Pharmaceutical Business Management

The Certificate in Pharmaceutical Business Management (CPBM) programme has been developed for learners with an honour’s (NFQ Level 8) degree primarily in business, pharmaceutical or science-related disciplines. The programme should also appeal to a diverse profile of candidates, including:

Experienced individuals in the industry who wish to leverage the targeted knowledge, skills and competences of the taught programme

Practicing managers, and those who have a general business qualification along with relevant pharmaceutical work experience, who wish to hone and improve their skills in specific areas of pharmaceutical management

Those who wish to rise to management level and progress their careers in the pharmaceutical industry

Applicants who have worked in other service industries and are considering diversifying into the field of pharmaceutical management

Working professionals who have extensive industry experience in the fields of pharmaceutical management, along with an undergraduate qualification, who want to engage in further studies to support future career aspirations.

Recent level 8 degree graduates who wish to develop their business/operational skills for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

This certificate course consists of two mandatory modules along with three elective modules. Students will study Product Commercialisation and International Strategy while also taking three electives over the course of two semesters.

Product Commercialisation:
This module aims to introduce learners to the Regulatory, Financial and Commercialisation Frameworks in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry. Success in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry requires a basic understanding of the R&D, financial and commercial launch paradigms.

International Strategy:
This module introduces and develops the concepts, perspectives, and tools associated with the discipline of strategy formulation and development. It does this firstly at a fundamental level where conceptual understanding can be provided for and then places the concepts and tools within the complexities of undertaking business in different countries and cultures. As well as providing the learner with a core body of knowledge of strategy, the module aims to go beyond the prescriptive toolbox of strategy making and instil in the learner an appreciation of the complexities, subtleties and human factors that fundamentally shape what businesses do and why. This central aim of the module is consistent with the level of a Master's programme. ​

Electives:
Students will undertake three elective modules (two in semester one, one in semester two) over the course of this programme. These electives can be viewed on the MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management page.

Candidates seeking access to the Postgraduate Diploma 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 Postgraduate Diploma 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 year full-time/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 Certificate in Pharmaceutical Business Management wishing to further develop their management competencies and experience will be eligible to transfer to the PGDip stage of this program.

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