Program Overview

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Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management

Overview

The Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management (MSPBM) programme aims to develop the learner's ability to manage businesses and develop their leadership skills in the highly regulated environment of the pharmaceutical industry.

Why Study Pharmaceutical Business Management at Griffith College?

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management is available on both a full and part-time basis and is conducted over a 1 or 2 year period respectively. The programme develops learners’ abilities to research current trends and developments in the Pharmaceutical Business Management Industry and to develop their knowledge, skill and competencies to work in this dynamic business arena across multiple industries, whether they are service or manufacturing oriented.

Intake Dates

• Cork - Full-Time - September 2025
• Cork - Full-Time - February 2026

What our students say

"My time studying a graduate level programme at Griffith College Cork was amazing and compelling. The dynamics of the student and lecturer relationship was what I found most admirable because it made the learning very interesting. The college provided the learners with well-trained lecturers and staff who were approachable and would go the extra mile to ensure we were assisted with everything and anything we needed while we navigated around campus."

Seth, MSC IN INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Related Courses

• PGDip in Pharmaceutical Business Management
• Certificate in Pharmaceutical Business Management

Course Details

Duration: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time

The Programme consists of three stages:

• Stage 1 & 2 – a two-semester taught stage leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management, for learners who wish to exit at that stage. (60 Credits)
• Stage 3 - a one semester dissertation based stage, where the learners make regular contact with their dissertation supervisor, leading cumulatively to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management. (30 Credits)

Stages 1 & 2 - 60 Credits

International Strategy

This module introduces and develops the concepts, perspectives, and tools associated with the discipline of strategy formulation and development.

Technology & Innovation

The primary purpose of the module is to explore the principles and enablers to drive continuous improvement in the global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry.

Leadership and Management Development

This module examines the role played by global leadership and management in organisations and in determining organisational culture.

International Marketing

This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to develop effective global marketing programmes.

Building Sustainability and Responsibility

The primary purpose of this module is to develop the learner’s understanding of, and competence in, how to identify and exploit opportunities to build sustainable and responsible approaches to business management.

Digital Transformation

This module focuses upon the role of digital transformation in organisations, what it involves, where it can be used, the benefits and risks of adopting it, and trends towards it within relevant industries.

Leading Change

This module explores the role of the change leader in organisations, and their impact on identifying, planning and implementing change, managing stakeholders, and communications.

Pharmaceutical Marketing Management

In the current information age, pharmaceutical marketing is vastly different given the increasing presence of the internet & social media, company consolidation, and regulatory changes throughout the last decade.

Problem Solving and Project Management

This module examines in detail the subject of how projects are managed successfully to deliver business goals.

Product Commercialisation

This module aims to introduce learners to the Regulatory, Financial and Commercialisation Frameworks in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry.

Quality & Regulatory Practice in the Pharmaceutical Industry

This module aims to introduce learners to the quality systems and the regulatory framework that assures the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal products.

Management Accounting and Control

This module is concerned with the application of managerial accounting techniques and procedures to the solution of managerial planning, control, and decision-making in all functional areas of business.

Business Research Methods

This module initiates the preparation of learners for their Masters dissertation.

Stage 3

Dissertation Stage

The dissertation involves an in-depth exploration of a specialised area or issue central to pharmaceutical business management.

Dissertation (Industry Sponsored)

The dissertation involves an in-depth exploration of a specialised area or issue central to pharmaceutical business management.

Timetables

Full-Time

Full-time lectures take place from Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm unless otherwise stated.

Part-Time

The timetable for this course is provisional at this time and subject to change.

Academic Calendar

You can download our Academic Calendar here.

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Candidates seeking access to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management programmes are required to hold either:

• A Level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in Pharmacy, Science, Business or equivalent discipline.
• A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a non-business related discipline, with the following conditions:
  • Candidates with significant business/management experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.
  • Candidates who have no management experience will be assessed as to their prior learning.
• A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a business related non-STEM discipline, with the following conditions:
  • Candidates with significant pharmaceutical experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.
  • Candidates who have no pharmaceutical experience but who hold a business-related degree will be assessed as to their prior learning.

Applicants over the age of 23 may apply on the basis of previous work experience and a demonstration of commitment to further studies.

Each candidate’s application will be considered individually in accordance with the College’s QQI approved quality assurance procedures.

Candidates holding relevant alternative qualifications and those with related experiential learning will be considered under the College’s RPL policy.

Fees

Tuition Fees

• Irish/EU citizens, living in Ireland: EUR 11,150.00
• Irish/EU citizens, living abroad: Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
• International: Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.

Progression

Academic Progression

Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management wishing to further develop their management competencies and experience will be eligible to transfer to the MBA stage of the existing suite of programmes in International Business.

Career Progression

Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management are well positioned to start, or advance, a highly attractive career in an expanding pharmaceutical industry both nationally and internationally.