Acquire the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience for a career as a Pharmaceutical Analyst in Industry or Academia.
WHO ARE YOU?
You are presently working and may be a physical or life sciences graduate – chemistry, pharmacy and biology – or possess other qualifications alongside your work experience. You have decided to significantly develop your professional skills. To match this ambition we offer this course part-time, one day per week.
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
Our industrial partners are always telling us they need people like you with our skill sets. Analysts are among the most sought after professionals with some of the highest employability rates.
You will receive practical training on state-of-the-art separation techniques, such as HPLC/MS and GC/MS, in the purpose built Pharmaceutical Analysis lab designed in partnership with Agilent (a world-leading instrument manufacturer)
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2024 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
This programme is taught jointly between the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and the School of Pharmacy by leading experts in the field.
The Programme Director is Professor Peter Nockemann, FRSC.
Our industrial partners have influenced the course structure, to tell us what analytical skills and training they would like their staff to have.
We have guest lectures from industry to tell you about the issues they face, out in the field.
Career Development
The skills you will acquire will help you to progress to more senior roles within their employer organization.
World Class Facilities
Everything is on-campus, and the course is very hands-on and interactive.
You will receive practical training on state-of-the-art separation techniques, such as HPLC/MS and GC/MS, in the purpose built Pharmaceutical Analysis lab designed in partnership with Agilent (a world-leading instrument manufacturer)
Student Experience
We were ranked 13th in the UK for the study of Chemistry and joint 1st in the UK for research intensity in Chemistry (Complete Universities Guide UK 2023) and were 5th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2022 category of value-added score for Chemistry.
If you are working and have a primary degree in chemistry, pharmacy or a related subject or other relevant qualifications, this course is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and high-level practical skills in laboratory analysis, and meets the ongoing need for analysts in the pharmaceutical industry.
Apart from basic and advanced separation, spectroscopic and characterization techniques, you’ll learn about aspects of quality assurance and quality control, as well as the preparation of scientific and technical reports.
Course Details
You’ll learn the theory behind state-of-the-art analytical techniques and have an opportunity to practice your skills using the most modern instrumentation.
You’ll be trained on techniques such as:
Liquid and gas chromatography (HPLC, GC)
Mass spectrometry (MS)
Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA)
X-ray crystallography (PXRD, XRD)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
You will also receive training on QA/QC aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry. For your research project, you’ll spend 2-3 months in a laboratory. You have the option to do this within your current employer premises.
Indicative Number of Modules Per Semester
Part-time students take one full year module and a one Semester only module per year on this 2 year course.
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
Study time:
Coursework 50 hrs
Preparation of written/oral reports 96 hrs.
Private study / revision 150 hrs.
List of Indicative Programme Modules
Advanced Separation Science
Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods
Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods
Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Research Project
Modules
The HLA course comprises four taught modules, two of which run during a full academic year (Sept-May) - one in Year 1 and the other in Year 2 - and two of which are semester-long modules; the first running Sept-Jan in Year 1 and the second Feb-May in year 2.
Thus in Year 1 students will take:
CHM7001 Advanced Separation Science: (Sept-Jan) will cover the most important separation techniques relevant to the Pharmaceutical Industry as well as method validation, stability of pharmaceutical compounds and sample preparation methods (20 CATS points) and
CHM7002 Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods: (Sept - May) will discuss a series of solid state characterisation techniques and their application in pharmaceutical analysis (40 CATS points)
and in Year 2:
CHM7003 Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods: (Sept-May) will cover the majority of modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications in pharmaceutical analysis as well as aspects of GMP and GLP (40 CATS points) and
PMY7092 Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry: (Feb-May) will cover QA and QC aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry (20 CATS points) and is assessed exclusively by class tests and group assignments.
The first three three modules include a large number of practical sessions, which involve conducting experimental work using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and instrumentation, literature search and preparation of scientific reports.
During the summer semester of Year 2 (June-September) the students will undertake a laboratory-based research project (with an accompanying dissertation) in their employer laboratories.
The research project will provide training in how to tackle a research problem in chemistry and will include a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking, analysis of data and independent research.
School of Chem & Chem Eng Professor Peter Nockemann, FRSC, is the Programme Director for the MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis at QUB. His research focuses on Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, with a keen interest in eco-friendly methods for processing rare and high-tech metals and improving energy storage solutions vital for renewable energy adoption.
He completed his PhD in 2002 in Cologne, Germany, and subsequently worked as a post-doctoral fellow with Prof. Koen Binnemans at K.U. Leuven, Belgium. In 2008, he joined QUB as a Lecturer on an RCUK fellowship and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry in 2016. In 2019, he was appointed Chair in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry.
Beyond academia, Prof. Nockemann co-founded and serves as director for the QUB spin-out company, Green Lizard Technologies Ltd., which aims to provide technological solutions for the sustainable and clean energy sector. He also co-founded Ionic Technologies Ltd. (former Seren Tech), playing a pivotal role in introducing new technologies for recycling rare-earth metals.
School of Chem & Chem Eng Prof. Steven E. J. Bell received his PhD from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and worked at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory and the University of York before returning to QUB where he is a Professor of Physical Chemistry.
His research centres on nanomaterials and Raman spectroscopy. He has a particular interest in the application of Raman methods to real world problems and is an expert on material and advanced technologies for healthcare. He has undertaken projects on the development of novel nanomaterials for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and catalysis, application of metal nanoparticles and nanoparticle assemblies as sensors, diagnostic applications of photonic sensors, vibrational spectroscopy forensic analysis, detection and identification of drugs of abuse, explosives and paint evidence, trace analysis of DNA/RNA and quantitative Raman spectroscopy for chemical analysis on foodstuff and pharmaceuticals.
Teaching Times
Lectures/practicals will be run over a single day each week to accommodate day-release schemes. Teaching may also be available outside normal teaching hours to support employed part-time students.
Learning and Teaching
The course accommodates both full-time and employed part-time students.
CONTACT TEACHING HOURS (per week):
Part-time: 8-12 hours
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Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Written examinations
Continuous assessment
Research project dissertation
Facilities
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has seen substantial strategic investment in building new state-of-the-art research laboratories for synthetic chemistry and catalysis research, with accommodation for over 50 researchers.
A recent £4 million investment in research and teaching laboratory space has significantly modernised and further extended our facilities, with recently added open-access equipment including an environmental SEM facility, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction equipment, a high-end confocal Raman microscope, and 400 & 600 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers.
Further open-access Departmental facilities include three additional NMR spectrometers, three mass spectrometers, and additional powder XRD, ICP-OES, BET and Hg porosimetry equipment, a CD spectrometer and a HPLC/GC chromatography, as well as standard spectrometer and computational facilities.
An in-house team provides analytical services to internal and external stakeholders using their dedicated instrument suite. 15 technicians provide support for microanalysis, glass-blowing, mechanical engineering, electronics, computer management and laboratory safety. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/
What our academics say
Recent years have seen an exponential increase in the demand for highly-skilled analytical scientists, both in industry and academia.
This course offers advanced training in chemical analysis, with a focus on applications in the pharmaceutical sector.
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.
Summary of Practical Content:
Workshop 1 & Practical 1: HPLC instrumentation and familiarisation with procedures and software.
Workshop 2 & Practical 2: HPLC method development.
Workshop 3 & Practical 3: HPLC method validation and assay of pharmaceutical mixture.
Workshop 4 & Practical 4: Gas chromatography.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
• Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to modern separation techniques.
• Apply the theoretical background of separation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and related products.
• Apply basic and advanced procedures used in the chromatographic analysis of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and related products.
• Possess practical skills associated with analytical instrumentation and techniques including HPLC, GC, IC, TLC and GPC.
• Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
• Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
• Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
Skills
• Ability to obtain and record relevant analytical data.
• Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulating conclusions.
• Ability to produce written reports utilising IT skills.
Staff:
Dr P. Nockemann Contribution: 5 Lectures / 3 seminars
TBC Contribution: 7 Lectures / 4 seminars
Prof. Steven J. Bell Contribution: 5 Lectures / 2 seminars
Dr M. Swadzba-Kwasny Contribution: 4 Lectures / 2 seminars
Prof. Ryan Donnelly Contribution: 1 Lecture
Dr Diarmaid Murphy Contribution: 1 Lecture
Summary of Lecture Content:
Week Lectures Lecturer
1 Introduction to the Solid State 1 – Thermodynamics, Polymorphs and Interactions PN
2 Introduction to the Solid State 2 – Physical Properties and Processes TBC
3 Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) 1 MSK
4 Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) 2 MSK
5 APPLIED Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, & ITC) MSK
6 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 1 PN
7 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 2 PN
8 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 3 PN
9 APPLIED X-ray Diffraction PN
10 Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) 1 TBC
11 Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) 2 TBC
12 Surface area analysis DC
Break
16 Particulate Analysis & Technology DM
17 Measurement of water content (KF, DVS) TBC
18 IR and near-IR spectroscopy SJB
19 APPLIED Infrared Spectroscopy SJB
20 Raman spectroscopy SJB
21 APPLIED Raman Spectroscopy SJB
22 Formulated product analysis- most common formulation RD
23 Data presentation of chemical information: data handling; data processing SJB
24 Solid State NMR spectroscopy MSK
25 Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques 1 TBC
26 Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques 2 TBC
Practicals
Total 24 hrs: 6 x 4hrs practicals
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
• Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to solid state characterisation techniques.
• Apply the theoretical background of solid state characterisation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals and related products.
• Apply basic and advanced procedures used in the solid-state characterisation of pharmaceutical and related products.
• Possess practical skills associated with spectroscopic instrumentation and techniques including thermal analysis, X-Ray diffraction techniques, solid-state NMR, IR/Raman spectroscopy, microscopy and analysis of particulate materials.
• Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
• Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
• Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
• Have a sound understanding of advanced analytical techniques and procedures used in the analysis of pharmaceutical and related products.
• Have the practical and related skills required to carry out such techniques/procedures and in the production of appropriate reports.
• Have developed skills to understand and identify suitable technique/s for application to specific pharmaceutical product type.
• Translate theoretical knowledge of the subject into practical methodology and applications.
Skills
• Ability to obtain and record characterisation data using common solid-state techniques.
• Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulate conclusions.
• Ability to produce written reports utilising IT skills.
Staff: Prof P. Manesiotis Contribution: 2 Lectures
CHM and PMY academic staff Directing research project
• Summary of Lecture Content:
• Lecture 1: Performing a literature review
• Lecture 2: Writing a dissertation thesis
Lab-Book, Data & Record Keeping 40%
The students will submit alongside their thesis their lab notebook and an electronic copy of their supplementary data (such a calculations or spectra) on a CD/USB. Some supervisors can ask for a hard copy of this data also but this is on a case-by-case basis, however the student must hand this data in if asked.
The lab notebook will be assessed by both the supervisor and the second assessor for its content including level of work conducted, thoroughness, legibility and clarity. An average of the marks will be used for the final total.
Thesis 50%
The thesis will be marked by both the supervisor and the second assessor and an average of the marks used for the final total. The marking will be split into three sections:
Introduction 30%
Results and Discussion 40%
Experimental/Methods 30%
The student should submit a draft of their thesis to their supervisor by the date set at the start of the project to receive feedback before their final submission. Following feedback from the supervisor, students should submit two bound copies for marking.
Oral Presentation 10%
The presentation will take the form of a 12 minute PowerPoint presentation plus 3 minutes of questioning on the presentation and associated area. All supervisors and second assessors are obliged to attend these presentations. It is advised that the students prepare this well in advanced and at least one practice talk is presented so that feedback may be given.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
• Have experience in scientific research at a level appropriate to the Master’s degree i.e. professional scientific research
• Have experience in data collection and analysis.
• Be able to contribute, design and communicate scientific research in a written form.
• Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to analytical and characterisation techniques of pharmaceuticals and related products.
• Apply the theoretical background of analytical and characterisation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals and related products.
• Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
• Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
• Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
• Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
• Apply detailed knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation to ensure safe working practices in a laboratory environment.
• Identify and assess risk within a working environment.
Skills
• Literature and practical research.
• Ability to communicate scientific research.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Problem solving.
• Good numeracy, literacy and IT skills (spreadsheets, word-processing, structure drawing and modelling etc.).
• Independent learning.
• Time management and personal prioritisation skills.
• Risk assessment in a laboratory environment.
• Critical thinking.
Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods
Overview
Summary of Lecture Content:
Semester 1
Lecture Topic Staff
1 Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis (1) Sudhirkumar Shinde
2 Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis (2) Sudhirkumar Shinde
3 Basic spectroscopic principles (1) Steven Bell
4 Basic spectroscopic principles (2) Steven Bell
5 Ultraviolet spectroscopy AP de Silva
6 Fluorescence spectroscopy AP de Silva
7 Titrimetric methods of analysis Sudhirkumar Shinde
8 Mass spectrometry (1) Panagiotis Manesiotis
9 Mass spectrometry (2) Panagiotis Manesiotis
10 NMR (1) Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
11 NMR (2) Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
12 Applied NMR spectroscopy Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
Semester 2
13 BP standard chemical assay and pharmaceutical analysis Justin Tian
14 Applied analysis in solid dosage form development Justin Tian
15 Process-driven innovations in pharmaceutical analysis Justin Tian
16 Analysis of Biopharmaceutical Agents Wafa Al-Jamal
17 Formulated biologicals and analysis Wafa Al-Jamal
18 Microbiological Analyses Laura Sherrard
19 Enzyme Immunoassays Deirdre Gilpin
20 Radiochemistry and applications Laura Sherrard
21 Pharmacopoeias and Official Standards Garry Laverty
22 Data presentation of biological information: data handling/ processing/reporting Laura Sherrard
Summary of Practical Content:
• Workshop 1 & Practical 1: UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Workshop 2 & Practical 2: NMR spectroscopy.
• Workshop 3 & Practical 3: Mass spectrometry.
• Practical 4: Total protein assay.
• Practical 5: Phosphate assay.
• Practical 6: Assay of ibuprofen in commercial tablets.
Learning Outcomes
This module will provide an extensive overview of the theoretical principles and the design and operating principles of a range of spectroscopic instruments. Methodologies relating to the use of such instruments in qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical and related products will be extensively covered and specifically related to analytical aspects of Pharmacopoeia monographs. The module will cover the design, workings and operating principles of a range of analytical techniques that are commonly used to characterise the physicochemical properties of finished products. It will also introduce, briefly, the cutting-edge innovations in pharmaceutical analysis for global pharmaceutical industry.
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
• Have a sound understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of key chemical, biological and spectroscopic methods applied to the analysis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and excipients.
• Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
• Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
• Demonstrate problem solving skills.
• Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
• Be able to work in a team, through participation in group projects.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of how to select and develop advanced analytical techniques and procedures to be used in the analysis of pharmaceutical and related products.
• Have developed the practical and related skills required to generate data and produce appropriate reports and SOPs in a GMP environment.
• Aware of current trends in pharmaceutical R&D, manufacture and associated innovations in pharmaceutical analysis department.
Skills
• Ability to prioritise activities and plan lab practical.
• Obtain and record relevant analytical data in correct format.
• Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulating conclusions.
• Ability to review literature, to produce written documents, including SOPs and written reports.
• Ability to perform statistical interpretation of data.
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemistry, Pharmacy or a closely allied subject. Performance in key modules will be taken into consideration.
Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students wishing to apply for this Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) should upload their CV and a letter of support from their employer (combined in one file). The employer’s letter of support must state that the employer supports their application, that they are prepared to release them from work for one day per week to attend the course, and that, if they are an existing employee, they need this qualification for a new role. The new role can be a change of title/role within the company.
This Higher Level Apprenticeship is fully funded by the DfE therefore it is not open to international applicants. Further information on eligibility criteria for Higher Level Apprenticeships can be found at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/higher-level-apprenticeships.
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2024. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note this course is subject to renewal of funding by the Department for the Economy and applicants must be working for a company with a base in Northern Ireland.
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 6.0, with not less than 5.5 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.
This programme is designed to prepare students for employment as analysts in the pharmaceutical and related industries or to prepare them for progression to more senior roles.
There is currently a high demand, both locally and internationally, for employees and graduates with analytical skills in this sector.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Employment after the Course
WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN FIVE YEARS' TIME?
You might be working as a laboratory analyst or senior analyst, in quality assurance or quality control or in an industrial R&D facility.
You could be managing graduate recruits of your own, signing off the analysis and the quality of drugs and releasing batches into the world.
You could study further towards obtaining a PhD and continue towards an academic career.
The main focus of this degree is pharmaceutical analysis, but your training could open up career pathways in other areas, such as the food industry or environmental protection. http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/
Employment Links
Many of our students have gone on to work for companies such as:
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.
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 of £400 pounds to secure your place on the course. 1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
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.
Students are required to buy a laboratory coat and laboratory glasses in year 1 at a combined cost of approximately £20. Students can use a locker each year but will have to provide their own padlock. Students also have the option to join the Royal Society of Chemistry at a cost of approximately £20 per year.
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.