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M.Sc. On Campus

Drug Discovery Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Highlights
Tuition fee
24970 EUR / year
2771 EUR / year
Unknown
Tuition fee
24970 EUR / year
2771 EUR / year
Unknown
Duration
24 months
Duration
24 months
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Apply date
Unknown
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Unknown
Start date
Unknown
Unknown
Campus location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Campus location
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Taught in
English
Taught in
English

About

Study how drugs act on molecular targets and how chemicals can cause cellular stress or damage. Gain hands-on experience with techniques such as cell culture, imaging and PCR to investigate drug action, safety and toxicity.

Overview

Unravelling the molecular mechanisms behind drug action and their harmful side effectsThe Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery (PTDD) specialisation within the Drug Discovery Sciences Master’s programme focuses on the beneficial and adverse effects of drugs on biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels.

This specialisation offers two complementary paths:

  • Molecular Pharmacology: this path focuses on the intricate mechanisms by which drugs interact with biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels. This track equips students with a profound understanding of receptor pharmacology, signal transduction pathways, and the molecular basis of drug efficacy. Emphasising both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, the programme prepares graduates to contribute to the development of novel therapeutics and the optimization of existing drug therapies.
  • Molecular Toxicology: this path focuses on the in-depth exploration of the cellular stress responses and the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of pharmaceuticals, as well as food additives, contaminants, environmental pollutants, and industrial chemicals. This track equips students with the knowledge and skills to assess and predict toxicological outcomes, contributing to the development of safer therapeutic agents and protection of public health. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical experience, the programme prepares graduates to address complex challenges in toxicology and health sciences.

Programme Structure

The study programme of this specialisation consists of compulsory courses (12 ECTS), constrained elective courses (at least 12 ECTS), additional elective modules, and a major research project (48 ECTS), conducted in an academic, company or institute setting.

In addition to the compulsory courses and constrained electives, students may choose from further electives, such as additional advanced or broadening courses, a course on didactics of science supervision, a literature thesis, or a minor research project, enabling them to broaden their profile and strengthen their interdisciplinary training.

The compulsory courses within the PTDD specialisation cover:

  • ADME: understanding how absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion influence drug efficacy and safety.
  • Advanced pharmacology: focusing on the molecular basis and quantification of drug-target interaction and modulation of cellular responses.

Key information

Duration

  • Full-time
    • 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

We did our best, but couldn't find the next application deadline and start date information online.

Language

English

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

  • Amsterdam, Netherlands

What students do after studying

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

All applicants must:

  • have completed a Bachelor’s programme that provides the required knowledge base (see admission matrix below for more information).
  • have practical laboratory experience relevant for your chosen specialisation.
  • have research experience relevant for your chosen specialisation.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
  • International

    Non-residents
    24970 EUR / year
    ≈ 24970 EUR / year
  • EU/EEA

    EU/EEA Nationals
    2771 EUR / year
    ≈ 2771 EUR / year

Living costs

Amsterdam

Netherlands
1000 - 1500 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Drug Discovery Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
30 Nov 2026
ServiceScape Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

ServiceScape
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
4000 USD
Deadline
20 Dec 2026
OAS ISS Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3500 USD
Deadline
15 Nov 2026
ACES Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACES Education Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus+ - Grants for study mobility
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

OeAD, Austria's Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1550 EUR
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
ELES-Scholarship (Ernst-Ludwig-Ehrlich-Studienwerk)

Read more about eligibility

Austria’s Agency for Education and Internationalisation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarships

Read more about eligibility

ACU (The Association of Commonweath Universities)
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
01 Mar 2027
Voice Talent Online Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Voice Talent Online
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
06 Jan 2027
Jewish Heritage Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Diamant Gerstein
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
$1,500 Annual Video Contest Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

IvyPanda
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
500 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
CryptoRunner Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

CryptoRunner
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
13 Jan 2027
Dream Chaser Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Salvado Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
5000 CAD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Pinsky Law New Venture Development Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Pinsky Law
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
3000 USD
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Scholarship for students with disabilities
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Anonymous Hope Fund
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1000 USD
Deadline
31 Oct 2026
BOC Sciences Chemistry Scholarship Program
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

BOCSCI Inc.
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
31 Dec 2026
Grants of the Leopold Figl Foundation for students with residence in Lower Austria
Need-based

Read more about eligibility

Leopold Figl Foundation
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
The Annual IELTS from 6 to 9 Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

IELTS from 6 to 9
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships

Read more about eligibility

European Commission
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
965 USD
Deadline
Anytime
Dr. Martin Blank – SYB Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Shield Your Body
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
12000 USD
Deadline
11 Jan 2027
Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme

Read more about eligibility

The Tobacco Harm Reduction Scholarship Programme
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
1500 USD
Deadline
Not specified
Novus Biologicals Scholarship

Read more about eligibility

Bio-Techne
Location not available
Independent provider
Grant
Various benefits
Deadline
Not specified
R&D Systems Scholarship
Merit-based

Read more about eligibility

Bio-Techne
Location not available

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Drug Discovery Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Drug Discovery Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology in Drug Discovery
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Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

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