Course summary
Do you want to develop the medicines of the future? Biopharmaceutical drugs are transforming the way we treat patients and fight global disease. Treatments comprise the use of biologically manufactured drugs, namely hormones, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies and cell therapies. On this course you will receive specialised industry-relevant experience in addition to theoretical knowledge and hands-on training. Many pharmaceutical companies are currently expanding their biopharmaceutical capability, creating a demand for talented, well-trained people with the right skill-set. Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Labcorp Drug Development (formerly known as Covance), this course will provide you with a springboard into a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or further research in an academic environment. On this course you will obtain industry-relevant training designed to fast-track talented scientists into the industry in addition to an integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway. As you amass a deep understanding of the regulatory framework you’ll learn from world-leading tutors, have the chance to combine your theoretical knowledge with practical training, and undertake a substantial research project. Course highlights
- This programme has received the prestigious Princess Royal Training Award 2023.
- Designed to fast-track talented scientists into industry.
- An integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway.
- Focus on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, bio-similars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies.
- Gain extensive experience of team-based project planning.
Modules
The course content focuses on the discovery and development of large molecule drugs: monoclonal antibodies, biosimilars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies. Added to this is practical hands-on training in the technologies that underpin the discovery and development pathway. You’ll receive training in protein purification, characterisation, formulation and assessment of binding function and the use of cell-based assays to look at drug potency. The course is 12-months long, taught on campus at the University of Leeds. It aims to provide you with an understanding of the many functions that contribute to the discovery and development of a successful drug and how they are coordinated and integrated to bring new drugs to market in a timely and economic fashion. You will be taught by academics and qualified industry professionals, with a strong emphasis on the integration of ideas, approaches and technologies in the development of a biological drug.
Assessment method
You’ll use real-life, industry and academic case studies exclusively to illustrate theoretical and practical concepts and will have multiple opportunities to work in teams, including the opportunity to lead a team. A wide range of ‘authentic’ assignments will be used that you will experience in the workplace including submissions to regulatory authorities, client reports and presentations to industry panel members. There are no exams, all the assessment is performed by in-course assignments including a dissertation report arising from the research project work.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
Normally a 2:1 honours degree or equivalent in a (molecular) Biological Sciences subject, Bioprocessing or Biochemical Engineering, but relevant experience may be taken into account. In addition, applicants will need to demonstrate leadership potential, which might be evidenced from academic, sporting, volunteering or other professional experience.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no less than 6.0 in all components |
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fees are listed on our website: https://courses.leeds.ac.uk/
Sponsorship information
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.
Provider information
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds
LS2 9JT