Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science

This programme is primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at international students who have an interest in developing a career in the pharmaceutical sector. 

It is designed to equip you with versatile skills in the theoretical understanding, practical execution and critical evaluation of pharmaceutical science principles.

You will develop expert critical and technical knowledge related to the development, analysis and production of medicines (pharmaceutics), the drug industry and regulatory affairs.

You will gain insight to contemporary, integrated drug discovery strategies, study recent trends in chemical and biological therapeutics and evaluate the latest technologies used in the pharmaceutical industry.

You will also study the interaction between drugs and the body (pharmacology) and explore key analytical and bioanalytical techniques used in therapeutic drug monitoring, with the opportunity for hands-on practical experience in a range of specialist instrumentation and techniques.

Please note that the structure of the course as outlined here reflects some changes from January 2022, which remain subject to validation. 

Please contact us with any questions by emailing [email protected]

Due to extremely high demand for our programmes starting in January 2022, we are no longer accepting applications from international applicants for this programme. We're sorry that you won't be able to join us in January, but we would be delighted to receive an application for our next intake in January 2023. Please click on 'Enquire about this course' for more information.

This programme provides the opportunity to acquire versatile skills in the theoretical understanding, practical execution and critical evaluation of Pharmaceutical Science principles to underpin your chosen professional careers.  In addition, a specific aim is to enhance your theoretical understanding and practical application of analytical science in pharmaceutical disciplines.

You'll acquire broad knowledge in contemporary pharmaceutics and pharmacology and gain an in-depth critical understanding of current research in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science.

You'll develop broad knowledge of current pharmaceutical analysis and quality control strategies and will learn about GMP and GLP compliance.

There is a strong focus on developing your analytical and practical laboratory skills with many opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices including specialist equipment, for example, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, microscopy, cell culture and flow cytometry. You will have the opportunity to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and to interpret and evaluate data produced both in the laboratory and in silico.

In the final trimester you will undertake an independent project within a dedicated research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your practical, analytical and scientific research skills. 

You will develop graduate attributes necessary for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sector, developing key skills including communication with other professional scientists and non-specialist audiences, organisational skills, problem-solving, review and synopsis, numeracy, statistical analysis and computing skills.

Stage 1: Trimester 2

Continuation of study requirements.

To progress to the final research project module (60 credits) you must successfully complete 100 credits of your Stage 2 taught compulsory modules, which must include the Research Skills module.

If you complete a number of taught modules but are unable to progress due to insufficient credit or you have decided not to continue your studies for any other reason, you will be entitled to receive the following awards:

You will be awarded a Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science on successful completion of 60 credits from Stage 1 at grade 9 or above. 

You will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science on successful completion of 120 credits from six Stage 2 modules.

On successful completion of 180 (Stage 2) credits at SCQF level 11 including a minimum of 60 credits achieved from the final research project, you will be awarded a Master's degree in Pharmaceutical and Analytical Science.
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Entry requirements

Postgraduate

Students will be eligible to apply if they have gained a Bachelor degree with C+, GPA of 2.5/4.0 or Good or better

With a two-year Master's degree in Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science, you can take advantage of the increased opportunities for advancement in the pharmaceutical, healthcare or bioscience sectors, as discovery or development scientists, in research leadership, development or management roles.  You may develop your career in global pharmaceutical companies, smaller developing biotechnology enterprises, contract drug testing companies or service providers to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, hospital laboratories, or in local government, or health and safety divisions in industry. 

Successful completion of the programme also provides a sound platform for PhD study across the pharmaceutical and bio-molecular sciences, in worldwide academic and research institutions.