Postgraduate

MSc in

Pharmacology and Education

Course length 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

Start date September 2026

Location Hull campus*

Discover Pharmacology and Education

Course content
Teaching and assessment
Careers
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Applying

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.

Accreditation

Accredited by Advance HE, you will be able to apply for Fellowship or Associate Fellowship upon completion of the Certificate and a reflective portfolio. This status is recognised by professional bodies as reaching international standards to deliver high quality education. You will have the right to use the post-nominal letters FHEA or AFHEA - qualifications highly recommended for those looking to work in the education sector.

Meet the Programme Director

Book a one-to-one chat with Dr Laura Sadofsky to learn more about our MSc in Pharmacology and Education.

Get the answers to your questions about the course, studying at Hull York Medical School, support, finance and more.

Book a meeting now

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CONTACT US

[email protected] 01904 321690

Dr Laura Sadofsky,
Programme Director

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Webinar

Discover Pharmacology and Education

Monday 24 November, 18:00

Join the MSc in Pharmacology and Education Programme Director for an engaging webinar and live Q&A session. This interactive event will give you valuable insights into the student experience, career pathways, and the unique strengths of our programmes. Bring your questions and join the conversation.

Whether you're a prospective student or currently preparing your application, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the course content, structure, and the exciting career development opportunities on offer. You’ll also have the chance to speak directly with the Programme Directors and get answers to any queries you may have.

Book your place now

Course content

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.

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.

Pharmacology students working on a computer in a lab

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.

Programme Director

Dr Laura Sadofsky

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.

Student examining fluorescence microscopy image

Medicine students on a hospital ward at Hull Royal Infirmary

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.

Discover intercalation

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

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: £11,200
Part-time (2 years): £5,600*

International (including EU)

Full-time: £25,900
Part-time (2 years): £12,950**

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.