MSc Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The MSc Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing is designed to produce highly skilled graduates in continuous manufacturing science and technology to meet the growing demands for expertise in this area. You’ll be trained to take up jobs in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Key Facts

• Start date: September
• Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time

Course Description

This course is aligned with the Continuous Manufacturing & Crystallisation (CMAC) centre. It's supported by academic staff from across the University and was informed by CMAC's strategic industry partners such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, and Takeda.

What You'll Study

The Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Masters course consists of taught classes along with practical classes from October to April. If you successfully complete all assessments, you’ll then undertake a 10-week research project over the summer. This can be at the University or with an external company or organisation. You’ll submit a thesis at the end of August.

You'll learn about:

• Pharmaceutical development and production
• Continuous manufacturing processes
• Crystallisation mechanisms
• Manufacturing processes as they relate to the modern pharmaceutical industry
• Transferable, professional skills
• Process Analytical Technology (PAT) & data analytics
• Quality assurance
• Management & Quality-by-Design systems

Course Content

• Semester 1
• Semester 2
• Research Project (MSc-only)

Modules

• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
• Principles of Pharmaceutics (20 credits)
• Process Analytical Technology & Quality by Design in Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (20 credits)
• Drug Substance Manufacture: Industrial Crystallisation (20 credits)
• Drug Product Manufacture (20 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Project Management & Digital Design (20 credits)
• Research Project (60 credits)

Learning & Teaching

Theory and applications are taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and web-based learning. Class material is available through an online learning tool which you can access at any time.

You’ll also take part in practical sessions which provide you with experience of a wide range of modern instrumental and state-of-the-art techniques.

Teaching Staff

You'll be taught by experts from both SIPBS and CMAC. This course is multidisciplinary and so specialised staff from other departments are also included. There are also specialised lectures from scientists from academia, industry, and public sector and partner organisations.

Assessment

Assessment is through both written and practical examinations and submission of a thesis (MSc students only).

Entry Requirements

• Academic requirements: Minimum second-class (2:2) Honours degree or overseas equivalent, in science or engineering along with two references (at least one academic).
• English language requirements: You must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5).

Fees & Funding

• Scotland: £11,900
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £11,900
• Republic of Ireland: If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status.
• International: £31,250
• Available scholarships: Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Careers

The course prepares you for a career in:

• The chemical or pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production, and regulatory affairs)
• Academic and other research institutions
• Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities

Future Prospects

If you're interested in pursuing a PhD, this course is the perfect route in. It also gives you a range of skills and experience that employers from industry are looking for. Find out more about research opportunities in Biomedical Sciences.

Recent graduates from this course have gained posts in GSK and Sigma-Aldrich FC.

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Outline:

• Semester 1:
• Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
• Principles of Pharmaceutics (20 credits)
• Process Analytical Technology & Quality by Design in Continuous Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (20 credits)
• Semester 2:
• Drug Substance Manufacture: Industrial Crystallisation (20 credits)
• Drug Product Manufacture (20 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Project Management & Digital Design (20 credits)
• Research Project (MSc-only):
• 60 credits
• Students undertake a project and prepare a thesis for assessment.

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Assessment:

• Written and practical examinations
• Submission of a thesis (MSc students only)

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Teaching:

• Theory and applications are taught through lectures, tutorials, seminars, and web-based learning.
• Practical sessions provide experience with modern instrumental and state-of-the-art techniques.
• Specialized lectures from scientists from academia, industry, and public sector and partner organizations.

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Careers:

• Chemical or pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production, and regulatory affairs)
• Academic and other research institutions
• Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities

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Other:

• The course is aligned with the Continuous Manufacturing & Crystallisation (CMAC) center.
• It is supported by academic staff from across the University and was informed by CMAC's strategic industry partners such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Novartis, Roche, and Takeda.
• Graduates will be equipped with knowledge and experience in a range of different manufacturing and quality assurance approaches and technologies.

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• Scotland: £10,800
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £10,800
• International: £27,500
Additional costs:
• Materials: Lab coat and safety goggles (cost not specified)

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Overview:

• Founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution
• Received its Royal Charter in 1964, becoming the University of Strathclyde
• Consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the UK for engineering and technology
• Home to the Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC), a world-leading research center in metal forming
• Notable alumni include Sir James Black (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine), Sir David Murray (former CEO of Rangers Football Club), and Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (astrophysicist)

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Student Life:

• Over 23,000 students from over 100 countries
• 150+ student clubs and societies, including sports teams, cultural groups, and academic societies
• Student support services include counseling, health, and disability support
• Campus facilities include a sports center, library, and student union

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Academics:

• Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering, science, business, law, and social sciences
• Faculty includes world-renowned experts in their fields
• Teaching methodologies emphasize hands-on learning and industry engagement
• Academic support services include tutoring, writing centers, and language support
• Unique academic programs include the Strathclyde MBA, which is ranked among the top 100 MBAs in the world

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Top Reasons to Study Here:

• Excellent reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering and technology
• Strong industry connections and opportunities for internships and placements
• Specialized facilities such as the AFRC and the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
• Vibrant student life with a diverse and inclusive community
• Located in the heart of Glasgow, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city

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Services:

• Counseling and mental health support
• Health center with a range of medical services
• Accommodation services with a variety of on-campus and off-campus options
• Library resources with over 1 million books and journals
• Technology support including IT services and free Wi-Fi
• Career development services with support for job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation