Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc

About the course

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis develops advanced knowledge in instrumental analysis. The University of Hertfordshire is at the heart of a pharmaceutical research cluster in North London. Our course has been developed with the support of UK regulatory professionals and industrial analysts to train graduates to enter employment within regulated pharmaceutical laboratories.

The Masters course will develop the specialist analytical knowledge base for chemists, chemical engineers and other pharmaceutical scientists. The MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis will also prepare you for a career in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs through our unique industrial modules.

As well as advanced analytical techniques, you will also study the principles of pharmaceutical analysis which support your development as an independent analytical scientist who can work in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. The theory of analytical techniques will be explored in our modern analytical laboratory with extensive practical classes and data analysis workshops.

The MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to work in inter-disciplinary product development teams. In addition the core MSc course modules place considerable emphasis on generic research skills such as the preparation of research proposals and protocols. Your MSc course culminates in the completion of a personal research project in the research groups of our accomplished analytical chemists.

Course Structure

Core modules

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Semester A)
• Science research methods (Semester A)
• Principles of pharmaceutical analysis (Semester A)

Industrial modules

• Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs (Semester B)
• Formulation Analysis and Quality Optimisation (Semester B)

Specialist modules

• Advanced Instrumental Analysis (Semester B)
• Research project in Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Semester C)

Why choose this course?

• Develops your skills for specialisation in industrial pharmaceutical analysis
• Modular course structure that develops inter-disciplinary skills in analysis and regulatory affairs
• World-class analytical laboratory facilities in the centre of the South-east England's pharmaceutical industry triangle
• Excellent opportunities for continuing professional development
• Committed, research-active staff to support your development as a pharmaceutical analyst

View course leaflet for Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc

Study routes

• Full Time, 1 Years
• Full Time,

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

The MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis is typically a full-time programme which offers excellent skill development to launch a career in the pharmaceutical industry whether here in the UK, or with companies who operate outside the European Union.

The course will also accelerate the careers of those currently working within the UK pharmaceutical industry, and is offered on a part-time basis for day-release from your place of work. Several modules may also be studied by UK full-time employees on a short-course basis with the award of ECTS credit.

Teaching methods

All taught modules will consist of a series of lectures and supporting workshops and, with the exception of Science Research Methods and Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, will have assessed laboratory sessions.

Our facilities

Our school, at the University of Hertfordshire offers world-class teaching and learning facilities, including Europe's largest medical simulation laboratory.

Take a virtual tour of our facilties at the School of Pharmacy.

Work Placement

Several of the students will have the opportunity to complete their research projects within the pharmaceutical industry.

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules

• Advanced Instrumental Analysis.

  The module broadens and extends the understanding of commonly used analytical techniques such as chromatography and molecular spectroscopy with particular reference to the analysis and polymorphs and chiral compounds. In addition the theory and use of sensors and x-ray crystallography will be introduced.

• Formulation Analysis and Quality Optimisation

  This is a specialist module which aims to provide students with the ability to work in a product development team at any stage within the pharmaceutical development cycle. The importance of the appropriate interpretation and application of analytical techniques to direct product manufacture and assure quality will be demonstrated. Candidates will generate a critical understanding of product development and optimisation approaches and will work in an interdisciplinary team to develop a prototype formulation for batch production.

• Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs

  This module explores the principles and procedures of drug regulation within the European context and covers the regulatory aspects of bringing a medicine to the market for analytical, research and development scientists. Students will study the regulations governing the development, approval and marketing of pharmaceutical products in Europe, as well as identifying the compatibility of EU regulations with the International Conference on Harmonization. This module will provide candidates with knowledge to work as scientists within all areas of pharmaceutical development and provide the introductory knowledge to progress to a career in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs.

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Research

  This is an introductory module which aims to introduce the main principles of research methodology and their application to pharmaceutical analysis. The module will emphasise the steps of analysis in research programmes from the initial definition of problems and critical appraisal of information sources to the communication of results. The theory of commonly used techniques including separation science and spectroscopy will be used to exemplify the processes involved in developing robust analytical approaches to solving problems in pharmaceutical research and development.

• Principles of Pharmaceutical Science

  An introductory module which aims to provide an overview of drug delivery, action and disposition with an indication of the processes and requirements for drug regulation, providing essential background knowledge for the medicinal chemist and pharmaceutical scientist. The module will provide candidates with a critical appreciation of the significance of physicochemical properties in drug delivery, transport across biological membranes and disposition.

• Research Project in Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Science

  The Module involves identification of a research topic and the use and evaluation of appropriate sources of information, including the performance of a literature search and evaluation of the original and review literature, together with relevant databases and the internet. The aim of the project will be identified and a hypothesis formulated. Appropriate methodologies will be identified and experimental procedures designed in order to test the hypothesis. Interpretation and critical analysis of experimental data will be carried out, including statistical analysis where appropriate, in order to draw conclusions resulting in a re-evaluation of the hypothesis. The results of the investigations will be placed in the context of current knowledge as part of the project report. Safety and risk assessments will be carried out with respect to all laboratory procedures.

Optional

Fees & funding

Fees 2013

UK/EU Students

Full time: £6,700 for the 2013 academic year

International Students

Full time: £11,000 for the 2013 academic year

Discounts are available for International students if payment is made in full at registration

View detailed information about tuition fees

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

How to apply