Develop the medicines of the future and fast-track your career into the scientific industry.
Biopharmaceutical drugs are transforming the way we treat patients and fight global disease. The future of drug treatment includes biologically manufactured drugs, namely hormones, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies and cell therapies.
Designed, developed and delivered in partnership with Labcorp Drug Development (formerly known as Covance), this course will provide you with a springboard into a career in the biopharmaceutical industry or further research in an academic environment. On this programme, you’ll be immersed in hands-on training and gain specialised, industry-relevant experience, ready to fast-track talented scientists into the industry. Underpin all your learning with theoretical knowledge as you develop a detailed understanding of the full biological drug development pathway.
Many pharmaceutical companies are expanding their biopharmaceutical capability, creating a demand for talented, well-trained professionals with the right skill set. Graduates have gone on to secure roles as an analytical scientist, project manager, or coordinator, in areas such as research, quality control, manufacturing, non-clinical, clinical, and market access. You’ll also be in a strong position to undertake further research at Leeds or elsewhere.
This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake a paid industrial placement year as part of the course. Our close industry links give you the platform to apply to a number of major organisations such as Procter and Gamble, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson.
‘Any student passionate about pharmaceuticals and who aspires to work within the industry should definitely consider this course.’
Robyn Hoare, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement)
Why study at Leeds? Accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences: The programme has earned national recognition, receiving the Princess Royal Training Award in 2020, 2023 and 2026, as well as the Advance HE Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) in 2025. Accelerate your career : Designed to fast-track talented scientists into industry. Gain real-world experience : Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate by applying for a paid industrial work placement year. Develop specialised knowledge : An integrated understanding of the full biological drug development pathway. Focus on drug discovery and development : Learn about large molecule drugs such as monoclonal antibodies, bio-similars, antibody-drug conjugates and gene therapies. Strengthen your teamworking skills : Gain extensive experience of team-based project planning. Real-world industry experience: Network with clients and gain consultancy experience as part of our 2-week online Global Industry Programme . This 2-week optional internship is in addition to the paid 12-month placement. For more information on the ever-increasing demand in the sector, please read this news article.
The opportunity to undertake a placement as part of the course and the fact that the course was taught by industry experts were key factors that made me decide to choose Leeds University.
Ashly Shagee, MSc Biopharmaceutical Development (Industrial Placement)
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