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Neuropharmacology MSc

  • Level(s) of Study: Postgraduate taught
  • Start Date(s): January 2024, September 2024, January 2025
  • Duration: One year full-time / Two years full-time with one year placement / Two years part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Full-time / Part-time / Sandwich / January start (Postgraduate)
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information

Introduction:

Designed to give you the theoretical and practical skills needed to enter a career in neuropharmacology either in an academic institution, a research institute or in the industrial/business sector.

This stimulating course will give you the opportunity to develop your practical skills through an extended laboratory-based research project. It will also enable you to develop an ability to plan a research project, apply effective data analysis skills to your results, and to communicate your findings in an articulate and professional manner.

This course is ideal if you are:

  • a recent graduate and looking for the professional skills needed to obtain a job in a neuropharmacology research related area or a career in academic research into neuropharmacology.
  • working for a neuroscience company in a or pharmacology research-related area and want a masters-level qualification to give you a competitive edge.
  • interested in using cutting-edge facilities to develop your own learning and research.
  • If you choose the Sandwich-route, you have the opportunity to take a work placement, enhancing your CV and employability even further.
  • In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.
  • 100% of Pharmacology students would recommend their course at NTU and 96% are satisfied with the quality of their course. (PTES 2023)

If you choose the Sandwich-route, you have the opportunity to take a work placement, enhancing your CV and employability even further

Postgraduate open events

We hold postgraduate open events throughout the year. Find out more and book a place.

Contact details: Email us
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 8351

What you’ll study

This Neuropharmacology Masters is made up of six core modules and a research project. If you are part-time or a sandwich student, you will continue to study the second year from the modules listed below.

Qualification types

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) - choose to study 60 credit points (cp) of taught modules
  • Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) - choose 120 cp of taught modules for the award, does not include a research project
  • Masters of Science (MSc) - full 180 cp of taught modules and research project.

If you are unsuccessful in completing the 180 cp required for MSc, you will be awarded PG Cert if you have passed at least 60 cp, or PG Dip if you have passed 120 cp. All PG Cert, PG Dip and Masters students are taught together.

Research Methods and Bioethics (20 cp)

This module encourages you to think beyond your own subject, and interact accordingly. You'll gain a solid foundation in literature review, research design and planning, data analysis and a poster presentation by focusing your studies on a related ethical issue. Ethical issues in research will also be explored, as you discover when and how to obtain ethical clearance in accordance with ethical governance at NTU.

Cell Biology and Physiology (20 cp)

Develop your understanding of basic cellular function within physiology, and gain an appreciation of cellular systems. Modern pharmacological concepts and techniques are introduced as well as studying cell organisation, gene expression, metabolism, and physiological systems.

Cognitive Neuroscience (20 cp)

In this module, you’ll explore the current research and fundamental concepts in cognitive neuroscience, including perception, brain structure and organisation, memory, and the functional basis of certain human neurological and psychiatric illnesses. You’ll analyse and practice some of the most up-to-date research techniques used in industry.

Techniques in Macromolecular Analysis (20 cp)

The aims of this module are to provide an advanced knowledge and understanding of the techniques that can be used to isolate and purify macromolecules, and the approaches that can be used to track, study and predict macromolecular structure and function. You'll explore a range of current topics, and their application to macromolecular analysis. These topics will include the macromolecular analysis of proteins, protein purification programs and simulations, and protein bioinformatics.

Neurophysiology (20 cp)

A number of hot topics in molecular and cellular neuroscience will be selected from current scientific literature. These topics include subjects such as neuronal pathways involved in the expression of behaviour, neural degeneration, neurotoxicity and the recent advances in our understanding of certain neurological and psychiatric illnesses.

Pharmacology (20 cp)

In this module, you’ll see how genes can influence our physiology, and hence our pharmacological response to drugs used to treat pathological conditions. You’ll develop the concept of tailoring therapeutic drugs as the future of drug design, enabling physicians to prescribe personalised medical treatments based on an individual’s genome.

Research Project (60 cp)

In consultation with a supervisor at NTU, you'll select a research topic comprising an original, defined research question (or series of such questions), and develop a written research proposal for the Project. You'll then present this proposal as part of the Research Methods and Bioethics module.

How you’re taught

You will be assessed by a variety of methods including:

  • Research project
  • Written assignment
  • Case studies
  • Poster and oral presentations
  • Laboratory reports
  • Formal examinations
  • Skills portfolio

You will learn through:

  • Lectures
  • Guided reading supported by the University’s virtual learning portal
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Written and oral presentations
  • Research reports
  • Attendance regular research seminar
  • Developing your skills portfolio

Study hours

Contact hours for a 20 cp modules are typically around 50 hours, with a further 150 hours expected from you for directed and independent study.

Contact hours

Lectures / seminars / workshops (20%) and independent study (80%)

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 99% of NTU’s Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Find out more about the ULP.

Staff Profiles

Fiona Freeman - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Fiona Freeman, Principal Lecturer, in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University.

Chris Tinsley - Senior Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Chris Tinsley, Senior Lecturer, in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University.

Luigi De Girolamo - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Luigi De Girolamo, Principal Lecturer in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University..

Carl Nelson - Principal Lecturer

School of Science & Technology

Find out more about Carl Nelson, Principal Lecturer, in the Department of Biosciences at Nottingham Trent University.

How you’re assessed

Coursework (71%) and written (29%)

Careers and employability

There are a wide range of career opportunities within neuropharmacology. You will work with leading academics on your course, so you will have gained important academic and professional skills necessary to help you obtain employment in this field. At the end of the course, you will also have developed many transferable skills that will make you more attractive to potential employers in related areas of molecular bioscience and neuropharmacology.

The Research Project and/or Placement will give you the skills you need to follow a career in research and development.

Skills portfolio

You will gather together relevant practical skills throughout laboratory classes producing a training record. This can be presented to potential employers as proof of competence in a laboratory setting. It also provides you with experience of managing what is essentially a personal development portfolio, which is now a standard tool for monitoring progression and performance in a scientific career as well as out in the sector.

Employability Team

The University's Employability team has an enviable reputation for helping our graduates find employment and offers individual consultations. Sessions are available to all students at NTU on CV writing and interview technique.

The Sandwich-route course offers you the opportunity to take a one-year placement or several smaller placements. If you start this course in September / October then you will complete your placement following your taught modules and research project. If you start in January you will complete one term of taught modules and your project then go on placement before returning to NTU for your final term of modules.

Placements

NTU is one of the most employment-focused universities. Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience. That’s why all of our courses, across every subject area, offer you a work experience opportunity. Our experts help build and support your future with a range of career programmes and events.

The school of Science and Technology will work closely with you to help find a placement and strengthen your CV and interview techniques. You'll be supported and assessed throughout your placement year and will write a reflective report and diary at the end of your placement. When you successfully complete your placement and submit your placement report, you will be eligible to receive an additional award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice.

Please note that placements are not guaranteed and the process is competitive through an application and interview process.

If you take the sandwich route, and start this course in September / October you will complete your placement following your taught modules and research project. If you start in January you will complete one term of taught modules and your project, then go on placement before returning to NTU for your final term of modules.

Our recent students have taken placements across a wide range of companies including the NHS, The Frozen Ark Project and Public Health England. They secured varied roles such as Biobank Intern, Lab Technician and Volunteer Mentor.

Re:search Re:imagined

To us, research is about more than writing papers and proposing new ideas. By daring to think differently, we’re disrupting the research landscape and finding the answers to the questions that really matter. From conservation management to sustainable farming, we’re inspiring the brightest minds to rise up and find solutions to some of the most significant global challenges facing society.

Find out more

NTU Enterprise

You'll also have the opportunity to turn your ideas into a viable business with help from NTU Enterprise, NTU's purpose-built Centre for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise, a support centre to help students create, develop and grow their own businesses.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

What are we looking for?

  • UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a biological subject, neuroscience, neuropsychology or pharmacology
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered
  • NTU may admit a student with advanced standing beyond the beginning of a course, through an assessment of that student's prior learning, whether it is certificated or uncertificated. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available to these prospective students, such as recognising experiential learning or transferring to a similar course at another institution, otherwise known as credit transfer.

    All prospective students who wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning should initially contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

You will need one of the following:

  • UK honours degree (minimum 2.2) or equivalent in a biological subject, neuroscience, neuropsychology or pharmacology
  • Applicants with relevant employment experience or other relevant qualifications will also be considered

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Postgraduate preparation courses (Pre-Masters)

If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Pre-Masters courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Fees and funding

Course fees for January 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £19,100
Full-time with placement year £9,300 + £1,850 £19,100 + £1,850
Part-time £4,650 £9,550*

Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,850
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,850 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,925*

*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Funding your studies

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and living costs page and our funding page will answer all your questions.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those students who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to be able to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service on: +44 (0)115 848 2494. For scholarship help please contact us on: +44 (0)115 848 4460.

Course fees for January 2024 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,300 £19,100
Full-time with placement year £9,300 + £1,850 £19,100 + £1,850
Part-time £4,650 £9,550*

Course fees for September 2024 and January 2025 are:

Study routeUK International / EU
Full-time £9,700 £19,850
Full-time with placement year £9,700 + £1,850 £19,850 + £1,850
Part-time £4,850 £9,925*

*For part-time study please check your student visa regulations.

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Scholarships

We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:

Paying fees

Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU in our postgraduates' guide. Here you'll find advice about how to write a good personal statement and much more.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up to date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please email our Admissions Team or call on +44 (0)115 848 4200.

Apply online through our NTU applicant portal.

If you are interested in joining us in September 2025, this course will be open for applications through the applicant portal from September 2024. Courses starting in January 2026 will be open for applications from July 2025.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised

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