Master's Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety, Master of Science

The Master's Programme in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Safety at the University of Helsinki covers the full life cycle of medicines, from drug discovery and development to medication safety and regulatory science. It is research-oriented and trains students for work in pharmaceutical research, development, use and regulation.

The programme takes two years and amounts to 120 ECTS credits. It includes 40 credits of joint compulsory studies, 40 credits of advanced studies in one study track, and 30 credits for the master’s thesis project. Students also complete work linked to thesis preparation, including a literature review, thesis seminar and research ethics. The three study tracks are Drug design and pharmacology, Drug delivery and development, and Medication safety and effectiveness. Students may also combine courses across tracks through a personal study plan.

The University of Helsinki says the programme is aimed at applicants with at least a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences. It prepares graduates for research and development roles in academia, industry, regulatory bodies and other organisations.

Modules

• Drug design and pharmacology
• Drug delivery and development
• Medication safety and effectiveness

Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in natural sciences. Relevant fields include pharmacy, biomedicine, medicine, neuroscience, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biotechnology and biomedical engineering. Successful candidates are expected to have sufficient background knowledge in the relevant scientific fields to follow the curriculum.

• research and development positions in pharmaceutical and other life-science-related industries
• CROs for preclinical and clinical research
• Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Companies
• Biobusiness Consulting Companies
• national and international regulatory agencies
• policy-making organisations
• EMA
• Ministries of Health in different countries
• WHO regional offices
• administrative positions in public or private hospitals
• PhD programmes
• academia