Queen's University Belfast

Industrial Pharmaceutics

Queen's University Belfast has developed a dynamic new MSc programme for students seeking careers in the global pharmaceutical industry. The new MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutics will prepare graduates with the expertise and skills required for employment in an industry estimated to be worth $1.2 trillion. Industrial pharmaceutics plays a vital role in the development, validation and manufacture of new medicines, ensuring their safety and quality, and MSc graduates will be able to avail of employment opportunities at all stages of the medicine development pipeline.

The School of Pharmacy at Queen's has an excellent global reputation and is highly ranked for both teaching and research. Active areas of research within the School include Drug Delivery and Biomaterials, Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance, Nanomedicine and Biotherapeutics, and Pharmaceutical Materials Science and Formulation.

Industrial Pharmaceutics highlights

World Class Facilities

•The School of Pharmacy at Queen's is acknowledged as a leading centre for Pharmacy teaching and research in the UK, consistently featuring at or near the top of league tables for the subject.

Student Experience

•The School has strong international links as well as a great community spirit.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Learning and Teaching Outline:

We provide a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Across a combination of morning and afternoon classes, examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are lectures, practical laboratory experiences, self-directed study and supervised research work to enhance employability.

Entry requirements

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering or closely allied subject.

The School of Pharmacy reserves the right to interview applicants or review the content of their previous qualifications to ensure suitability to enter the programme.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Duration

1 year full-time

Careers or further progression

Career Prospects

Professional Opportunities

Graduates from this course will be able to pursue a career in a range of areas, such as;

Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. R&D, production, regulatory)

Academia (research and teaching)

Government agencies, such as drug licensing authorities

Healthcare

Scientific Research

Subjects taught

Course Structure

Students will join a community of nearly 4,000 postgraduate students, having access to a dedicated hub for postgraduate students (The Graduate School), that provides state-of-the-art facilities for study, and high-quality training within a diverse interdisciplinary research-intensive Russell Group university.

Characterisation Methods for Pharmaceutical Products

This module introduces students to a wide range of techniques used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical products, including physiochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo testing. It will equip students with modern product development and manufacturing solutions relating to current industry.

Formulation of Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Products

This module develops concepts from basic science, leading up to advanced pharmaceutical formulations and biopharmaceutical products. Module content will encompass the process of developing pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals in a variety of dosage forms, and routes of administration.

Leadership and Project Management

The fundamentals of project management and entrepreneurship are the main module topics, including how to apply the principles of project management to a pharmaceutical project. In addition, students will undertake a Chartered Management Institute Level 7 Certificate (equivalent to a Master's degree) in Strategic Management and Leadership within the Queen's Graduate School.

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Emerging Technologies

This module incorporates the key scientific and advanced engineering concepts in pharmaceutical manufacturing, ranging from batch to continuous manufacturing, and considering both standard methods and new and emerging technologies. Students will also consider the associated challenges that are posed to industry, and appropriate problem-solving approaches.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs

This module provides an understanding of the challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry as companies strive to develop new products. It also equips the students with modern product development and manufacturing solutions that conform to industry best practice and modern Quality by Design (QbD) principles.

Research Methods and Data Management

This module will equip students with the key skills and knowledge to pursue academic research at the postgraduate and professional level with state-of-the-art methods and data management requirements from the Industry.

Research Project

The practical and theoretical aspects covered in the course will help the students develop the skills needed for an individual research project within different areas of the Pharmaceutical Industry. Students will be able to undertake their research project within an area of expertise within the School, or alternatively, undertake a work-based project which will increase awareness of the commercial applications of the programme.

Assessment method

Assessment

Assessment Outline:

The course uses a variety of assessment methods relevant to a master's level of study. The assessments include: oral & poster presentations, group & individual assignments, case study reports, essay writing, written examinations and a final dissertation.