MRES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
September 2025
Full time
Two years
Suzhou
This programme leads to a University of Liverpool degree which is recognised by Ministry of Education, China.
Knowledge and skills
By the time you graduate from the MRes Pharmaceutical Sciences programme, you will have gained:
- the basic knowledge and experimental skills of chemistry, life science, basic medicine and other related basic disciplines necessary for pharmaceutical majors;
- the basic theory, knowledge and skills of medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutical science, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmacognosy and natural medicinal chemistry, and an understanding of the basics of clinical drug use;
- preliminary training in scientific research methods, preliminary capabilities in drug discovery, drug design and production, drug quality control, lead compound drug screening and drug clinical application;
- the ability to use information technology, literature retrieval methods and relevant mathematical knowledge and skills to analyse and solve problems related to the major;
- an understanding of the regulations and policies of pharmaceutical administration, as well as the economic and management issues in the industry;
- strong self-learning ability to lay the necessary foundation for receiving professional continuing education;
- an understanding of the new scientific progress in this field and new knowledge of related disciplines;
- a deep understanding of English culture, good oral English communication skills, and excellent English reading and writing skills to meet the needs of pharmaceutical internationalisation.
We only live once, and no matter how we choose to live, our lives are beautiful and worth cherishing. If you happen to be brave, tenacious, wise and willing to spend this only life to forge ahead, to explore and understand life, please choose the MRes Pharmaceutical Sciences programme from XJTLU, and let us go from researching a single cell to exploring the living universe.
Professor Lei Fu
Executive Dean
Message from pathway directors
Professor Lei Fu, Pharmaceutical Management Pathway Director, Executive Dean of XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy
“This pathway will grow your strengths, including:
- passion and ethics: Let your passion drive your studies while prioritising ethical considerations in decision-making;
- adaptability and innovation: Embrace adaptability to navigate industry changes and foster innovation to drive progress; and
- global perspective and impact: Gain insights into global markets, and focus on making a positive impact on healthcare outcomes.”
Dr Xin Liu, Artificial Intelligence Drug Discovery and Development (AIDD) Pathway Director, Assistant Professor of XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy
“AI is spearheading a new era of scientific revolution, where the future of biomedicine will be collaboratively shaped by humans and AI. In this pathway, we will use AI to gain deep insights into the nature of diseases and extend healing to all corners of the world.”
Professor Jun Yang, Regulatory Science Pathway Director, Professor of XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy
“This pathway empowers students to leverage pharmaceutical knowledge as the driving force behind global drug development.”
Modules
*Programme modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Core Modules:
Semester 1:
- Research Ethics and Research Methodology
- Essential Math for Pharmacy
- AI in Pharmacy I
Semester 2:
- Regulatory Sciences and Project Management
- Computer-assisted Drug Development
- AI in Pharmacy II
Semester 3:
- Thesis Research Project
Semester 4:
- Thesis Research Project
Optional Modules:
Semester 1:
- Modern Pharmaceutical Activity Screening
- Principles of Toxicology
Semester 2:
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Drug Formulation
Core Modules:
Semester 1:
- Research Ethics and Research Methodology
Semester 2:
- Regulatory Sciences and Project Management
Semester 3:
- Thesis Research Project
Semester 4:
- Thesis Research Project
Optional Modules:
Semester 1:
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
- Regulation of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products
- Principles of Toxicology
- Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls
Semester 2:
- Modern Separation Techniques and Applications
- Computer-assisted Drug Development
- Advanced Drug Formulation
- Quality Systems and Standards
- Quality Assurance for Drugs and Biologics
Core Modules:
Semester 1:
- Research Ethics and Research Methodology
Semester 2:
- Regulatory Sciences and Project Management
Semester 3:
- Thesis Research Project
Semester 4:
- Thesis Research Project
Optional Modules:
Semester 1:
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
- Modern Pharmaceutical Activity Screening
- Principles of Toxicology
- Advanced Principles of GxP and Their Applications
- Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls
- Pharmacoeconomics
Semester 2:
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Drug Formulation
- Pharma Commercialization and Marketing
- Healthcare Supply Chain Management
Core Modules:
Semester 1:
- Research Ethics and Research Methodology
Semester 2:
- Regulatory Sciences and Project Management
Semester 3:
- Thesis Research Project
Semester 4:
- Thesis Research Project
Optional Modules:
Semester 1:
- Advanced Medicinal Chemistry
- Modern Pharmaceutical Activity Screening
- Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Principles of Toxicology
- Advanced Principles of GxP and Their Applications
Semester 2:
- Modern Separation Techniques and Applications
- Advanced Pharmacology
- Advanced Drug Formulation
- Computer-assisted Drug Development
Careers
Graduates will have the comprehensive ability to serve as senior applied talents in various fields of the pharmaceutical industry at home and abroad. They will be capable of engaging in drug discovery, manufacturing, drug inspection and drug supervision, quality control and clinical application in research institutes, drug production and distribution enterprises, medical and health institutions, and medical colleges and universities.
Overview
Pharmaceutical research is a frontier science worldwide. With the advancement of human civilisation and science, and the demand for a healthy life, pharmaceutical science and the pharmaceutical discipline have grown at an unprecedented rate.
To keep up with competition and demand, today’s global pharmaceutical industry requires high-level talent for research on new drug development, drug manufacturing, drug usage, pharmaceutical regulation and project management.
In China, with the improvement of relevant industry regulations, the demand for pharmaceutical management talents, which was not prominent in the past, has been strongly highlighted. In addition to other pharmaceutical science professionals, pharmaceutical regulatory and project management professionals have become necessary to address shortfalls in the development of China’s pharmaceutical industry.
MRes Pharmaceutical Sciences is a tailor-made major by XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy for the pharmaceutical industry at home and abroad. Built on the foundations of chemistry, biology, materials science, and management science, it covers fields including pharmaceutics, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacognosy, pharmaceutical analysis, clinical pharmacy, and social and administrative pharmacy. The programme is committed to cultivating high-end international compound talents urgently needed by innovative drug R&D enterprises.
The graduates from the MRes Pharmaceutical Sciences programme, who are taught fully in English by professors from the UK, USA, China and other countries, will have the comprehensive ability to serve as senior applied talents in various fields of the pharmaceutical industry locally and internationally.
Graduates will be capable of engaging in drug discovery, manufacturing, quality control, and clinical application in research institutes, drug production and distribution enterprises, medical and health institutions, medical colleges and universities, drug inspection, drug supervision, and other fields.
XJTLU Wisdom Lake Academy of Pharmacy actively complies with Suzhou’s “China Pharmacy Valley” strategy. The programme aims to cultivate technical professionals in the fields of artificial intelligence drug discovery, natural medicinal chemistry, biopharmaceuticals, translational medicine, personalised medicine, precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, and more. The Academy also plans to provide talent support for the development of the national health industry.
Introduction to each pathway
MRes Pharmaceutical Sciences students have four pathways of study to choose from, which offer modules tailored to a specific focus in addition to the core modules of the programme.
Artificial Intelligence Drug Discovery and Development (AIDD) pathway：This pathway uses AI to enhance the efficiency and success rate of the research and development of drugs, including personalised medicine, promoting innovation in medicine. It aims to train interdisciplinary talents who can combine AI with pharmaceutical practice, thereby driving the pharmaceutical industry towards intelligent and precise development.
Pharmaceutical Management Pathway: This pathway is for students with a foundation in preclinical biological and pharmaceutical science. By choosing this pathway, students learn to design, assess, and improve strategies that span the entire drug development process, from initial drug design and discovery to securing patents and marketing. In addition, supplementary courses can focus on the strategic, policy, and regulatory aspects of drug development. This broad approach ensures graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complex landscape of drug development and contribute to the field as competent and strategic professionals.
Regulatory Science Pathway: This pathway helps students learn how to apply regulatory policies in the pharmaceutical research and development processes. It is suitable for applicants with backgrounds in fields like biology, pharmacy, medicine, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, law, and biochemistry.
Pharmaceutical Science Pathway: This pathway offers advanced education and training in pharmaceutical science, technology, industry and business management, and regulatory affairs. It is designed for pharmacists, pharmacological researchers, pharmaceutical sales representatives, and regulatory officers. Leveraging XJTLU’s English-language capabilities and global approach, it equips graduates for research in Western or Chinese universities, the pharmaceutical industry, or a government regulatory body. Students gain research experience and training in their chosen research laboratory and will interact with expert researchers in all aspects of pharmaceutical sciences. This pathway covers both theoretical concepts and practical training in key research techniques.
Why study Pharmaceutical Sciences at XJTLU?
This programme focuses on the cultivation of students’ comprehensive quality, through the close cooperation of industry, the University and the research institute for international, well-rounded practical talents for the pharmaceutical industry.