Advanced Therapeutics and Public Health MSc

Why choose this course?

This course offers you an exceptional opportunity to gain cutting-edge knowledge in advanced therapeutics, personalised medicine and public health.

The course is designed to address global health challenges, equipping students with strategic skills to design innovative health policies and solutions, while promoting health equity and advancing eHealth initiatives. With a focus on both the physiological and policy aspects of healthcare, the programme prepares you for versatile careers across public health, healthcare consultancy, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and research institutions.

You will benefit from a research-driven curriculum, culminating in a 60-credit research project where you will conduct an independent study with the potential to apply findings to real-world healthcare settings.

Mode Duration Start date
Full time 1 year September 2025
Part time 2 years September 2025
Main Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is perfect for healthcare professionals and graduates, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, pharmacology, biology, biomedical science, biosciences, chemical engineering, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or other related specialisations to expand their knowledge of developments in the field.
  • This programme has a flexible blended learning delivery, available with both full-time and part-time options to fit around your careers.
  • Graduates will emerge well-prepared for various roles in public health and advanced therapeutics.

What you will study

You will be introduced to key theories of advanced therapeutic and public health, and learn about emerging technology and policy development.

You will study disease management and prevention in the context of global health challenges and inequality, and how to use technology and other innovative approaches to tackle these issues.

Modules

Modules

Clinical pharmacology and advanced therapeutics

30 credits

This module introduces the principles and skills required to practise evidence-based medicine and problem solving in healthcare provision. It covers the presentation, clinical features, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of cardiovascular, endocrine, gastrointestinal, reproduction, dermal, respiratory, neurological, inflammatory, mental health, infective disease, and cancer in patients within different settings.

The module will deal with the physiology and pathology of common diseases within these body systems and will consider the use of various dosage forms. The module is designed to integrate clinical and scientific knowledge as they relate to patient care, using case studies to explore real clinical situations.

Immunomodulation and innovative targeted therapy

30 credits

This module on immunomodulation and innovative targeted therapies is designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and graduates who seek expertise in the intersection of immunology, inflammation, pharmacology and drug design and targeted delivery.

This multidisciplinary module explores novel therapeutic approaches that harness the immune system and leverage targeted interventions to combat diseases.

You will explore the advanced science involved in the production of biological medicines, Advanced Therapeutic Medicine Products (ATMP), immunomodulators, and DNA repair targeted therapeutic strategies.

You will be introduced to novel and personalised drug delivery systems and vaccine technologies (e.g. mRNA vaccines) and the regulatory frameworks governing their approval, quality, safety, and efficacy.

Pharmacogenomics and precision medicine

30 credits

This module will provide you with the knowledge on genomics and the application of pharmacogenomics in clinical practice.

You will cover topics such as genetic variation, genetic biomarkers, drug response and interactions, adverse drug reactions, and precision medicine. You will also explore the ethical, legal, and social implications of the use of pharmacogenomics in patient care.

Technology enabled care, public health and policy

30 credits

This module is designed to integrate advanced concepts of technology-enabled care and public health with an emphasis on influencing health policy. You will cover the fundamentals of eHealth, user-centred design, evaluation and implementation with a focus on recent advances. You will also learn about public health core concepts with a focus on health inequalities, behavioural models, global health and social justice.

You will develop the skills required to plan and design a service, innovative intervention or policy proposal that addresses a public health-related problem.

Research Project

60 credits

The Research Project module equips you to undertake substantial original research, clinical audits, or service evaluations, involving data collection and analysis. It will foster your skills in research design, data gathering, and analysis – crucial for contributing to public health and therapeutic advancements.

You will engage in the entire research process, from formulating questions to disseminating findings, ethical conduct, safety awareness, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

You will be able to explore diverse research topics relevant to public health and therapeutics, preparing for roles in research, healthcare, and policy making.

You will acquire and refine essential skills and methodologies required for conducting lab research, audits, and service evaluations in healthcare settings, including literature review, data generation, and utilisation of statistical techniques for data analysis and interpretation.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, biological science or biomedical science. Other chemistry or medical science degrees will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants will be expected to pass all mathematics modules within their first degree and should demonstrate sufficient competency in biology and chemistry.
  • Applicants with alternative qualifications will also need appropriate experience (in healthcare, the pharmaceutical industry or a regulatory body, for example).

International

A minimum Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall with no element below 6.0 is required for non-native speakers who have not completed a UK degree/DipHE or who do not have the equivalent of GCSE English at grade 4 (formerly grade C).

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from a recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

You will learn through a variety of learning, teaching and assessment strategies which require students to critically analyse, evaluate and reflect on their practice experiences in the workplace. You will have opportunities to discuss the wide range of challenges within healthcare. You will gain practical skills, such as advanced decision making, creative problem solving and critical thinking.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking and preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS – the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

  • 16% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (eg test or exam), practical (eg presentations, performance) and coursework (eg essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.

  • 90% coursework
  • 10% exams

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

The structure of the course allows you to continue working while studying. The programme is offered through part-time day release. For the majority of modules, course participation is normally one day per week, using a blended learning approach which combines on-campus teaching days with days of directed learning.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Fees for this course

2025/26 fees for this course

Home 2025/26

  • MSc full time £11,400
  • MSc part time £6,270

International 2025/26

  • MSc full time £18,200

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Facilities

Pharmacy simulation suites

In 2022, our two hi-tech pharmacy simulation suites were opened at Kingston University by healthcare pioneer Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu. The simulation suites consist of a mock hospital ward, pharmacy dispensing suite and GP surgery, and are equipped with the latest technology including patient simulator manikins that students can administer drugs to and monitor their pulse and breathing. These suites enable students to learn in a safe environment that simulates real-life healthcare settings.

The hospital ward features six beds with drug cabinets and curtains, a nurse's station and equipment that can be used to assess students' bedside manner and debrief them on best practice. The ward also leads into a pharmacy dispensing suite where students can practise prescribing the correct medication, and the right quantity, for certain illnesses. The GP suite has six cubicles for students to simulate seeing patients within a surgery environment, with desks and pedestals. Three of the bays have couches and the other three have chairs for patients to be examined.

Other facilities

There is a wide range of facilities at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. Facilities include:

  • the Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories
  • specialist equipment, such as: gas and liquid chromatography, and electron microscopy
  • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
  • nuclear science equipment
  • thermal analysis
  • x-ray diffractometers
  • electrochemical analysis
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

The Library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
  • online database subscriptions
  • a growing selection of resource materials.
Facilities

After you graduate

The MSc in Advanced Therapeutics and Public Health will provide graduates with a diverse range of employment opportunities across various sectors and organisations.

These include the public health sector, such as the NHS (or its equivalent in other countries), government health departments, local authorities, healthcare organisations such as hospitals, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, regulatory affairs departments, drug registration bodies, and academic and research institutions.

Graduates can also explore opportunities in health policy, education and training initiatives, influencing public health, promoting global health agendas, and educating future healthcare professionals and communities. They can also work in roles in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international agencies, health and advocacy organisations.

You may also pursue further study or research at PhD level.

Research areas

Many of our staff are research-active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking, and bring best practice to your studies.

Our research at Kingston University includes work on:

  • Drug delivery systems
  • Medication adherence and optimisation
  • Pharmaceutical formulation 
  • Patient-centred care and e-Health solutions
  • Ocular drug delivery
  • Oncology and cancer therapeutics 
  • Public health and digital pharmacy 
  • Clinical pharmaceutics 
  • Epidemiology 
  • Pharmacology and physiology 
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.