Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences at UCC has been designed to address the current and future skills demands of the pharmaceutical sector, offering a unique opportunity for graduates to fast-track their careers in the pharmaceutical industry. Graduates of this programme will gain expertise in the application of regulatory affairs within the pharmaceutical industry and develop skills in using science- and risk-based methodologies for drug development and manufacturing. This programme explores exciting and emerging topics in the pharmaceutical industry, including Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs) such as cell and gene therapies, digital transformation within the sector, and clinical trials. Through engaging with real-world challenges, students enhance their critical-thinking abilities and build versatile, transferable skills essential for advancing their careers in this fast-evolving and dynamic 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.

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)

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)

PF6044 Digital Transformation in the (Bio)pharma Industry (5 credits)

PF6124 Introduction to Clinical Trial Design and Analysis (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 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

Regulatory science is a crucial skill gap in Ireland, as highlighted by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report (2024). This program is your gateway to a dynamic career in quality and regulatory affairs. Graduates of our successful PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences currently work in the following roles:



Associate Director - Clinical Regulatory Scientist

Director of Regulatory Affairs

Process Specialist

Senior Scientist CMC

Key Account Manager

Senior Regulatory Associate CMC

Senior Quality Analyst

Clinical Scientific Expert

Quality Assurance Associate

Research Officer