Pharmaceutical Science: Fees only MSc by Research studentship in Medical and Health Care Studies (RS916)

Funding provider: Ramon B Jenkins Support Grant from the St David’s Medical Foundation

Subject area: Pharmaceutical Science

Project start date: 1 April 2026 ** (Please see the note below regarding potential later start dates)

Supervisors: Dr Zi Hong Mok, Dr Anil Bastola 

Aligned programme of study: MSc by Research in Medical and Health Care Studies 

Mode of study: Full-time

Project description:

In 2015, the epilepsy medication Spritam became the first and still the only FDA-approved drug manufactured using 3D printing. Since then, research has flourished in developing innovative 3D-printed formulations. 

We are seeking a motivated and curious MSc by Research student to join an exciting interdisciplinary project focused on developing an innovative oral drug delivery system. This project aims to create magnetically guided, 3D-printed oral formulations designed for precise localisation and controlled drug release within the gastrointestinal tract. 

As part of this research, the student will explore pharmaceutical 3D printing techniques, conduct rheological assessments to ensure material printability, and perform rigorous quality control and drug release studies. The formulations developed have the potential to transform treatment strategies for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal cancers, and severe acid reflux. 

• Applicants with a keen interest in pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, or gastrointestinal health are encouraged to apply. Prior experience in any of these areas is beneficial but not essential, as enthusiasm and a willingness to learn together are key.

UK fee eligible applicants only

Due to funding restrictions, this scholarship is open to applicants eligible to pay tuition fees at the UK rate only, as defined by UKCISA (Full list of categories for HE in Wales).

Note for international and European applicants: details of how your qualification compares to the published academic entry requirements can be found on our Country Specific Entry Requirements page.  

MSc by Research: Applicants for MSc by Research must hold an undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or Non-UK equivalent as defined by Swansea University).

This scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees, as well as additional funding of up to £1,000 for associated research expenses. 

To apply, please complete the entire application form, following this link: Complete your application here in Learner Gateway.

In order to be considered for this scholarship award the following steps are also required. 

1) In section ‘Programme Related Information’ please input the relevant RS Code for the scholarship award, i.e. RS916

2) In section ‘Research’ you will see ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’* (Mandatory) 

• In ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’ please input:  
  • the RS Code, RS916 and 
  • the scholarship title.   
• Please leave Proposed Supervisor field blank 
• Please leave Research Project (if applicable) blank 
• In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?*’(Mandatory) please select Yes 
• Then upload copy of advert (you can save the advert by clicking print, and then print to PDF) 

3) In section ‘Funding information’ please choose the option ‘Scholarship Funding’ only. Please ensure no other options are selected. 

*It is the responsibility of the applicant to list the above information accurately when applying, please note that applications received without the above information listed will not be considered for the scholarship award. 

If you’ve previously applied for this programme, the system will display an “Application Submitted” warning and block a new submission. In this case: 

1. Apply for the same course with the next available start date (e.g., select January if October is unavailable). 
2. Email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with your student number and the relevant scholarship RS code, requesting the start date be amended to match the advert. 
3. Admissions staff will then update your application accordingly. 

One application is required per individual Swansea University led research scholarship award; applications cannot be considered listing multiple Swansea University led research scholarship awards. 

NOTE: Applicants for PhD/EngD/ProfD/EdD - to support our commitment to providing an environment free of discrimination and celebrating diversity at Swansea University you are required to complete an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form in addition to your programme application form.    

Please note that completion of the EDI Monitoring Form is mandatory; your application may not progress if this information is not submitted. 

As part of your online application, you MUST upload the following documents (please do not send these via email): 

• CV 

• Degree certificates and transcripts (if you are currently studying for a degree, screenshots of your grades to date are sufficient).

• A cover letter including a ‘Supplementary Personal Statement’ to explain why the position particularly matches your skills and experience and how you choose to develop the project. 

• One reference (academic or previous employer) on headed paper or using the Swansea University reference form. Please note that we are not able to accept references received citing private email accounts, e.g. Hotmail. Referees should cite their employment email address for verification of reference. 

• Evidence of meeting English Language requirement (if applicable). 

• Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable).

• Confirmation of EDI form submission.

Informal enquiries are welcome; please contact Zi Hong Mok, z.h.mok@swansea.ac.uk.

*External Partner Application Data Sharing – Please note that as part of the scholarship application selection process, application data sharing may occur with external partners outside of the University, when joint/co-funding of a scholarship project is applicable. 

** In exceptional circumstances, and subject to the discretion of the University and/or the relevant funding body, a deferral of offer may be granted to the next available enrolment period. Such deferral will typically not exceed three calendar months from the originally stipulated commencement date. Please note that only one deferral may be considered, and any such deferral is not guaranteed.