This degree responds to an identified need for more NHS pharmacists to engage in research linked to their professional and practice role in areas where a PhD research programme may not be the most appropriate qualification.
The DPharm fits with all areas of the practice of pharmacy including hospital clinical pharmacy, technical services and community pharmacy practice. The programme aims to develop, strengthen and enhance pharmacy research and help to build the credibility of pharmacy as a research focussed profession.
This course is suitable for pharmacists who already have some research experience and wish to enhance their research skills and experience.
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to investigate an aspect of Science Education Research. This will likely be on a topic involving the overlap of Science and Mathematics education, but the specific topic is open for discussion.
You will work under the supervision of Dr Fraser J Scott to develop Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders as anti-infective agents. Experimental work will include organic chemistry, but also biochemical (enzyme assays), biophysical (UV-vis, NMR) and biology (in vitro activity) aspects.
The aim of this project is to address the challenge of directly detecting disease biomarker panels in serum featuring target species whose relative concentrations span many orders of magnitude.
Immunology, infection, diabetes, mast cells, autoimmunity, obesity Cellular Basis of Disease
Leishmaniasis is a serious health threat. Current there is no clinical vaccine. This project will build on pervious studies to develop a recombinant protein vaccine to protects against leishmaniasis.
Marine microbial chemistry Actinomycetes Marine natural products Specialized metabolism Comparative metabolomics Antibiotic Discovery
Drug utilisation research; adherence; clinical effectiveness; Antimicrobial Resistance; antimicrobial stewardship; Health Service Research
Neuroscience, immunology, multiple sclerosis
Materials & Manufacture. High-pressure; co-crystals; polymorphism, diffraction, spectroscopy.
Helminth, parasite, drug therapy Cellular Basis of Disease
Advanced manufacturing (Y Perrie); Drug Delivery (Health and Wellbeing – Y Perrie, Z Rattray); Particle Characterization (Measurement and Enabling Technologies, Z Rattray)
Cellular Basis of Disease (Health and Wellbeing- Z and N Rattray), Metabolomics (Health and Wellbeing, Measurement and enabling sciences- N Rattray), Drug Delivery (Health and Wellbeing – Z Rattray)
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Diabetes Cell Biology
Materials & Manufacture. High-pressure; co-crystals; polymorphism, diffraction, spectroscopy
Leishmaniasis is a serious health threat. We have preliminary data to show that light can have anti-leishmanial activity and the aim of this project is to design a medicinal device that can be used to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Leishmaniasis is a serious health threat. Diagnosis can be completed using different techniques but the gold standard is identifying parasites in stained samples from infected individuals. In this project we will look at using machine learning in parasite diagnosis
Neuroscience immunology neurodegenerative diseases
Leishmania could function as a model organism for flagellar/cilia disorders in humans. In this project we will analyse protein kinases and their substrates involved in flagellar length control.
Cellular Basis of Disease: Neurodegeneration, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics
Drug and stem cell delivery using biopolymers
Neuroscience & Mental Health proteinase-activated receptor 2, Alzheimer’s disease, β-amyloid cytokines, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression
Research group: Neuroscience & Mental Health Key words: proteinase-activated receptor 2, inflammation, cytokines, major depressive disorder, treatment-resistant depression.
The project will explore novel strategies to study cardiac cellular metabolism using isolated primary adult cardiac cells and the use of spheroids.
CLXL12, cancer, Nuclear factor kappa B, signalling, molecular. Cellular Basis of disease/Drug discovery
Insulin stimulates glucose transport into fat and muscle by the regulated trafficking of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 from insulin-sensitive intracellular stores to the plasma membrane. This process is impaired in patients with insulin-resistance and Type-2 diabetes. Therefore, there is a need to identify the machinery which regulates GLUT4 and it is to this end that the project is aimed.
Insulin stimulates glucose transport into fat and muscle by the regulated trafficking of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 from insulin-sensitive intracellular stores to the plasma membrane. This process is impaired in patients with insulin resistance and Type-2 diabetes. Therefore, there is a need to identify the machinery which regulates GLUT4 and it is to this end that the project is aimed.
cardiotoxicity, cancer drugs, safety pharmacology, cardiac hypertrophy, metabolomics Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Research Group
This cross disciplinary PhD project will explore physical modifications of the protein biopolymer silk that will be 3D printed into higher order structures. These modifications are aimed at maximising the function of silk to ultimately enhance the performance of silk to serve as tissue matrix for stem cells.
Building on promising results already obtained, the proposed project aims to develop novel tumour-targeted nanomedicines and to evaluate their targeting and therapeutic efficacy on cancers. Key objectives are: the preparation and characterisation of novel tumour-targeting delivery systems; the evaluation of the tumour delivery and therapeutic efficacy of these systems in vitro and in vivo.
Protein kinases are central regulators in vital processes of the human parasite Leishmania. In this project we want to identify activators of Leishmania protein kinases and their substrates. This will allow to identify specific inhibitors for parasite protein kinases as novel drugs to treat human leishmaniasis.
More females develop pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) than males. However, female PAH patients have better right ventricular (RV) function including less fibrosis and as a result better survival than the males. The mechanism for the sex-dependent RV fibrosis is not well studied and this project will investigate the underlying mechanism to gain better knowledge and develop therapeutic strategies for PAH.
Glioblastoma is a lethal brain tumour with a worldwide incidence of ~5 per 100,000 persons and <5% five-year survival. We have identified a cholesterol intracellular transport gene signature in glioblastoma that correlates with worse prognosis. The proposed project aims to investigate the potential of targeting the cholesterol intracellular transport pathway as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in this cancer of unmet need.
S-Acylation is a reversible post-translational modification that has been detected on over 4,000 mammalian proteins. Despite the importance of this modification in regulating protein stability and localisation, how S-acylation reactions are coordinated in the secretory pathway is poorly understood. This project will undertake the first detailed analysis of TM protein S-acylation in the secretory pathway.
Microbial drug discovery in the 'omics era relies on three key datasets: biosynthetic, chemical and biological (activity). Yet, to integrate and interrogate these large and complex datasets remains a challenge and results in the low-throughput prioritisation of only a few strains based on observed antibiotic activity. Therefore, there is a need to integrate these datasets to accelerate microbial antibiotic discovery.
Combining synthetic lipid chemistry with microfluidics to design tailor made ionisable cationic lipids to be incorporated into optimum lipid nanoparticle delivery systems for RNA cancer therapeutics and new/improved COVID vaccines.
In this project, you will produce an online compendium of genome-scale metabolic models spanning the full diversity of Streptomyces, and use this to analyse their differential biological phenotypes, and potential for engineering.
Women’s health is a chronically under-researched area despite the fact that slightly more than half of the global population is female. Our understanding of several conditions primarily or exclusively affecting female patients – including endometriosis, which can have a profound impact on women’s well-being – is insufficient, and disease symptoms are frequently trivialised. Consequently, there is a substantial need to improve how patients are supported in their daily lives.
The use of digital and technological innovations is increasing within all sectors to create "smart products, smart processes and smart procedures". Within pharmacy, this could facilitate the safe and effective medicines management. This PhD project will explore the use and priorities surround pharmacy-related digital and technological solutions.
Depression is the most prevalent mental ill health condition. Community pharmacy personnel can support people with depression as their role has evolved to offer enhanced clinical services. This PhD will focus on developing community pharmacy depression services.
The project will study the evolution and adaptation of Streptomyces bacteria as a means to understanding how antibiotic production evolves and the epistatic interactions that govern production.
Through the application of industrial digital technologies this project aims to accelerate the discrimination and parameterisation of models for crystallisation processes. This will reduce the number of experiments, reduce development time and the quantity of material required.
The course duration is a minimum of three years full-time or four years of part-time study.
One-third of the course is taught and two-thirds is research-based. The taught classes are:
For full-time students the taught classes will take place in the first year of the course. For part-time students, this will take 18 months. You'll need to successfully complete the taught classes in order to proceed to the research element.
Once you have completed all the taught elements and your research, you'll submit a thesis which will be sent to an external examiner (outwith the University of Strathclyde) and an internal examiner (within Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, who is GPhC registered). You'll be called for an oral exam in which you'll defend your thesis and the work that it contains. The examiners will make the decision on whether you should be awarded the qualification.
On application, you'll be asked to submit your research idea which can then be discussed with a potential supervisor. Alternatively, you can discuss research ideas informally with a potential supervisor before applying.
The DPharm is linked to your professional practice so it's expected that when you apply you'll have a suitable project idea. Staff at the University may have ideas to help you develop your practice.
You'll normally undertake the research at your place of work and it should be related to the role you have as a pharmacist. Areas of research that may be suitable include clinical practice in hospital or community pharmacy, technical services or a combination of both. This is not an exhaustive list and if you are interested in studying for a DPharm and have an idea for research then you should contact Dr Boyter (anne.boyter@strath.ac.uk) for further information.
Your research must be original and at the doctoral level that is suitable for publication in a quality research journal.
As the DPharm is a professional doctorate which is linked to your professional practice any change in job may affect the duration of your studies. If this happens, it should be discussed with your supervisor at the earliest opportunity.
The Strathclyde Doctoral School provides a vibrant and comprehensive student-centred research and training environment in order to grow and support current and future research talent.
The School encompasses our four faculties and is committed to enriching the student experience, intensifying research outputs and opportunities, and ensuring training is at the highest level. As a postgraduate researcher, you'll automatically become a member of the Strathclyde Doctoral School.
Find out more about the Doctoral School
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Please note that postgraduate research entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period
| Scotland | £4,596 |
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| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £4,596 |
| International | £21,150 |
| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Research Council studentships (AHRC, BBSRC, ESPRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, STFC) |
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| Travel awards | Postgraduate Research Travel AwardThis award contributes to the costs of conference and international travel for research purposes. The fund is open all year round but you can only make one application during your PhD. Mac Robertson Travel AwardThis is a joint fund between the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow. It provides funding for students studying a PhD, to undertake a course that lasts from two months to a year at a centre of advanced study either in or outside Scotland. It doesn't cover conference travel and applications close in May each year. Finn Randall Travel AwardThis award was created in memory of Finn Randall, an alumnus of the University of Strathclyde and an adventurous traveller. It was established to help a registered student with the cost of a particular travel scheme that's considered to be the most enterprising and relevant to their course of study. It doesn't cover conference attendance or travel for research purposes. Applications close in March each year. |
| Additional costs |
International costsInternational students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.
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Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
If you are still undertaking active research, you may be asked to pay fees if you exceed the minimum duration of study. If you have entered a period of writing up your thesis, you won't require to pay additional fees.
The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences is a major research centre in Scotland and is among the UK's top Schools of Pharmacy. We have a wide range of state-of-the-art research facilities and recently benefited from the opening of a new £36m building.
We have strong links with industry. Our researchers work with businesses of all sizes, government, charities, the health sector and the rest of the public sector.
Find out more about our research
Our PgCert RPD programme aims to ensure you get the most out of your current research activities at Strathclyde and help you prepare for your future career as a researcher.
We'll help you recognise and develop your transferrable skills that'll have a positive impact on your research, now and in the future.
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation.
From financial advice to our IT facilities, we have a wide range of support for all students here at Strathclyde. Get all the information you need at Strathlife.
Progress decisions will be made at the joint exam board of the MSc in Clinical Pharmacy and DPharm.
If you're not permitted to progress to research, you may be eligible for transfer to and completion of an MPhil in Clinical Pharmacy. This is at the discretion of the exam board.
The MSc in Clinical Pharmacy is a taught postgraduate qualification and therefore transfer between the MSc and the DPharm is not normally permitted. If you have completed an MSc then you may be eligible for credit for prior learning if you apply to the DPharm.
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 100 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Visit our international students' section
Download our step-by-step guide on how to submit your application.
This may be awarded on an individual basis at the point of application. Any recognised prior learning must be ratified by the Board of Study. Credit for prior learning may only be awarded in blocks of 60 credits (60, 120 or 180). Only under exceptional circumstances will a student be awarded 180 credits for prior learning.
There may be a reduction in the minimum duration of study if credit is given for prior learning but this will be awarded on an individual basis following application and discussion between the DPharm course organiser and the head of Institute. This must also be ratified by the Faculty of Science Board of Study.
You'll be asked for information about you, your qualifications, referees, and the area in which you wish to study. There's also space for you to select a preferred supervisor and to give an outline of your proposed area of study. It's acceptable to indicate that you have no preferred supervisor.
Once your educational qualifications have been checked, your application will be circulated to all potential supervisors unless you have specified a supervisor your application. If a supervisor is found and you meet all the entry requirements, including having the funding in place to pay the fees, you'll be offered an unconditional place. You may also be offered a conditional place and in this case the conditions would be specified.
The first supervisor of any student undertaking a DPharm must be an academic member of staff in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences who is registered with the GPhC. A list of potential first supervisors is available by emailing anne.boyter@strath.ac.uk.
The second supervisor can be any member of academic staff within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences. Additional supervisors from the NHS may be appointed.
In common with other research degrees, places on the DPharm course require confirmation of funding and the availability of a suitably qualified supervisor who has the capacity to take on additional research students.
Any application should be discussed with your line manager before it's submitted to the University. It's your responsibility to ensure that you have the support of your line manager.
