Drug Innovation – (M.Sc.)

The Master's in Drug Innovation focuses on interdisciplinary research in the field of innovation and usage of drugs, biologicals (such as vaccines and gene therapeutics)and diagnostics.

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. In this programme you will start with the 'Introduction to Drug Innovation', after which you select at least three courses from the introductory theoretical courses. Upon that you will choose elective courses, attend seminars and do a major and minor research project. The major project is carried out within Utrecht University. The minor project may be carried out in another organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. Your final thesis is based on a literature review of a relevant subject. As a graduate you will be eligible for many PhD programmes and be able to contribute to drug innovation within research institutes, any of the growing number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies or health care organisations. The programme is also offered as a part-time course.