Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences

We have developed this MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences at University College Cork (UCC) to meet current and future skills needs in the pharmaceutical sector. It follows on from our successful Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences where we provide a unique training opportunity to graduates for fast-tracking their careers in the pharmaceutical industry.



Our MSc Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences promotes a science-driven approach to drug product development and regulation; this degree will provide you with a strong foundation in regulatory science and a hands-on introduction to current good manufacturing, laboratory, and clinical practices, as well as product development. You will become an expert on the application of regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry and develop skills in the application of science and risk-based methods in drug development and manufacture.



We have designed this MSc to broaden the professional development of all our students. It will challenge you to use critical thinking skills to overcome industrial problems and to develop transferable skills to advance your career in this burgeoning pharmaceutical sector.



Placement or Study Abroad Information

This taught MSc includes an integrated industrial placement (minimum 6 months) at a placement provider within an industry or relevant research setting. The industry or research placement facilitates a real-world work experience and takes place during semesters 2 and 3 for approximately 4 days per week.

Modules



The MSc Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences constitutes 90 credits taken over 12 months: 60 credits of taught modules and a 30-credit dissertation in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences. In addition, we facilitate a 6-month work placement during semesters 2 and 3.



Part I (60 credits)

ST6024 Introduction to Probability & Statistics (5 credits)

ST6025 Statistical Modelling (5 credits)

ST6026 Basics of Machine Learning (5 credits)

PF6026 Pharmaceutical Technology & Unit Operations with Regulatory Insights (5 credits)

PF6027 Pharmaceutical GxP & Regulatory Science (5 credits)

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

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

EH6136 Pharmacoepidemiology (5 credits)

EH6137 Pharmaceutical Data Management & Pharmacovigilance (5 credits)

PF6032 Bioprocessing Unit Operations (5 credits)

PF6038 Skills Development in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (10 credits)



Part II (30 credits)

PF6031 Dissertation in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (30 credits)

Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following subject areas: chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmacy, mathematical and computer science, engineering, public health, and business information systems.



Eligible applicants may also be invited for an interview. Selection from among eligible applicants will be made according to the following criteria:



Performance in primary degree

Personal statement

Reference

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 in a related field such as the chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmaceutical industry, engineering, public health, business information systems sector, etc. To demonstrate relevant experience, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.



Academic achievement

Work experience

Personal statement

Reference



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.



In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.



Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

12 months, full-time.

Start Date September 2025

An MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences would ideally prepare you for quality and regulatory roles in the pharmaceutical industry. However, the skills acquired would also be highly applicable to other roles within this sector.



Graduates will work in the roles such as:

Assistant Project Manager - Life Science

Inside Sales Account Manager

IT Business Analyst Associate, Quality Systems

Process Changeover Specialist

QA Specialist

Quality Analyst - Microbiology

Quality Assurance Representative

Regulatory Compliance Specialist

Scientific Excellence and Governance Lead

Senior Associate, Clinical Regulatory

Senior Regulatory Associate CMC

Technical Writer