Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Analysis (Professional Placement)

This course offers key skills in pharmaceutical analysis, including measurement, scientific practice, evaluation and interpretation of data. Students will study recent trends in analytical science and techniques and be introduced to pharmaceutical technologies, such as formulations and clinical pharmacokinetics.

Through the research project, students will develop valuable research skills. Past projects have examined areas such as determining caffeine and its metabolites in human serum samples using GC-MS, and synthesis and use of compounds as probes for biochemical reactions. Students will gain hands-on experience of state-of-the-art equipment in Kingston's modern laboratories. Visiting speakers and industrial visits support the course and help students contextualise their studies.

Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. The responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; the University cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. Students may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important for students to prepare and apply themselves if this is the route they wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Recent graduates have gone on to a range of roles, including: • pharmaceutical analysts in large and SME chemical/pharmaceutical companies; • teaching; • PhD research; • sales and marketing; and • managerial.