Pharmaceutical Sciences

Course Overview

The M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is an integrated multidisciplinary course addressing fundamental and applied aspects of drug and drug product discovery, development, production and analysis. The programme will prepare candidates for research careers in academia and industry in pharmaceutical R&D, as well as will create an awareness of issues and approaches relevant to Ireland’s pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.



The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity is the leading research School of Pharmacy in Ireland. This M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences course is the only such degree offered in Ireland by a specialist School of Pharmacy centre.



Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for students with a degree in a relevant Science discipline, such as Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology. If you want to develop your skills in research and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and expand your career options, then this course is for you.



Course Structure

The course is available for full-time study over one calendar year or part-time over two years and consists of lectures, workshops, presentations and laboratory work. Formal classes run from September-April and are normally held two days every week with the remaining time available to students for self-directed studies, writing tutor marked assignments, preparing laboratory reports and presentations.

The programme consists of 10 compulsory taught modules: Regulatory Aspects and Industrial Pharmacy; Natural Product Analysis and Regulation; Spectroscopic Methods for Drug Analysis; Molecular Pharmaceutics and Advanced Drug Delivery; Biopharmaceutical Sciences; Pharmaceutical and Medical Nanotechnology; Drug Discovery and Development; Biotechnology; Formulation Development and Evaluation; and Professional Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences.



Students who wish to progress to the Masters course must complete a Research Dissertation and present a detailed scientific report at the end of the course. The project may be conducted either in the School of Pharmacy or at the student’s place of employment, but in either case, supervision is exercised by a member of the School of Pharmacy academic staff



The taught modules are supported by lectures and workshops on presentation, research and other transferrable skills. The course is taught mainly by College staff, although there is a contribution from specialist visiting lecturers.

Admission Requirements

Applicants are sought from holders of an upper second-class (2.1) Honours degrees in a relevant science disciplines, including Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology, or other appropriate programmes, such as Medicine or Veterinary.



Equivalent primary and/or postgraduate qualifications are considered, particularly with relevant professional experience.



Applications will be evaluated by the Course Director in consultation with the Course Committee and Dean of Graduate Studies as appropriate.

Closing Date: 28th June 2025

1 year full-time.

Next Intake: September 2025

Career Opportunities

This course will prepare candidates for careers in pharmaceutical research relevant to academic and manufacturing sectors, as well as create an awareness of issues and approaches relevant to the key pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland. Graduates have enjoyed successful careers in manufacturing, in R&D and in regulatory affairs.