Program Overview

Introduction to the MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management

The MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management is a unique postgraduate qualification designed to maximize graduate employability in the biopharma and pharma industries. This program is delivered by the School of Pharmacy and Cork University Business School, ensuring that graduates possess both technical and transversal skills to succeed in a wide range of positions within the biopharma and pharma industry.

Course Outline

The program covers the technical, regulatory, operations, and management aspects required in the biopharma & pharma industry. It includes modules on:

• Pharmaceutical Technology & Unit Operations
• Pharmaceutical GxP & Regulatory Science
• Bioprocessing Unit Operations
• Pharmaceutical Analysis & Analytics
• Pharmaceutical Operations & Management
• Business Case for Analytics
• Developing Management & Leadership Skills for Organisational Effectiveness
• Project Management
• Lean Six Sigma for Biopharma
• Digital Transformation in the (Bio)pharma Industry
• Biotechnology-derived and Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs)
• Industry-based Dissertation & Placement
• Process Control & Validation for Pharmaceutical Processes

Course Practicalities

This is an intensive 12-month full-time program with semester 1 based on campus, including lectures, workshops, and practical labs. The program timetable is designed to accommodate those commuting significant distances. Students undertake their industry-based placement in semesters 2 and 3, which will comprise 5 days a week, with occasional days on campus for in-person workshops.

Why Choose This Course

The MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management is the only program of its kind in Ireland that incorporates Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences and Management targeted at the biopharma & pharma manufacturing industry. It offers an 8-month industry placement, a multi-disciplinary program designed with industry, practical & applied industry focus with hands-on training, and industry-experienced lecturers.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

All MSc students will undergo an 8-month placement with a major pharma or biopharma industry partner or in an academic research setting. A dedicated placement coordinator and the program team manage the securing of placements and prepare students for interviews and entering the workplace on placement.

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates will have a wide range of roles open to them, including analytical development scientist, bioPharma project/programme management, bioPharma supervisory/management, manufacturing scientist, operations/production staff, pharmaceutical engineer, process scientist, process support scientists/engineer, QC technical support, quality assurance/quality systems specialist, regulatory affairs scientist/officer, tech transfer, technical operations, and validation scientist/engineer.

Requirements

Applicants must have at least a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honors degree (NFQ, Level 8) in relevant subject areas such as chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or general science. Selection is based on performance in the primary degree, personal statement, CV, and interview performance.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is 11,100, and the Non-EU fee is 22,500. A deposit of 1,000 for EU applicants and 1,000 for non-EU applicants is required upon acceptance of an offer.

How to Apply

Applications are made online through the UCC application portal. Supporting documents, including original qualification documents and transcripts, must be uploaded. A non-refundable application fee of 50 applies to most courses.

Contact Details

For queries regarding course content, please contact the relevant department. Note that contact details are not provided here as per the instructions.