Industrial Pharmaceutics

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.

Core Modules

Research Skills and Methods (10 credits)

Formulation of Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Products (30 credits)

Characterisation Methods for Pharmaceutical Products (20 credits)

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Emerging Technologies (20 credits)

Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs (20 credits)

Leadership and Project Management (20 credits)

Research Project (60 credits)

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 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.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, 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.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2026 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.

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.

1 year (Full Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

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.