Drug Innovation

The Drug Innovation Master’s programme focuses on interdisciplinary research in the field of the innovation and usage of drugs, biologicals (vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapeutics) and diagnostics. Research teams of several institutes participate in the Drug Innovation Master’s programme.
More information on participating organisations.

This international Master's programme offers a challenging study programme introducing you to and training you in the fascinating world of drug research.

Typical research questions addressed in the field of Drug Innovation include:

• How do we discover new drugs to combat malaria? 
• Can we measure specific molecules and interactions within a cell and explain the complex system of our bodies? 
• Which genes are linked to depression?
• Can we deliver anti-cancer drugs to tumour cells only? 
• Does lowering blood cholesterol make us live longer or healthier? 
• Can we meet the medical needs of our society?

Despite  a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of disease, the number of newly introduced innovative drugs is steadily decreasing. As drugs have proven to be effective and inexpensive weapons against disease in the 20th century (e.g. antibiotics and psychopharmaceuticals), it is important to reverse this worrying trend using innovative techniques.

Graduates with an MSc in Drug Innovation will be eligible for many PhD programmes. They will subsequently be able to contribute to drug innovation within research institutes, any of the growing number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies or health care organisations. Drug Innovation Master’s students can opt to facilitate drug research in another way by choosing a Management, Communication & Education or Drug Regulatory Sciences profile.

We also offer this degree programme as a part-time course. This, however, does not involve evening or weekend courses.