Master of Science - Pharmaceutical Science (Professional Placement)

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.

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.

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.