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MSc|Postgraduate Taught

Industrial Pharmaceutics

Entry year
2024/25
Entry requirements
2.1
Duration
1 year (Full-time)
Places available
60 (Full Time)

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.

Course Structure

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.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Emerging Technologies

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.

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Modules

Modules

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.

  • Year 1

    Core Modules

    Research Project (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

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 2024 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. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct 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.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

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.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Professional Opportunities

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.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 £8,800
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 £8,800
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 £9,250
EU Other 3 £25,800
International £25,800

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.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

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.
1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/MHLS/terms-and-conditions/

All Students

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.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus