drug development - from hit to lead
- Biopharmaceuticals and protein therapy
- Pre-clinical drug development including issues of pharmacokinetics and toxicology
- Clinical trials and international issues
- Large data analysis in clinical trials
- Regulations and guidelines
This advanced module provides a comprehensive introduction to big data and data science, designed to equip you with cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for modern scientific research and industrial applications.
Module content:
- Critically analyse and interpret large, complex scientific datasets.
- Apply advanced coding and statistical techniques to real-world research challenges.
- Utilise cutting-edge bioinformatics tools for data exploration.
- Develop sophisticated data visualisation and presentation skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in extracting meaningful scientific insights from big data.
Delivered through a blend of on-campus and online taught sessions and interactive practical workshops, the module offers an in-depth exploration of data science concepts, methodologies, and technological applications.
The study of drug development is vital for a variety of industrial platforms in pharma, biotech and CROs. This module aims to provide a background into the process of drug development, the challenges associated with this, and translational experimental methods for predicting response. Understanding of the theory of the drug development process will be supported by exploring experimental approaches used in the laboratory to evaluate the efficacy of a drug and how this is relevant to patient populations.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Identifying drug targets and designing therapeutics
• Pre-clinical development
• Clinical trials phases 1-3
• Drug development challenges
• In vitro models
• In vivo translational models.
• Tissue engineering
• Personalised Medicine
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- the health biotechnology sector
- the industrial biotechnology sector
- the pharmaceutical industry
- academic research
Previous graduates have gone on to work for:
- the NHS
- Public Health England
- Novartis
- ThermoFisher Scientific
Equipment and facilities
Teaching takes place in lecture theatres, seminar rooms and specialist laboratory facilities. Through our virtual learning environment Blackboard you’ll be able to access learning materials, interactive resources and course information – both on-campus and remotely.
You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment, gaining hands-on experience in scenario-based practical sessions. You’ll gain the technical expertise and practical experience needed for a career in pharmacology and biotechnology, using facilities such as:
- award-winning cell culture suites
- aseptic microbiology facilities
- high-powered fluorescent microscopes for cell and tissue analysis
- state-of-the-art mass spectrometry equipment
- an extensive range of analytical equipment, such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC)
- molecular biology facilities allowing quantification of nucleic acids and proteins
360 tour - biosciences and chemistry facilities
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Entry requirements
All students
A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 600.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
