MSc inPharmacology and Education
Course length
1 year full-time,2 years part-time
Start date
September 2026
Location
Hull campus*
About the programme
This MSc is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the clinical, basic science and industrial aspects of pharmacology, alongside developing the skills to deliver exceptional teaching, assessment, course design and educational research – so you can inspire and lead in pharmacology education.
Now more than ever, Pharmacology plays a critical role in healthcare. Our MSc in Pharmacology and Education empowers you to pass on your expertise to the next generation of pharmacology students and colleagues as a pharmacology educator or clinical researcher.
This course, which combines modules from the MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development with our Higher Education Academy-accredited MSc in Health Professions Education, is the only Master's programme in the UK to combine Pharmacology and Education.
The MSc programme is built around core modules that cover the fundamental principles of pharmacology, the clinical relevance of drugs for the major organ systems and the fundamental processes involved in clinical trials. Alongside the pharmacology component, there are core modules covering learning and teaching, assessment, and research methods to train the educators of tomorrow.
Successful applicants come from a wide range of backgrounds, including clinical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, life or basic sciences, which creates a unique, stimulating and collaborative environment.
You will finish your year with us by conducting a significant research project focusing on the generation of novel data to support and improve pharmacology education for science or medical professions. We will support you to increase your chances of getting your work published.
This course is an ideal option for intercalation. Read on to find out more.
You may also be interested in our MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development course, where you will gain the skills to play an active role in developing the next generation of drugs.
Meet the Programme Director
Book a one-to-one online chat with Programme Director Dr Nguok Ngie ("Eunice") Su to learn more about our MSc in Pharmacology and Drug Development.
Get the answers to your questions about the course, studying at Hull York Medical School, support, finance and more.
One-to-one chat
Discover Pharmacology and Education
Wednesday 24 June, 18:00 - 19:00
Whether you're a prospective student or currently preparing your application, this webinar is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the content of our Pharmacology and Education course, how it's taught, and the exciting career development opportunities on offer.
You’ll also have the chance to speak directly with the Programme Director, Dr Nguok Ngie ("Eunice") Su and get answers to your questions.
Modules
The programme is a 180 credit Masters programme, with six core taught modules (20 credits each), and a core research project/dissertation (60 credits).
All modules are subject to availability, and this list may change at any time.
Filters
Foundations of Pharmacology
You will learn, discuss, and critically analyse key pharmacological topics such as the general principles of drug action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and adverse drug reactions which underpin the drug development process.Core
20 credits
Bench to Bedside II: Clinical Trials
You have designed a drug – but what next? This module will give you a detailed overview of clinical trials.Core
20 credits
Learning and Teaching
An introduction to the key principles of teaching and learning in the health professions.Core
20 credits
Assessment and Feedback
Explore key principles and practices underpinning effective assessment and feedback.Core
20 credits
Research Approaches in Health Professions Education
The module introduces you to key concepts in quantitative and qualitative research to form a research question, plan an appropriate methodological approach and method for data collection and analysis, and write a research proposal.Core
20 credits
Therapeutics
The use of drugs underpins modern medical practice. Explore the use of drugs in cardiovascular, cancer, gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory, rheumatological, and endocrine disease as well as areas of uncertainty around the prescription of medicines.Core
20 credits
Dissertation
This module will provide you with the experience of conducting independent research and presenting your findings in written and spoken form. The dissertation is an opportunity for you to study a topic related to education and pharmacology.Core
60 credits
Teaching and assessment
How is the programme taught?
You will learn from experts in their field who are at the forefront of pharmacology, medicine or medical education. This includes external experts, our own Hull Health Trials Unit, pharmacology academics and our Health Professions Education Unit.
Tutors on the programme are leading scholars and practising experts in either a clinical, industry, academic or educational background. As well as learning from their expertise, you will be challenged to think differently and develop skills to become a self-directed learner, equipping you for lifelong learning and future employment, as well as allowing you to flourish academically in your programme.
With our philosophy of research-led teaching, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study. Some of these sessions may be online, whilst others will involve external speakers. This combination of different teaching activities allows you to broaden and deepen your learning around the topics in this programme.
Teaching and assessment
How is the programme assessed?
You will be assessed on each module using a range of approaches, including written assignments, oral presentations, online activities and a dissertation. Please see the individual modules for assessment details.
There are two types of assessment:
- Formative assessments: These are designed to provide you with an opportunity to obtain helpful feedback to enable you to develop your understanding of both the type of assessment and the topic. They do not contribute to the final award mark.
- Summative assessments: These assessments count towards the final module mark. You will receive feedback on these assessments to help you understand your marks and support your academic development.
HULL YORK MEDICAL SCHOOL Stories
The MSc in Pharmacology and Education provides a deep insight into therapeutics, while allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills as an educator – preparing you to pursue a career in academia.
Dr Nguok Ngie Su
About the programme
Career prospects
Through studying this MSc, you will have the opportunity to expand your pharmacology and therapeutics knowledge as well as gaining insight into the clinical trials process. The course will equip you with practical knowledge to deliver exceptional teaching, assessment and research. This skillset is key for multiple roles within the industrial, medical and academic sectors.
This course will provide you with expertise to help you become a pharmacology educator and will be useful for those wishing to follow an academic or clinical academic career. In addition, this MSc will give you the knowledge and experience to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry and is likely to open job opportunities in drug safety, quality, regulation and compliance.
In the medical sector, an intercalating MSc can have a significant impact on your potential career opportunities. Understanding the science of medicines improves prescribing and can also open up possibilities such as Medical Advisers.
You will also develop the skills to allow you to further your academic career by pursuing a PhD.
Intercalation
An ideal option for intercalation
The MSc in Pharmacology and Education will help give intercalating medical students a deeper understanding and appreciation of prescribing.
In the medical sector, an intercalating MSc can have a significant impact on your application to deaneries and your potential career prospects. Understanding the science of medicines improves prescribing and can also open up possibilities such as Medical Advisers.
Entry
Entry requirements
Applicants must have previous training in the life sciences (e.g. graduates from medical, biomedical, pharmacy or biological undergraduate courses), Chemistry/Pharmacology or other related fields with a minimum 2.2 (Hons) degree or equivalent.
Intercalating medical students must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of an MB BS or comparable medical qualification.
English language requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must have one of the following:
- IELTS: 6.5, with no less than 6.0 in each component
- PTE Academic: 61, with no less than 55 in each component
- CAE and CPE (from January 2015): 176, with no less than 169 in each component
- TOEFL: 87, with a minimum of 21 in each component
- Trinity ISE: level 3 with Merit in all components
- LangCert B2 Communicator High Pass (minimum score 33/50)
- WASSCE: C5
Applicants who do not meet our English Language requirements may be required to complete the University of Hull’s Pre-Sessional English course as a condition of their offer to study on the programme.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Fees listed are for 2026 entry. Fees are reviewed on an annual basis and may change for subsequent years.
The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (Home) or International (including EU) student. Check your fee status on the University of York website.
UK (Home)
- Full-time: £12,000
- Part-time (2 years): £6,000*
International (including EU)
- Full-time: £27,700
- Part-time (2 years): £13,850**
Applicants who are self-funded and assessed by the University of Hull as paying the overseas tuition fee rate are required to pay a non-refundable deposit at the point of offer. A place will not be guaranteed until the full deposit has been received. The University reserves the right to stop accepting deposit payments once course places are full and, as a result, may defer an offer to the next available intake. Find out more about the University of Hull Tuition Fee Deposit.
*The fees listed for part-time study relate to the current year only, fees for subsequent years are subject to confirmation.
** The part-time study option is only available to international students who do not require a visa to study in the UK.
Funding
There are a number of funding options available to help with costs and support your postgraduate study. To apply for funding, you will need to hold an offer to study at Hull York Medical School.
Postgraduate Taught Widening Access Scholarship
The Widening Access Scholarship, offered as a £4,800 fee reduction, is available to two UK applicants who meet our eligibility criteria.
Hull York Medical School Postgraduate Taught International Excellence Scholarships
Two International Scholarships, offered as a 20% reduction in tuition fees, are available to eligible applicants.
Graduate scholarship
A 10% reduction in tuition fees is available to graduates of the University of Hull and University of York.
Hull York Medical School Intercalated Student Bursaries
We offer two bursaries worth 50% of the tuition fee to intercalating Hull York Medical School MB BS students who meet widening participation criteria.
Intercalated Student Bursary
Two £2,400 bursaries are available for intercalating Medicine students from other UK medical schools who meet our eligibility criteria.
applying
How to apply
To apply, submit an online application on the University of Hull website.
You don’t need to complete your application all at once - you can save and finish it later.
The deadline for applications from international applicants is 10 August 2026, and 17 August for home (UK) applicants.
