Drug Innovation

Within the Drug Innovation programme you will learn about the improvement and management of either small molecule drugs, biomolecular drugs or other innovative approaches aiming to treat still incurable diseases. You will study these topics during the first two obligatory courses, drug discovery and drug development and regulation. 

Year 1

The first year focuses on establishing a comprehensive understanding of drug innovation. You will begin your journey in the GSLS by participating in the Life Sciences Academy (1.5 EC). Early on, you will choose one of the programme’s dedicated tracks, which will shape your academic path and research direction throughout the degree:

Additionally, you will take compulsory courses (15 EC), elective courses (12 EC), and begin your Major Research Project (51EC). The compulsory courses cover essential topics in drug innovation.

Compulsory components

Year 2

The second year emphasises specialisation and the practical application of your knowledge. You will complete your Major Research Project (51EC), follow a chosen Profile (33 EC), and choose a topic for the Writing Assignment (7.5 EC). Futhermore, there is room to finish your Elective Component.

Compulsory components 

Connection to research

When finding a spot to perform your Major Research Project, you can choose from all departments and institutes affiliated with the GSLS. The research on innovative new drugs is performed by our research institute the Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. The research groups of UIPS are: