Pharmaceutics MSc

About the course

The MSc in Pharmaceutics provides advanced knowledge in pharmaceutics and medicines formulation. 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 pharmaceutical scientists to train graduates to enter employment within regulated industrial pharmaceutical laboratories.

The Masters course will develop the specialist pharmaceutics knowledge base for chemists, chemical engineers and chemically interested pharmaceutical scientists. The MSc Pharmaceutics will also prepare you for a career in Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs.

On this MSc course you will study several core modules with medicinal and pharmaceutical analytical chemists to develop inter-disciplinary skills. The core modules place considerable emphasis on generic research skills such as the preparation of research proposals and protocols, as well as exploring the principles of industrial pharmaceutical scientific research and development.

The specialist modules in pharmaceutics and formulation involve detailed study and laboratory investigation of drug characterization and medicines production. Our Pharmaceutics of Topical Dosage Forms draws on the expertise of our leading Centre for Research into Topical Drug Delivery and Toxicology, and you will be taught by some of Europe's leading researchers and industrial scientists in this exciting field.

Course Structure

Core modules

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

Industrial modules

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

Specialist modules

• Pharmaceutics of Enteral and Parenteral Dosage Forms (Semester B)
• Pharmaceutics of Topical Dosage Forms (Semester B)
• Research project in medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Semester C)

Why choose this course?

• Modular course structure with an emphasis on regulatory affairs in formulation and product development
• Extensive and modern manufacturing and formulation analysis laboratory facilities
• Extended research project in the research group of one of our investigators
• Excellent opportunities for career development and continuing professional development
• Committed, research-active staff to support your development as a pharmaceutical scientist

View course leaflet for Pharmaceutics MSc

Study routes

• Part Time, 2 Years
• Part Time,
• Full Time, 1 Years
• Full Time,

Locations

• University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Careers

The MSc Pharmaceutics is 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 facilities 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

• 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.

• Pharmaceutics of Enteral and Parenteral Dosage Forms

  A specialist module which aims to provide students with an overview of the technologies employed for the production of solid oral dosage forms and injectable products. This module will provide candidates with specialist knowledge of controlling the solid state forms of active pharmaceutical ingredients as well as the processes for their production. Candidates will generate a critical understanding of the links between the fundamental physicochemical properties of particles and their suitability for secondary pharmaceutical processing as well as a detailed understanding for the role of formulation to optimize biopharmaceutics.

• Pharmaceutics of Topical Dosage Forms

  The School of Pharmacy at UH has considerable expertise in the field of percutaneous and topical absorption, both in terms of the School's academic staff and its visiting professors and lecturers. This is a specialist module which aims to develop skills and knowledge for the formulation, production and testing of topical dosage forms. The module will discuss the principles pertaining to percutaneous, pulmonary and cutaneous delivery of exogenous chemicals. The physiological, physicochemical and technological aspects of topical drug delivery will be considered. The methods used to improve drug delivery and the analyze drug delivery for the marketing and regulatory approval of products will be examined.

• 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