What is the duration of the MSc programmes?
All programmes are full time and 12 months in length and run from late September each year.
What are the entry requirements for your MSc programmes?
Digital Chemistry - We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a Chemistry-related degree.
Drug Discovery with AI - We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant Biology or Chemistry related subject. This includes (but is not restricted to) Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Material Sciences, Biochemistry, Genetics, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or Biomedical Sciences.
In addition, for both programmes international candidates are required to have a level of English equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or reach this standard by satisfactorily completing equivalent pre-sessional English language classes at the University of Liverpool.
What modules will I study?
Digital Chemistry - The programme will enable students to relate the concepts and techniques of AI, automation, robotics and machine learning to their applications in chemistry research. Students will critically apply selected digital methodologies in a variety of chemical contexts, such as pure materials, pharmaceuticals and formulated materials. Students will extend specific skills and knowledge, for example, in collaboration, digital literacy and working in interdisciplinary teams. For a full list of modules please please visit the website.
Drug Discovery with AI – This programme offers a combination of specialized skills highly sought after in both the pharma and tech industries. It provides opportunities to be part of the future of medicine, driving innovation in how we develop and bring new therapies to patients. As such, it offers translational modules in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, bioinformatics and the utility of artificial intelligence, and drug development. The programme culminates in a collaborative research project giving students a real taste of the multidisciplinary drug discovery process enabled by significant input from our industrial partners. For a full list of modules please visit the website.
Is research part of the MSc programmes?
Yes, in multiple ways. Your taught modules will be delivered by staff who are research active in that specific area. You will also have industrial speakers who will deliver lectures on Industrial Research. Both programmes involve a research based project which you will prepare for during Semester 2 and carry out during the summer.
What are my career options after the MSc?
Digital Chemistry - The pharmaceutical, data science, analytics & informatics and chemical research industries are possible employers of graduates, especially given the anticipated increases in the use of next-generation sequencing and the corresponding data analysis that will be required.
Upon completion of the MSc in Digital Chemistry, graduates will also be qualified to enter careers such as finance & banking, software development, teaching and consultancy, where the skills obtained in the degree programme are highly valued.
Occupations linked to students who have studied chemistry in a higher education setting are set to grow across the UK. There is an anticipated growing demand for adaptable scientists who can harness the knowledge and skillsets of digital chemists.
Drug Discovery with AI - The demand for professionals skilled in AI and drug discovery is rapidly increasing, driven by the need for more efficient drug development processes. Possible onward careers include:
- Pharmaceutical/Biotechnology Industry Roles
- Research and Development (R&D) Roles
- Regulatory and Consulting Roles
- Healthcare Technology Roles
- AI and Drug Discovery Startups
- Clinical and Translational Medicine
- Cross-disciplinary Roles such as AI Ethics Specialist in Pharma and patent specialists
- Government and Policy Roles.
Why choose Liverpool to study Digital Chemistry?
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Gain exclusive access to the £81M Materials Innovation Factory, a cutting-edge hub for AI-driven chemistry, automation, and robotics.
- World-Class Expertise: Learn from leading researchers who have helped pioneer some of the world’s first fully autonomous laboratories, where AI and robotics collaborate to innovate new molecules.
- Industry Connections: Build your professional network through partnerships with industry.
- World Leading Teaching Centres: Study in our Central Teaching Laboratory, where outstanding teaching facilities bring hands-on learning to life.
- Authentic Assessment: Demonstrate that you have met learning outcomes by completing tasks that simulate real-world scenarios.
Why choose Liverpool to study Drug Discovery with AI?
A Master’s in Drug Discovery and AI at the University of Liverpool is underpinned by the research and teaching excellence of the two key departments involved in its delivery.
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Queen’s Anniversary award-winning department internationally recognised for excellence in innovative research. Their research spans life, physical and clinical sciences focusing on investigating mechanisms of drug efficacy and toxicity. Their aim is to develop new, and improve existing, therapies for the benefit of patients and is home to the Centre of Excellence for Long Acting Therapeutics (CELT), Centre for Drug Safety Science (CDSS) and the XJTLU – UoL Joint Centre for Pharmacology and Therapeutics (JCPT).
- The Department of Chemistry
Top 10 in the UK for world leading (4*) research and environment, and 3rd in the UK for world leading (4*) impact, as the results of REF2021 show, as such we are one of the top places in the UK for chemistry research. Chemistry was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2023 for its pioneering research and innovation work to address global challenges and benefit society and has recently secured £12M to lead the Uk’s flagship AI for Chemistry Hub in collaboration with Imperial College London.
Day to day students will undertake interactive lectures, practicals, coursework, workshops, teamwork, problem-solving exercises and a research project. Research connected teaching will be a key component to all the modules delivered. The student learning journey throughout their studies is progressive and coherent giving them a fascinating insight into the drug discovery process and AI.
Back to: Department of Chemistry