Neuroscience for Drug Discovery MSc

What is Neuroscience for Drug Discovery?

Neuroscience for Drug Discovery is a specialised field within the field of neuroscience and pharmacology that focuses on using insights from neuroscience research to discover and develop novel pharmaceutical interventions for the treatment of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and auto-immune diseases.

It represents an interdisciplinary approach that combines the knowledge of how the nervous system functions with treatment targets and drug development strategies. Once potential drug targets are identified, researchers work on identifying compounds or drugs that can modulate these key elements and restore normal function or alleviate symptoms. This includes repurposing of existing approved drugs for use in new disease areas or new patient populations.

As a postgraduate student and active researcher in this field, you will join an exciting body of scientists aiming to enhance our understanding of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.

Course outline

During your year at Aston, you will study specialist modules that combine theory and practice through small group tutorials, lectures, and hands-on laboratory sessions in bespoke, highly-equipped teaching and research laboratories. You’ll complete a core curriculum of four taught modules which will provide you with a detailed understanding and critical analysis of the contemporary research and analysis methods used in neuroscience and drug discovery:

Core modules

• Advanced Neuroscience
• Essential Laboratory Skills
• Neuroscience Research Laboratory Competencies
• Professional Development for Neuroscience
   

Optional modules

In additon, you will also choose three optional modules from the suite of modules below, which will provide an in-depth insight into areas of research that are specialisms of the Neuroscience team at Aston:

• Advanced and Applied Synaptic Plasticity
• Advanced Molecular Pharmacology
• Abnormal Neuronal Networks
• Hacking the Brain
• Physiology and Pathophysiology of Movements
• Computational Neuroscience
• Feeding the Brain
• Modelling Repair and Regeneration in the Injured Central Nervous System (CNS)
   

In addition, you will have the opportunity to complete research practicals using some of the advanced technologies of Neuroscience, including real-time recording of brain cells using research-grade in vitro setups, receptor pharmacology experiments, molecular neuroscience techniques and EEG and EMG. These sessions are supported by training in core research skills such as formulating a scientific research question, scoping and implementing research designs, and advanced programming and data analysis.

There is also an emphasis on generic professional development and research-related communication skills in our Professional Development for Neuroscientists module. Here you will develop your abilities in areas such as oral and written presentation, personal promotion and employability, intellectual property, scientific writing, systematic review and meta-analysis, and research ethics.

Research project

The major practical component of the course is the research dissertation project, which will provide you with the opportunity to develop, implement and communicate an original piece of research. This project is completed with the support of a research mentor in neuroscience, pharmacology and related fields. 

International students and post-study work visa

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

As a university, we welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020. More information on post-work visas.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in this course who have the skills and desire to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

All applicants require:

• Lower Second-class Honours degree (2:2 or equivalent) from a recognised university in a suitable science or medical science subject (e.g. Neuroscience, Pharmacology, Physiology, Biochemistry, Medicine)
• IELTS 6.0 minimum across all sub-bands with a 6.5 minimum overall

International students and post-study work visa

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students. Students from over 120 different countries choose to study with us every year. Aston is not only a great place to study, based in the centre of Birmingham it’s also a great place to live.

As a university, we welcomed the creation of a new immigration route which will enable international students to remain in the UK for two years after they have completed their studies to find work. The new post-study work visa will apply to international students starting undergraduate and postgraduate courses from 2020. More information on post-work visas.
 

International Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

More advice on applying to Aston.

Learning

Your learning experiece will be through small-group lectures, hands-on practical sessions, and immersive workshops. Lecture material is recorded and made available on-line through our virtual learning environment (VLE).

Assessment

This course utilises a range of assessment methods as appropriate to the topic, including:

• Coursework (such as essays)
• Examinations
• Practical work
• Oral and written presentations
• Dissertation research project.

Key staff

This course utilises a range of assessment methods as appropriate to the topic, including:

• Dr John Butcher - Programme Director
• Professor Gavin Woodhall - Head of Neuroscience, and Professor of Neuropharmacology and Co-Director of Aston Institute for Health and Neurodevelopment

You will have access to state-of-the-art research laboratories which are equipped with multiple neuroscience recording set ups to allow real-time recording of brain cells in vitro, EEG and EMG, as well as advanced instrumentation for molecular biology, cell culture, neuroimaging, and drug screening.

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as Home students.
 

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. Find out more about our scholarships here.

Ferguson Scholarship

Take advantage of the Ferguson Scholarship supported by the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust dedicated to improving educational opportunities for students who would not otherwise be able to consider studying in the UK. Seven £10,500 scholarships are available to students from Africa and South America. For more information, click here.

Our teaching is research-led and prepares graduates for careers across a variety of sectors including academic research, pharmaceutical, medical, and clinical roles, and wider scientific professions.

Graduates of our Neuroscience programmes develop key specialised skills sought out by employers within the fields of drug development, clinical trials, biopharmaceuticals, and clinical research, and past students have pursued careers as drug discovery scientists, neuropharmacologists, clinical researchers, academic researchers, research and development managers, consultants, pharmaceutical scientists, clinical project managers, and medical writers/science communicators.

Employers in the United Kingdom include AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson, Capgemini, Novartis, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Labcorp Drug Development, Charles River Laboratories, and many more.

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 10am-4pm)

Please click here for guidance on completing the postgraduate application. 

Why study the Neuroscience for Drug Discovery MSc

At Aston University, we are committed to driving meaningful and high-impact discoveries in science, and our researchers and teaching staff are passionate about technological and scientific innovation delivering breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain and a range of neurological conditions suffered.

Our programme offers you the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with passionate, research-active faculty members in the fields of Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Drug Discovery. We have strong connections with local, national and international industry and academia, invaluable for students aiming to enter research or clinical settings after graduating, amongst a wide range of possibilities of career advancement offered by this degree.

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

Aston University may provide various resources and support services to help with your transition and integration into the UK educational system.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government have created a new post-study work visa. See here for more information.