Online, part-time
Global Medicines Development MScBuild leadership skills to address complex challenges in global medicine development.
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Jan '27 |
Online | 2 years |
Overview
Transform your career with our online master's, designed to provide advanced training in the entire drug development process. This programme is ideal for professionals in the pharmaceutical or health sectors looking to enhance their skills and expertise. Learn about regulatory compliance, clinical trials, safety, and commercialisation, with global insights from leaders in pharmaceutical medicine education.
This master's degree empowers you to influence critical decisions and drive medical innovation. Meet growing demands for expertise in medicine development and become equipped to tackle future challenges in healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
New Cartographies in Drug R&D
In this mini masterclass, Programme Director Jeremy Whitty explores how new scientific tools and smarter maps are transforming drug development from an expensive gamble into purposeful design.
Did you know that from 1950 to 2010 the number of drugs approved per billion dollars of investment halved every nine years? We've seen an eighty fold decline in productivity. This is called Eroom's Law, a law observed by Jack Scannell in twenty twelve to describe the poor productivity to investment ratio in medicines development.
So why did this happen? One could say we have been navigating biology with exquisitely detailed but fundamentally flawed maps, designing perfect keys for the wrong locks, generating mountains of data that struggle to convince regulators, payers and patients of a new therapy's safety, value or benefit.
However bad maps can be redrawn and whilst Eroom's Law has weakened and R and D productivity is improving, the cost of developing new drugs is still prohibitively expensive and the law must be reversed. To help achieve this scientists are creating a new cartography pointing us in the right direction.
Systems biology replacing single targets, the use of platform trials alongside traditional protocols and regulatory innovations that facilitate earlier coordinated input on the evidence regulators require to approve a drug.
New maps by themselves are nice but they are particularly useful if we have the means or engines to follow them to our desired destination. Three such engines spring to mind: the increasing use of real world evidence that grounds research in patient reality, AI that explores billions of compounds in silico, and genomics creating transformative therapies that cure not just treat diseases.
Together they are changing global medicines development from an expensive game of chance into purposeful targeted design. I am Jeremy Whitty, and if you found this interesting you can find out more about our Global Medicines Development programme where we cover topics like this and much more.
Why choose this online MSc?
Connect with industry experts
Learn from leading experts who are actively involved in pharmaceutical development. Enhance your learning with key insights into current industry challenges.
Theory grounded in practice
Our programme bridges theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Get prepared to tackle real-world challenges in the pharmaceutical sector.
Industry prestige
King’s College London is recognised as a Centre of Excellence by PharmaTrain, which enhances your credentials in the medical development field.
Get your brochure now
Complete the form below to receive a copy of our course brochure. Our adviser team will also be in touch to find out more about your qualifications and funding plans.
Fields with a '*' are mandatory.Module overview
You’re required to take modules totalling 180 credits. They are designed to be standalone whilst building a detailed exploration of medicines development as you proceed through the programme. This allows you to learn in line with your own professional priorities and goals.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules on offer may change from year to year.
For full details on modules, download a brochure.
Required modules
You're required to take:
- Advanced Therapies (15 credits)
- Clinical Trial Management (15 credits)
- Strategic Medicine Development (15 credits)
- Commercialisation of Medicines (15 credits)
- Global Health (15 credits)
- Global Medicines Development Mini Project (30 credits)
What you'll study
You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process, from discovery to commercialisation, while mastering the skills needed to navigate complex regulatory environments. Throughout your studies, you'll:
- Apply clinical research strategically within global regulatory frameworks, addressing key ethical and legal considerations.
- Develop essential managerial skills to oversee drug development projects and lead cross-functional teams. Tackle real-world challenges in medicine development using advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Enhance leadership and analytical abilities to prepare for high-level roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Explore public health dimensions, including political, ethical, and legal factors, as well as the impact of emerging technologies on policies and practices.
Frequently asked questions
We’ve outlined answers to some frequently asked questions below. If you have any further queries, our expert advisors are available to support you - don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form on this page.
As an online student, your week will include watching video content, participating in module activities, and collaborating with your peers. You’ll engage with your Tutor during dedicated sessions and easily track your progress online.
King's online courses use the King’s E-Learning and Teaching Service (KEATS), incorporating multimedia tools such as web content, pre-recorded lectures and readings.
The virtual learning environment includes a forum for you to interact with other students, providing valuable support and learning opportunities. Active participation in discussions is encouraged.
As an online student at King’s College London, we’re by your side every step of the way. Our Enrolment Advisors are on-hand to support you through the application process.
Once you start studying, the Student Support Team are available to answer student support questions and can connect you to services such as our Disability Support Team.
As an online student, you will also have access to The Essential Digital Skills Programme. This can help you enhance the digital skills necessary for academic, professional, and personal development.
Yes, a degree certificate from King's College London is widely recognised and respected internationally. King's College London has a strong global reputation for academic excellence. However, specific recognition may vary depending on the field of study and the policies of employers or institutions in different regions. Always check with relevant authorities to ensure your degree meets any specific criteria.
No, it won’t. A degree certificate from King's College London will look identical, whether you study online or on campus. We acknowledge the significance of recognising your equal commitment to academic achievement. That's why we do not specify the mode of study. Our prestigious qualifications always carry equal weight and reflect your commitment to excellence.
Entry requirements
- A medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) or a 2:1 undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area (pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related), or overseas equivalent.
- If you’ve completed the Medical Affairs in Medicines Development CPD programme, you’ll need to state this in your application to receive accreditation of prior learning (APL).
Your application will also be considered if you meet the following requirements:
- A 2:2 honours degree in a relevant subject area (medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or related), or overseas equivalent and professional experience in the pharmaceutical or other related industries.
- A 2:2 honours degree or above in a non-relevant subject area, or overseas equivalent and professional experience in the pharmaceutical or other related industries.
- If you’ve completed the Medical Affairs in Medicines Development CPD programme, you’ll need to state this in your application to receive accreditation of prior learning (APL).
English language band: D
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You’re usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed:
- An undergraduate degree (at least three years duration) within five years of the course start date.
- A postgraduate taught degree (at least one year) within five years of the course start date.
- A PhD in a majority English-speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
You'll need to submit a personal statement and a reference letter as part of your application.
Your personal statement should address the following questions:
- Why are you applying for this specific programme, and how does it fit in with your future plans?
- How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme?
- What do you see as the most significant challenge in global medicines development today, and how do you hope to address this challenge through your studies?
You’ll need to submit a copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you’ve already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required.
Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. You’ll need to submit your CV as part of your application to highlight your experience.