About this course
This new MSc is designed to train graduates to fulfil the increased worldwide demand for experts in the development of natural medicine.
- Enrol on this research-led course specialising in the discovery, formulation and analysis of natural medicines
- Gain an in-depth understanding of the stepwise approach for the discovery of drugs from natural sources, semi-synthesis and/or total synthesis of their analogues and the formulation and quality control of natural medicines used for the treatment and management of diseases
- Use state-of-the-art equipment
- Explore the latest developments in the field with student-led sessions, seminars and workshops
- Prepare for competitive jobs in pharmaceutical, chemical, food and cosmetic companies
- Provides hands-on experience in the effects and formulation of natural ingredients for the wellness industry (supplements and cosmetics)
The Natural Products Discovery MSc focuses on the extraction, isolation and identification of natural products for use in modern medicines, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. One of just a handful of courses of this type in the world, this masters is taught by leading experts in the field.
This is a very practical based programme and you will have access to state-of-the-art instruments including: 300 and 600 MHz NMR, UV, IR, HPLC, UPLC, GC-MS and LC-MS, X-Ray crystallography, analytical and preparative HPLCs with various detectors, microscopy suits and several in vitro and ex vivo bioassay facilities.
As a student on the programme you will have access to the Research Centre for Natural Products Discovery which was founded at LJMU in 2019. The Centre is a unique platform for multidisciplinary and collaborative research, incorporating various aspects of synthetic organic medicinal chemistry, natural products drug discovery, photochemistry, nutraceuticals and food supplements, pharmacology and toxicology.
Go on a tour of the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Your programme is made up of a number of core modules and a Research Project.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods
20 credits
20 credits
Gain the necessary core skills to effectively design, plan, perform and report scientific research.
Analytical Techniques in Natural Products
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers: techniques used for the extraction (cold extraction, Soxhlet extraction and fractional distillation) of natural products, chromatographic techniques (Flash Chromatography, Column Chromatography, TLC, Analytical and preparative HPLC, GC, GC-MS, LC-MS) for the isolation and purification of compounds and spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, 1D & 2D NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography) for the identification of compounds.
Natural Products Formulation
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers natural products in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmetic science focusing on the formulation, manufacturing and quality control of natural products in various dosage forms e.g. tablets, capsules, solutions, suspensions, emulsions, ointments, lotions, shampoos, etc.
Natural Products Pharmacology and Toxicology
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers traditional medicine, sources of natural antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimalarial and antioxidants compounds.
Approaches to Natural Products Discovery
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers the systematic approach in drug discovery from natural sources, from the rain forest to the deep oceans and how we sustainably scale up their obtention in full adherence to the biodiversity conventions.
Natural Products Chemistry
20 credits
20 credits
This module covers the main classes of natural products, their chemical and physical behaviour and total/semi-synthesis.
Optional Modules
Research Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner.
Placement Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to conduct an independent, in-depth study of an agreed topic of research, carried out in an appropriate manner at an external placement provider.
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will learn via lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, lab-based practicals and external visits as well as the practical research project.
Applied learning
The focus of the programme is on practical work and learning through lab experience. By the end of the course you will have the skills you need to operate complex instrumentation in this area.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
You will study at the Byrom Street site in the University's City Campus. With an ongoing £12 million investment in laboratory facilities here and state-of-the-art research facilities you'll enjoy a first class study environment.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Jose Prieto Garcia
Programme Leader
I enjoy finding new ways to improve people's lives with the application of natural products to health and wellness. It's also particularly rewarding when I help my students to find their dream job.
I enjoy finding new ways to improve people's lives with the application of natural products to health and wellness. It's also particularly rewarding when I help my students to find their dream job.
Dr Prieto Garcia studied Pharmacy, followed by a PhD in Natural Products Pharmacology and postdoctoral studies in Chemical Ecology and Medicinal Cannabis. Dr Prieto Garcia is a member of LJMUs Centre for Natural Products Discovery at LJMU and Programme Leader for the new MSc Natural Products Discovery. He has published over 80 high-impact publications and co-wrote the internationally recognised book Fundamentals in Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. Dr Prieto Garcia's research interests cover medicinal cannabis, melanoma and skin inflammation, artificial intelligence applied to natural products research and advanced analytical techniques (direct NMR).
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Graduates with adequate skills in natural drug discovery and hands-on experience in operating state-of-the-art equipment would be well placed in Pharmaceutical, Phytopharmaceutical, Chemical, food and cosmetic industries and also in the regulatory sector and academia. There is also an increasing demand for Masters level students in the general business sector. Skills such as formulating a well-justified case, using carefully assessed data sources, planning and executing projects etc are highly useful generic skills. Some graduates may prefer to continue their studies in the area of Natural Products at PhD level rather than embark on a career in industry.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £18,250
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- A minimum 2:2 honours degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, chemistry or a related field
Additional requirements
-
Relevant work experience
- Alternative qualifications with a significant period of relevant work experience
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each component) or equivalent
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.