Course details
Core topics
This innovative and highly multi-disciplinary course is co-developed and co-delivered by Cambridge academics and leading industry experts and provides comprehensive training in therapeutic sciences across academic, clinical, and industrial contexts.
The taught elements of the course consist of extensive teaching in the following areas:
- Healthcare Challenges in the 21st Century and Future Shaping Factors
- Drug Discovery, Design, Production, Characterisation and Safety
- New Modalities and Advanced Therapeutics
- Clinical Studies in Therapeutics Development
- Devices, Diagnostics and Convergence Technologies
- Regulatory, Legal, Communication and Policy Considerations in Therapeutics Development
- Business, Entrepreneurial and Leadership Training
As well as the taught modules, a project placement will take place during Lent and Summer terms, in academic departments, institutes or industry.
Goals
The main goals of the course are to:
- Provide a strong foundation in Therapeutic Sciences with insight in both academic and industrial contexts
- Gain in-depth knowledge and expertise within a chosen specialisation area through supervised (practical) research
- Develop core research skills, including critical evaluation of scientific literature, experimental design, project and time management and data analysis to interpret and contextualise research findings
- Introduce and familiarise students with professional laboratory practices, including record keeping, data handling, and standard operating procedures.
- Expose students to diverse research environments and developmental stages, providing insight into the key-drivers and decision-making process
- Build the ability to apply knowledge and practical research, creatively and critically to understand, develop, and implement cutting-edge techniques in therapeutic science.
- Strengthen communication competencies through training in scientific writing, presentation, and effective teamwork
- Develop critical thinking, adaptability, decisiveness and a highly ethical patient-focussed vision in complex and evolving research environments
- Promote a balanced mindset that is change-driven, strongly principled, flexible and is focussed on innovation and collaboration
- Create a broad understanding of developments in the field and provide adequate experience to enable students to make an informed choice about future employment within academic or industrial sectors
Careers
Graduates of the course gain the knowledge, technical expertise, and professional skills to open doors to a diverse and exciting range of career prospects across academia, life sciences industries, and healthcare.
Our students are well-prepared for competitive roles in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, or for careers in areas such as clinical research, regulatory affairs, consulting, and science communication. Another possibility is to pursue a PhD- study at Cambridge or with other leading institutions.
As a University of Cambridge student, you will have access to the resources and support offered by the University's Careers Service, including 1:1 guidance, workshops and briefings, careers fairs and employers presentations.
Cambridge is also a global hub of innovation, offering students a unique advantage with its rich ecosystem of science and technology companies in the life sciences. This environment provides students with exceptional opportunities for collaboration, networking, and career development.
