Undergraduate Drug Discovery

Summer School modules are designed to be intensive, intellectually stimulating short courses. They are taught by King’s academics in academic disciplines where King's has expertise. Classes are highly international, giving students an opportunity to collaborate with peers from all around the globe.

Each module consists of 150 study hours, comprising 45 hours of intensive synchronous and asynchronous teaching, independent study and group work and is examined to university standards. Comparable to an in-semester 15-credit King’s undergraduate module and therefore typically awarded 3-4 US credits or 7.5 ECTS, many summer students ask their home institution to award them external credit for their King's summer module to use towards their degree programme when they return home.

During the 2-week taught module students will learn from academic researchers including experts in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and cell biology covering topics in drug discovery pipeline, clinical trials, regulation and pharmacovigilance. Students will learn about the major diseases and science behind the drugs used to treat them. Students will also learn about designing clinical trials, pharmaceutical market regulation and Good Clinical Practices (GMP) This course is designed to inform and inspire anyone who is interested in a career in medicines discovery and pharmaceutical sciences. As part of this, we aim to incorporate some field visits where students will build on their learning.  

By the end of the module, you should be able to:

• Explain the structure of the drug discovery/development pipeline.
• Classify the types of drugs small molecules to biologic / gene therapy.
• Understand how drugs are tested to see if they work (efficacy) and if they are safe (toxicology and safety pharmacology).
• Explain how the drug are formulated to optimise delivery.
• Explain how clinical trials are conducted.
• Explain the role of the medicines regulator.
• Explain how drugs are monitored once they are in use by the public.

The King's College London Undergraduate Summer School is open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree programme. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.

Entry requirements

• Open to students who are currently, or have been, enrolled in an undergraduate degree. We also welcome applications from professionals who have substantial relevant experience in their chosen subject area.
• Minimum grade requirement of 2:1 degree equivalent. See International grade equivalents on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• English language requirement of at least level C1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR). See full English Language requirements on our Undergraduate Summer School homepage, under Entry requirements.
• Minimum age at the start of the course is 18 years old.

Team-based learning coursework (40%), In-class participation (10%), Team-based learning presentation (40% + 10%) - to be confirmed by the academic

Taught on-campus any time between the hours of 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday. 

*Early application discount: prices apply for applications received by 23:59 GMT on 14 February 2025. Subject to availability at the time of application. From 15 February 2025, the standard 2025 tuition fees apply.

As per the fees listed above, booking two sessions receives a discount. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts of promotions. Subject to availability at the time of application.

Suggested course combinations:

• Human Anatomy & Physiology
• Healthcare & Technology

More information on our fees, entry requirements and residential package can be found on the Undergraduate Summer School homepage.

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