Study matter in all its forms
Learn how new medicines are conceived, created, and brought to market. You’ll build on your foundations in chemistry and the biological sciences to gain skills to identify promising drug targets and turn laboratory discoveries into real-world treatments.
You’ll explore how drugs are designed, synthesised, and evaluated. And learn about key aspects of the development pipeline—like intellectual property, financial viability, and navigating requirements for pre-clinical and clinical trials.
If you have an academic or industry background in chemistry—or a relevant subject like biochemistry, biomedical science, pharmacy, or pharmacology—this subject could be an excellent fit for you.
Choose your study path
You can study postgraduate Drug Discovery and Development through one of three qualifications:
- Master of Drug Discovery and Development (180 points)—broadly develops your expertise in using drug and industrial processes to develop market-ready therapeutics.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Drug Discovery and Development (120 points)—ideal for more in-depth study and a focus on research.
- Postgraduate Certificate inDrug Discovery and Development (60 points)—great for professional development in a specific area.
Core courses and electives
Each qualification includes the core course Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery (DRGD 401) and at least one of Drug Design (DRDG 402) or Organic Chemistry and Bio-organic Chemistry (CHEM 421).
After that, you’ll choose your elective courses from the following study areas:
- biomedical science
- biotechnology
- chemistry
- clinical research
- drug discovery and development
- microbiology.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Drug Discovery and Development at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Our postgraduate qualifications in this subject develop expertise and research skills that support you to pursue a career in drug discovery or pharmaceuticals.
After graduating, you might work in a lab, hospital, or clinical setting. You’ll most likely start as a lab technician or assistant.
You might work in areas such as:
- clinical biochemistry
- immunology
- molecular pathology
- new pharmaceutical development.
You may need further study or work experience for some careers in these areas.
More career information
Find out more about careers in biomedical science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Summer research scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Summer research scholarships
There are several summer scholarships available. These give you the opportunity to gain experience in research—with the added bonus of paid work over the summer trimester.
Each scholarship gives you experience working with established researchers on a specified project and an insight into what studying for a research degree entails.
Summer Research Scholarship Programme
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Biomedical Science
-
Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
-
Applicants must be enrolled or intending to enrol in a Master's of PhD programme in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, undertaking research in any aspect of biodiversity and restoration ecology, including the use of novel technologies. Preference will be given to applicants from the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences.
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Research partnerships
When you study with us in the School of Biological Sciences, you can take advantage of our close research partnerships with these research centres:
Academic staff research areas
Chemical biology and drug discovery
Drug design
Farah Lamiable-Oulaidi
Senior Scientist
Gavin Painter
Science Team Leader
Drug development
Richard Furneaux
Distinguished Scientist
Lawrence Harris
Science Team Leader
Simon Hinkley
Science Team Leader
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.