Program Overview

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MSc Pharmaceutical Science

The MSc Pharmaceutical Science course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the subject, offering a broad curriculum essential for a pharmaceutical scientist in the current and future job market. The course covers an array of subjects, including advanced pharmaceutical analysis and quality control, drug dosage form and design, pharmacology for drug design, advances in pharmaceutical science, and drug discovery and design.

Mode of Study

• On Campus

Mode of Attendance

• Full Time

Start Date

• September

Course Length

• 12 months

What You Will Study

The course covers various subjects essential for a career in pharmaceutical science. In Term 1, students will study:

• Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control
• Drug Dosage Form & Design
• Pharmacology

In Term 2, students will study:

• Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Drug Discovery & Design
• Preparatory work for the project

In Term 3, students will undertake a 12-week research project.

Learning Methods

Students will learn through lectures, tutorials, and practical classes in well-equipped laboratories, including an analytical science lab and a pharmaceutics lab.

Activity Summary

• Lectures: Approximately 15 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Tutorial: Approximately 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision: One-to-one, a full week (excluding Wednesday afternoon)
• Practical class or workshop: Approximately 15 students per group, 6 hours per week

Independent Study

There will be directed and private study for all modules, typically 100 hours per module per term.

Staff Delivering on this Course

Teaching staff on the course consists of industry experts, subject specialists, and experienced researchers.

Assessment

Students are typically assessed through:

• 6 written assignments, including essays
• 4 reports
• 1 dissertation
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 group critique

Feedback

The university aims to provide feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework, and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia, and other specific learning differences.

Online Learning & Support

All students benefit from using the university's collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle, which provides 24/7 online access to learning material and resources.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in academic writing, study skills, maths and statistics, and information technology support.

Library Support

The Library offers support for the course, including books, eBooks, and journals, as well as online reading lists, workshops, and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing.

Job Prospects

Graduates will be industry-ready, with exposure to modern instrumentation and techniques directly relevant to employers, giving them a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the pharmaceutical science sector.

Career Options

Career options include:

• Research in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
• The chemical or pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production, and regulatory affairs)
• Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities

Entry Requirements

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science subject area.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

International Students

International students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through the International College at Robert Gordon University.

Fees & Funding

Academic Year 2023/24

• Scottish Students: Ł9,860 (full-time, on-campus)
• Rest of UK Students: Ł9,860 (full-time, on-campus)
• International Students: Ł18,130 (full-time, on-campus)

Academic Year 2024/25

• Scottish Students: Ł10,210 (full-time, on-campus)
• Rest of UK Students: Ł10,210 (full-time, on-campus)
• International Students: Ł18,760 (full-time, on-campus)

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees, such as:

• The cost of books that students may wish to purchase.
• Costs associated with any placement or study abroad.
• Accommodation and living costs.
• Printing costs.

Alumni Discount

Robert Gordon University offers a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.

Student Funding

Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS-funded places on certain postgraduate courses.

Scholarships and Financial Awards

Students may qualify for a scholarship or financial award. The university offers various funding opportunities, which can be searched through the Funding and Scholarship Search tool.