Queen's University Belfast has developed a dynamic
MSc programme for students seeking careers in the
global pharmaceutical industry. The MSc in
Industrial Pharmaceutics will prepare graduates with the
expertise and skills required for employment in an
industry estimated to be worth $1.42 trillion. Industrial
pharmaceutics plays a vital role in the development,
validation and manufacture of new medicines, ensuring
their safety and quality, and MSc graduates will be able
to avail of employment opportunities at all stages of the
medicine development pipeline.
The School of Pharmacy at Queen's has an excellent
global reputation and is highly ranked for both teaching
and research. Active areas of research within the School
include Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Infection and
Antimicrobial Resistance, Nanomedicine and
Biotherapeutics, and Pharmaceutical Materials Science
and Formulation.
Industrial Pharmaceutics highlights
World Class Facilities
The School of Pharmacy at Queen's is acknowledged as
a leading centre for Pharmacy teaching and research in
the UK, consistently featuring at or near the top of
league tables for the subject.
Student Experience
The School has strong international links as well as a
great community spirit.
Students will join a community of nearly 4,000 postgraduate students, having access to a dedicated hub for postgraduate students (The Graduate School), that provides state-of-the-art
facilities for study, and high-quality training within a diverse interdisciplinary research-intensive Russell Group university.
Characterisation Methods for Pharmaceuticals
This module introduces students to a wide range of techniques used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical products, including physiochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo testing. It will equip students with modern product development and manufacturing solutions relating to current industry.
Formulation of Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Products
This module develops concepts from basic science, leading up to advanced pharmaceutical formulations and biopharmaceutical products. Module content will encompass the process of developing pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals in a variety of dosage forms, and routes of administration.
Leadership and Project Management
The fundamentals of project management and entrepreneurship are the main module topics, including how to apply the principles of project management to a pharmaceutical project. In addition, students will undertake a Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Certificate
(equivalent to a Master's degree) in Strategic Management and Leadership within the Queen's Graduate School.
This module incorporates the key scientific and advanced engineering concepts in pharmaceutical manufacturing, ranging from batch to continuous manufacturing, and considering both standard methods and new and emerging technologies (e.g. 3D printing & bioprinting, Microfluidics, and BioMEMS). Students will also consider the associated challenges that are posed to industry, and appropriate problem-solving
approaches.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
This module provides an understanding of the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry as companies strive to develop new products. It also equips the students with modern product development and manufacturing solutions that conform to industry best practice and modern
Quality by Design (QbD) principles.
Research Project
The practical and theoretical aspects covered in the course will help the students develop the skills needed for an individual research project within different areas of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Students will be able to undertake their research project within an area of expertise within the School, or alternatively, undertake a work-based project which will increase
awareness of the commercial applications of the programme.
Research Skills and Methods
This module will equip students with the key skills and knowledge to pursue academic research at the postgraduate and professional level with state-of-the-art methods and data management requirements from the Industry. You will cover key skills and knowledge: Evaluation of scientific literature, Data analysis, Experimental design, Statistical analysis, Good Laboratory Practice, and Personal effectiveness.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Learning and Teaching Outline:
We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical laboratory experiences, self-directed study and
supervised research work to enhance employability.
Assessment
Assessment Outline:
The course uses a variety of assessment methods relevant to a master's level of study. The assessments include: oral & poster presentations, group & individual assignments, case study reports, essay writing, written examinations and a final dissertation.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Formulation of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Products
Overview
This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects underpinning the design and development of a range of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical formulations. Students will formulate products ranging from conventional pharmaceutical dosage forms to advanced delivery systems for biopharmaceuticals.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Discuss the physicochemical and physiological principles that impact upon formulation design and development
• Apply theory effectively in the formulation of a range of dosage forms, and in the formulation of biopharmaceuticals
• Appropriately analyse formulated products
• Interpret data and concisely report conclusions
• Identify key challenges and propose solutions for addressing critical issues in the development and testing of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: clearly and concisely report scientific information
• Analytical: numerical calculations, formulating hypotheses, drawing logical conclusions
• Practical: use best practice when working with instruments, equipment and methodologies
• Information technology: computer literacy
• Collaborative working
• Planning and organisation: independence, initiative, time-management
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies
Overview
This module incorporates the key scientific and advanced engineering concepts in pharmaceutical manufacturing, ranging from batch to continuous manufacturing, and considering both standard methods and new and emerging technologies. Students will also consider the associated challenges that are posed to industry, and appropriate problem-solving approaches.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Discuss drug development, drug manufacturing and process and unit operations in the pharmaceutical industry
• Apply a critical understanding of physiochemical properties in the manufacturing and evaluation of solid dosage forms
• Plan experimental studies using new technologies such as 3D printing, microfluidics, and biological microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) devices
• Select and apply appropriate analytical or characterisation techniques to compare and contrast products from conventional and new manufacturing techniques.
• Apply computational modelling (e.g. Finite Element Analysis) to problem solving in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: report writing
• Practical: use best practice when working with instruments, equipment and methodologies
• Analytical: numerical calculations, formulating hypotheses, drawing logical conclusions
• Information technology : computer literacy
• Collaborative working
• Planning and organisation: independence, initiative, time-management.
This module will equip students with essential skills to plan and design a research study at a postgraduate and professional level. By conducting a literature review, students will develop a critical awareness of current issues in industrial pharmaceutics. The module will also cover the practical and ethical considerations within research, various research methodologies, critical evaluation of research methods, statistical methods, and key considerations in data management, handling, and interpretation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe and discuss a range of research methods
• Identify, review and critically appraise research papers in the field
• Apply data and information management to the development of effective strategies for data handling
• Analyse, interpret and clearly present data
• Formulate appropriate research hypotheses and apply the fundamental concepts of design of experiments (DoE) to construct a research proposal
• Appraise ethical considerations that arise in pharmaceutical research and development
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: written, poster, and oral communication of scientific information
• Analytical: statistical interpretation of data, formulating hypotheses, drawing logical conclusions
• Information technology: computer literacy
• Risk assessment
• Critical evaluation of own or other’s work
• Planning and organisation: independence, initiative, time-management
The module will provide students with knowledge of the fundamentals of leadership and project management and entrepreneurship, and the skills required to apply these to a typical pharmaceutical project in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry. Two units will be taught in the Graduate School as part of the Chartered Management Institute Certificate in Leadership and Management. These are:
1. Strategic Leadership Practise – this element explores strategic leadership theories, skills and strategies and the associated ethical and cultural issues that arise within a professional organisation
2. Strategic Project Management – this element explores the purpose of project planning and management, investigates the roles of a project sponsor and other project stakeholders, introduces methodologies necessary in the construction of a project plan and defines evaluation process to measure project performance.
Further teaching, which focusses on the application of project management and related topics in the pharmaceutical industry, will be taught in the School of Pharmacy.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
• Understand the relationship between strategic management and leadership
• Critically evaluate the leadership theories and principles that support organisational values
• Demonstrate an understanding of how leadership strategies impact on organisational direction
• Understand the impact of project management approaches on achieving strategic objectives
• Produce a feasible project plan and reflect critically on it
• Implement a project plan and evaluate outcomes
• Demonstrate knowledge of management and business processes within the pharmaceutical industry
• Discuss the key areas relevant to pharmaceutical innovation (e.g. intellectual property, patents)
Skills
Cognitive skills – critical evaluation and interpretation
Transferable skills – applying critical thinking and innovation tools
Knowledge and understanding – demonstrating an understanding of the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of leadership practice and management as well as entrepreneurial methodologies
Characterisation Methods for Pharmaceutical Products
Overview
This module introduces students to a wide range of techniques used in qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical products, including physiochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo testing. The module will also provide students with an understanding of the challenges encountered by the pharmaceutical industry as they strive to develop new products. Students will be exposed to modern product development and manufacturing solutions relating to current industry best practices. It provides an understanding of (i) the physicochemical properties of drug substances; (ii) the stability of drugs or formulations; (iii) the basic calculations used in the analysis of drugs and (iv) the principles and application of method validation in analytical procedures.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Describe, in the context of analysis of drugs and related substances, the principles and application of method validation (e.g. accuracy, precision, robustness, reproducibility and repeatability)
• Define the instrumental and procedural requirements for successful use of different techniques in on-line process monitoring (e.g. UV, IR spectrophotometry, HPLC)
• Develop and validate methods appropriately
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret results correctly
• Critically appraise the challenges of on-line process analysis versus laboratory-based analysis
• Discuss the quality of medicinal products, including raw materials, licensed and unlicensed products
• Describe, in the context of pharmaceutical analysis, the principles and application of chemometrics in the analysis of drugs and other related substances
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: report writing.
• Practical: use best practice when working with instruments, equipment and methodologies
• Mathematical: numerical calculations
• Information technology: computer literacy
• Collaborative working
• Planning and organisation: independence, initiative, time-management
This module provides an understanding of the legislation and regulations that govern pharmaceutical manufacturing, the guidelines for their application, and current best practice within the pharmaceutical industry. Students will be introduced to the merits of on-line process analysis; will gain the skills required to apply quality assurance tools within a quality by design (QbD) framework; and analyse complex data sets using appropriate methods.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Interpret pharmaceutical legislation and regulations
• Describe online process monitoring and the use of process analytical technology (PAT) to advance pharmaceutical process identification, simulation and control
• Select and apply process analytical technology (PAT) tools within a quality by design (QbD) framework, and critically appraise their use in the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical (and related) products
• Explain the concepts of quality, safety, and efficacy
• Discuss the use and application of analytical laboratory policies and procedures including quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), quality compliance and good manufacturing practice (GMP)
• Choose and apply appropriate regression and multivariate analysis techniques for the examination of complex data sets
• Compare and contrast the challenges of on-line process analysis versus laboratory-based analysis
• Discuss the quality of medicinal products, including raw materials, licensed and unlicensed products
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: report writing
• Practical: use best practice when working with instruments, equipment and methodologies
• Analytical: numerical calculations, formulating hypotheses, drawing logical conclusions
• Information technology skills: computer literacy
• Collaborative working
• Planning and organisation: independence, initiative, time-management
Students will conduct an individual research project, working in areas such as: Drug delivery, pharmaceutical analysis, pharmaceutical biotechnology, pharmaceutical formulation, pharmaceutical technology, and continuous manufacturing. Students who meet the criteria set out in the published course information will be able to undertake their research project within the pharmaceutical industry.
Students will have the opportunity to problem-solve by formulating new ideas and evaluating experimental outcomes. This module has been designed to enable students to develop an integrated knowledge base and critical understanding of the theoretical principles, concepts and practical skills.
At the end of their project, students will submit a written dissertation on their research topic and orally present their results.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:
• Conduct laboratory-based research at a master’s level.
• Formulate original research ideas into a coherent strategy
• Collect data using appropriate experimental techniques
• Analyse and evaluate data appropriately
• Apply knowledge and skills in an integrated manner to solve research problems
• Communicate research outcomes to a scientific audience
• Prepare a written dissertation on their research
Skills
Students will be able to develop the following skills:
• Communication: Report writing and oral presentation
• Analytical: numerical calculations, drawing logical conclusions, critical thinking, problem solving
• Practical: use best practice when working with instruments, equipment and methodologies
• Information technology: computer literacy
• Collaborative working; working in a research team
• Planning and organisation: independent thinking, initiative, decision-making, time-management, target setting and monitoring
• Risk assessment in a laboratory environment
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or closely allied subject.
The School of Pharmacy reserves the right to interview applicants or review the content of their previous qualifications to ensure suitability to enter the programme.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.
Please note: A deposit will be required to secure a place on this course.
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Graduates from this course will be able to pursue a
career in a range of areas, such as;
Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. R&D, production,
regulatory)
Academia (research and teaching)
Government agencies, such as drug licensing authorities
Healthcare
Scientific Research
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is:
• £400 for Domestic (NI/ROI/GB) students
• £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI).
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.