Industrial Pharmaceutics (MRes)

Our MRes is the only structured master's research programme in Ireland that specifically targets the biopharma and pharmaceutical industries.

Ireland has a significant biopharma manufacturing footprint with 9 out of the top 10 pharma companies globally based here. Completion of a research degree in pharma at a university with significant biopharma industry links (organic and via iEd Hub) will enable significant future employability both locally in Ireland and internationally as a process or analytical development scientist.

The School of Pharmacy in UCC is a top-100 Global School of Pharmacy; we have an extensive track record of industry-academic research collaboration and possess state-of-the-art pilot scale tabletting and aseptic manufacturing facilities as well as modern research labs. The majority of potential academic supervisors have worked in industry or have active industrial collaborations making the School of Pharmacy an excellent choice for starting your career in the pharma/biopharma industry. The careful selection of industry-relevant taught modules and industry-relevant research projects ensures that our graduates are highly employable in the pharma/biopharma industry at home and abroad.

This is an ideal postgraduate qualification for those of you wishing to work in pharmaceutical development and commercialisation roles or in extremely technical roles in the industry. In addition, the MRes programme allows our students to get an experience of academic research for those considering undertaking a PhD.

Applicants must have a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honour’s degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following relevant subject areas: chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences or science, healthcare science, technology, or process engineering. Eligible applicants will be invited for an interview. Selection from among eligible applicants will be made according to the following criteria:

Recognition of Prior Learning

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience. To demonstrate relevant experience, applicants will be assessed by the programme team on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.

Industry-based applicants

Applicants based in industry can apply to undertake a 2-year part-time MRes. The decision on entry to the programme will be assessed by the programme director and the Head of School, on a case-by-case basis. The decision on entry will include the proposed project compatibility, the applicant’s performance in their primary degree and an interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from an academic/industry referee.

English language requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. See our Postgraduate English Language Entry Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. See our Qualification Comparison by Country page for more information.

As the global biopharmaceutical industry continues to expand it continues to experience a shortage of highly skilled staff so this is an ideal programme for those of you wishing to work in the Irish, or international, biopharmaceutical industry. In addition, the iEd Hub and School of Pharmacy will endeavor to work with the local biopharma industry to maximise employment opportunities for our research programme graduates.

Our MRes programme allows those of you without research & development experience to move into the area of process and analytical development earlier in your career – without needing the extensive industrial experience that is currently required for this sector. In addition, our MRes graduates can apply to undertake a PhD. See our School of Pharmacy research page for more information on our research options.
 
Career Pathways

Career pathways are varied and include the following: