Pharmaceutical Business Management

This Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management is available on a full time and part-time basis and is conducted over a 1 or 1.5 years period. 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 learner of the programme you will:



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



Master business development and pharmaceutical product launching activities within an ever-expanding global 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 online classes with the opportunity of some face-to-face weekend workshops.



Hone your skills if already working in the pharmaceutical area extra time.



Be supported through your studies by industry-experienced lecturers from the pharmaceutical industry.



Network with guest speakers from the pharmaceutical industry.



The course is delivered from Cork but available to applicants nationwide.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Business Management consists of 60 credits from the modules outlined below. Upon completion of the PGDip, learners will have the option to progress to the full MSc and complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice. The dissertation modules are available to view on the MSc page.



Course Modules

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

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 Years Full-Time / 1.5 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management wishing to further develop their management competencies and experience will be eligible to transfer to the MSc stage of this program or the existing suite of programmes in International Business.



Career Progression

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in 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.