Pharmaceutical Business Management

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management is available on both a full and part-time basis and is conducted over a 1.5 or 2 year period respectively. The programme develops learners’ abilities to research current trends and developments in the Pharmaceutical Business Management Industry and to develop their knowledge, skill and competencies to work in this dynamic business arena across multiple industries, whether they are service or manufacturing oriented. As a graduate of the course you will:

Expand your knowledge of marketing, technological developments, product release and regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Master business development and launching activities within an ever-expanding industry

Become an expert in regional management, forecasting and budgeting

Develop your interpersonal, professional and leadership skills by working independently, and as part of a team on a range of challenging projects.

Avail of part-time learning which allows students already working in the area extra time to hone skills.

The Programme consists of three stages:

Stage 1 & 2 – a two semester taught stage leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management, for learners who wish to exit at that stage. (60 Credits)

Stage 3 - a one semester dissertation based stage, where the learners make regular contact with their dissertation supervisor, leading cumulatively to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management. (30 Credits)

Stages 1 & 2 - 60 Credits

International Strategy
Technology & Innovation
Leadership and Management Development
International Marketing
Building Sustainability and Responsibility
Digital Transformation
Leading Change
Pharmaceutical Marketing Management
Problem Solving and Project Management
Product Commercialisation
Quality & Regulatory Practice in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Management Accounting and Control
Business Research Methods

Stage 3

Dissertation Stage
Dissertation (Industry Sponsored)

Candidates seeking access to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management programmes are required to hold either:

A Level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in Pharmacy, Science, Business or equivalent discipline.

A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a non-business related discipline, with the following conditions:

Candidates with significant business/management experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.

Candidates who have no management experience will be assessed as to their prior learning. Where appropriate, candidates will be directed to take an additional module during semester one: Finance for Non-Financial Managers. This module is intended to prepare learners from non-business backgrounds to engage with the accounting learning outcomes in Module 12: Management Accounts and Control in semester two.

A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a business related non-STEM discipline, with the following conditions:

Candidates with significant pharmaceutical experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.

Candidates who have no pharmaceutical experience but who hold a business-related degree will be assessed as to their prior learning. Where appropriate, candidates will be directed to take an additional module during semester one: Introduction to Pharmaceutical Industry. This module is intended to prepare learners from general business backgrounds for the pharmaceutical learning outcomes during this MSc programme.

Applicants over the age of 23 may apply on the basis of previous work experience and a demonstration of commitment to further studies (Applicants under the age of 23 are required to meet the minimum entry requirements).

Each candidate’s application will be considered individually in accordance with the College’s QQI approved quality assurance procedures.

Candidates holding relevant alternative qualifications and those with related experiential learning will be considered under the College’s RPL policy.

English Language​
If English is not your native language you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard, i.e a minimum of 6.5 IELTS score or equivalent.

How to Apply

Students who wish to apply for this course may apply directly to Griffith College. They should have obtained a degree at least a level 8 honours degree in pharmacy, science, business or related discipline.

When our Admissions team receive your application they will be in contact with you directly.

1.5 Years Full-Time / 2 Years Part-Time.

Intake Dates
Cork - Full-Time - February 2024
Cork - Part-Time - February 2024
Cork - Full-Time - September 2024
Cork - Part-Time - September 2024

Academic Progression
Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management wishing to further develop their management competencies and experience will be eligible to transfer to the MBA stage of the existing suite of programmes in International Business.

What is an MBA? Learn more!

Career Progression
Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management are well positioned to start, or advance, a highly attractive career in an expanding pharmaceutical industry both nationally and internationally.