
Overview
Drug Innovation : A Unique Programme
The Drug Innovation programme at Utrecht University is about:
- developing new drugs to combat drug-resistant microorganisms
- using gene or protein technologies to create therapies targeted at individual patients
- finding a way to imprint the immune system to increase tolerance
- exploring the relationship between gut microbes and brain disease
- learning how to use proteomics to study stem cell development
- reducing the side effects of treatment by finding new ways to deliver drugs directly onto the tumor
- updating and speeding up the drug regulatory process
The Master’s in Drug Innovation programme focuses on diagnostics and the improvement and management of small molecule and biomolecular drugs. Drug innovation covers many topics such as the development of new vaccines and the study of antibodies, gene therapeutics, and medical nutrition.
Once developed, a new drug then needs to go through approval, which raises a whole new set of challenges, for example the establishment of new methods and criteria for evaluating the quality, efficacy, safety, and performance of the drug.
Interdisciplinary programme
This broad, interdisciplinary programme is open to graduates from a wide range of disciplines such as chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, or medicine.
Many elective courses
Our programme offers a diverse suite of elective courses. This means you can concentrate on the topics of most interest to you. You will also take an internship with one of the research teams working on drug innovation at Utrecht University. This work may lead to publication in scientific journals within the field or new drug patents or protocols.
Graduates of this programme may go on to undertake research in drug innovation at universities, in the pharmaceutical or and biotechnology industry or to work in science or healthcare.
Career Prospects
Graduates with an MSc in Drug Innovation will be eligible for many PhD programmes. As soon as you graduate with a PhD, and if you want to pursue for a career in academia, you can aim for a post-doctoral fellowship.
After that, you can then opt for either an assistant, associate, or full professorship role, which occurs mostly through tenure tracks. You can also choose to contribute to drug innovation within research institutes, any of the growing number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies (ranging from small start-up to ‘big pharma’), or health care organisations.
After completing the Drug Regulatory Sciences profile, you can find jobs in regulatory affairs, often even without a PhD programme. Other opportunities in the same institutes or companies include careers in business, administration and education.
Accreditation
Accredited by the NVAO - Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Drug Discovery
- Drug Development and Regulation
- Understanding Drugs
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Design of Anti-infective Drugs
- Chemical Biology
Check out the full curriculum
Visit official programme websiteKey information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Chemistry Microbiology Molecular Sciences View 14 other Masters in Microbiology in NetherlandsExplore more key information
Visit official programme websiteAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A relevant bachelor degree. Bachelor programmes that most likely meet the requirements are: Biology, Chemistry, Biomedical sciences, Molecular life sciences, Biotechnology, Pharmacy/College of Pharmaceutical sciences, other relevant Life Sciences programmes.
- Relevant knowledge, insight and skills. In depth (level Bachelor year 3) knowledge, insight and mastery of methods and techniques in: biochemistry, biotechnology and cell biology, pharmacology (including pharmacokinetics), organic chemistry and analytical techniques; and anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
- High overall score (GPA, average grade, grading tables) and high grades for relevant courses.
- High level of academic competences.
- Personal competences.
Make sure you meet all requirements
Visit official programme websiteTuition Fee
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International
21736 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 21736 EUR per year during 24 months. -
EU/EEA
2314 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 2314 EUR per year during 24 months.
Living costs for Utrecht
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.