Pharmaceutical Science (MSc)

Overview

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Science is designed to offer opportunities for advanced study in drug discovery technology, therapeutics and process development, pharmaceutical analysis and quality assurance. The MSc is suitable for people working in industrial and research laboratories wishing to develop their knowledge in the design and synthesis of drugs and address the pharmacological issues that arise. The course is also suitable for professionals working in hospitals, pharmacies and clinics as the course will also focus on drug analysis and quality assurance, providing the theoretical and laboratory instruction for evaluating analytical data and validating analytical methods, and strategies employed in analytical research and development.

Faculty of Life Sciences

The course aims to:

• provide you with a programme of advanced study to equip you for a future career in pharmaceutical science
• foster a comprehensive and critical understanding of the existing state of knowledge in pharmaceutical science
• enhance intellectual and practical skills necessary for the collection, analysis, interpretation and understanding of scientific data
• provide practical opportunities in a multidisciplinary environment

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

The normal academic standard for entry is a Lower Second (2.2) UK first degree in an appropriate subject (pharmaceutical science, chemistry or related. Applications are welcome from graduates in related subjects such as pharmacology and biochemistry). These will be considered on an individual basis. Equivalent overseas qualifications will also be accepted. Proficiency in the English Language is essential. If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 580, CBT TOEFL 237 or equivalent.

Course contents

The MSc is a one year, full-time course involving 30 weeks of taught modules divided into two 15-week semesters. The part-time mode follows a similar pattern over two years. You take 4 core modules, two optional modules plus a research project.

Core modules:

• Scientific Framework for Research
• Drug Discovery Technology
• Contemporary Pharmaceuticals: Synthesis, Development and Production
• Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Assurance
• Drug Delivery Systems (core for non-pharmaceutical science graduates)
• Research Project

Optional modules include:

• Systems Pharmacology
• Neuropharmacology
• Drug and Poison Analysis
• Bioinformatics and Molecular Modelling
• Advanced Immunology

To qualify for the MSc award you will need to carry out a Research Project.

Read more details about the modules

Assessment
Assessment is a combination of coursework, which includes poster and seminar presentations, essays, the research project and its oral defence and examination.

Careers

Postgraduates in pharmaceutical science are equipped to take up employment in pharmaceutical research, development, analysis or formulation. They can also pursue careers in medical research, in hospital and public health laboratories and in the food, water and agricultural industries. Graduates will have the necessary knowledge related to the development, analysis, and production of medicines and have a specialised knowledge of modern analytical techniques used to detect, identify and quantitatively determine drugs and related substances. The course is therefore ideal for those wishing to enter areas such as marketing, sales, production, regulatory affairs and process development.