Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Science

This course explores current trends in chemical, biological and biotechnological therapeutics and examines the latest technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.

Students will gain an understanding of processes used in clinical trials and in the development, manufacture and regulation of medicines. Specialised topics, such as pharmaceutical regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance, are taught by staff who have experience of working within the relevant regulatory bodies.

Through an independent research project, students will study an area of interest in depth. Examples of projects include: medicinal chemistry (e.g. synthesis of anti-cancer compounds and natural products), pharmaceutical technology (e.g. optimisation of tablet manufacture and formulation), and drug delivery (e.g. smart polymer-based nanoparticles and extravascular peptide delivery). Guest speakers from the pharmaceutical sector share their industry perspectives of drug development.

Post completion of this course, students would be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills relevant to a pharmaceutical science career in the pharmaceutical industry or public sector - such as clinical trials, regulatory affairs, formulation, quality control or marketing.

Recent graduates have gone on to a range of areas, including: • drug manufacturing and pharmaceutical technology; • drug formulation and analysis; • clinical trials; • pharmacovigilance; • regulatory affairs; • sales and marketing; and • managerial.