Industrial Pharmaceutics

Course Outline

The MRes in Industrial Pharmaceutics is a unique research programme that develops the critical skills required to work in the pharma and biopharma manufacturing industry in Ireland. The programme will develop competency in the design of experiments, data analysis, process development and analytical method development as well as in transversal skills such as scientific communication and technical writing.



This is the first research-intensive, industry-focussed MRes course of its kind in Ireland and is designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical industry for more specialist scientists with expertise in the analytical or process development space in Ireland and abroad.



The MRes Industrial Pharmaceutics is a 12-month full time (24 months part-time) research programme based within the School of Pharmacy and/or industry. The programme consists of an extensive research induction programme to develop basic pharma/biopharma process and analytical development skills.



Students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12-month full-time programme (24-months part-time), the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 20,000 words. In parallel, students must take and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Modules (20 credits)



Core Module

PF6040 Pharmaceutics Research Skills (5 credits)



Elective Modules (15 credits from the following list)

PF6026 Pharmaceutical Technology & Unit Operations (5 credits)

PF6027 Pharmaceutical GxP and Regulatory Science (5 credits)

PF6028 Process Control and Validation for Pharmaceutical Processes (5 credits)

PF6029 Biotechnology-derived and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) (5 credits)

PF6032 Bioprocessing Unit Operations (5 credits)

PF6035 Lean Six Sigma for Biopharma (10 credits)

PF6044 Digital Transformation in the (Bio)pharma Industry (5 credits)



Research Thesis (70 credits)

You will undertake independent research towards the completion of a research thesis to a workload equivalent to 70 credits on a selected topic in industrial pharmaceutics.



Seminar Series: You will have the opportunity to regularly communicate your research findings through our monthly seminar series.

Requirements

Applicants must have a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honour’s degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following relevant subject areas: chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences or science, healthcare science, technology, or process engineering. Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview. Selection from among eligible applicants will be made according to the following criteria:



• Performance in primary degree

• Personal statement

• References



Recognition of Prior Learning

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience. To demonstrate relevant experience, applicants will be assessed by the programme team on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.



• Academic achievement

• Project proposal

• Relevant industrial experience

• Personal statement

• Reference



Industry-based applicants

Applicants based in industry can apply to undertake a 2-year part-time MRes. The decision on entry to the programme will be assessed by the programme director and the Head of School, on a case-by-case basis. The decision on entry will include the proposed project compatibility, the applicant’s performance in their primary degree and an interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from an academic/industry referee.



English language requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. See our Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information.



For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. See our Qualification Comparison by Country page for more information.

Closing Date 30 April 2026



Non-EU Closing Date 30 April 2026

12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time.

Start Date September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

As the global biopharmaceutical industry continues to expand it continues to experience a shortage of highly skilled staff so this is an ideal programme for those of you wishing to work in the Irish, or international, biopharmaceutical industry. In addition, the iEd Hub and School of Pharmacy will endeavor to work with the local biopharma industry to maximise employment opportunities for our research programme graduates.



Our MRes programme allows those of you without research & development experience to move into the area of process and analytical development earlier in your career – without needing the extensive industrial experience that is currently required for this sector. In addition, our MRes graduates can apply to undertake a PhD. See our School of Pharmacy research page for more information on our research options.



Career Pathways

Career pathways are varied and include the following:

• Process Scientist

• Analytical Development Scientist

• Process Support Scientist/Engineer

• Pharmaceutical Engineer

• Technical Operations

• Tech Transfer

• Manufacturing Scientist

• QC Technical Support