Program Overview

Course Overview

The MSc in Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds is a one-year course designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in a diverse range of industries that require analytical expertise.

Course Details

• The course curriculum consists of six months of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, career service workshops, industry-based seminars/workshops, site visits to industry, and a six-month research project.
• The curriculum has been developed with input from staff in the chemistry department and also by the industry advisory board, to provide students with the necessary skills required by employers.
• Students have the choice to complete the six-month research project in a national or international industry or university environment.

Course Objectives

On completion of this MSc course, students will be able to:

• Identify, formulate, analyse, and solve problems in the analysis of chemical compounds.
• Outline fundamental and applied aspects of chemical analysis.
• Design and carry out a method of pharmaceutical and chemical analysis, including instrumental analysis.
• Prepare written laboratory reports that provide a description of the experiment, explain the experiment and reasoning clearly, and provide an appropriate conclusion.
• Communicate effectively with the chemistry, environmental, and pharmaceutical communities.
• Carry out research and method development in chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental analysis.
• Prepare a written research report in the form of a dissertation.

Modules

The MSc course in Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds consists of eight-course modules that include lectures, set practical sessions, career service workshops, industry guest lectures, industry workshops, and site visits, and a six-month research project.

• Core Modules (60 credits)
  • CM6012: Modern Analytical Techniques, Chemical Data Analysis, and GLP (10 credits)
  • CM6031: Process Analytical Technology in BioPharma (5 credits)
  • PF6614: Advanced (Bio)Pharma Technology and Data Analysis
  • CM6029: Introduction to Quality and Regulatory Affairs for BioPharma
  • CM6013: Separation Science, Sensors, and Process Analytical Technology (10 credits)
  • CM6015: Practice of Analytical Chemistry (10 credits)
  • CM6026: Industry-Led Workshops (5 credits)
  • CM6027: Taught Postgraduate Transferable Skills Development (5 credits)
• Research Project Module (30 credits)
  • CM6022: Research Project and Dissertation in Pharmaceutical Analysis (30 credits)

Course Practicalities

• The MSc may be taken full-time over 12 months or part-time over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme.
• It consists of lectures, laboratory work on set experiments, and a dissertation based on individual research and development in the selected field of modern analytical science, under the supervision of an expert staff member.
• Candidates may need to secure appropriate day release from industry.
• Part of the lecture course will also be available through online blended e-learning.

Why Choose This Course

• This is one of the most established Analytical MSc courses in Ireland and is amongst the more popular MSc courses studied in UCC.
• The industry-relevant curriculum offered to students and the opportunity to complete a six-month placement in industry or an academic research lab has also impacted greatly on the student experience.
• The global recognition of the course is also evident from our international alumni that maintain contact through a dedicated LinkedIn group.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

• During the second and third semester (April to September), students complete a six-month research project on a topic related to analytical chemistry.
• Industry-based projects in these areas are managed by a dedicated placement officer who facilitates career workshops during which students prepare for and are interviewed by staff from companies interested in hosting students.
• For students interested in an academic career (Ph.D. studies), projects are offered in a broad range of research areas utilising modern research techniques.
• These projects are usually done within the Chemistry Department or supervised by Principle Investigators located in the University's research centres such as the Tyndall National Institute.
• There also exists the opportunity for placement abroad, where students have a choice of destination.

Skills and Careers Information

• The MSc courses aim to provide students with the necessary skill set to develop methods and solve problems as demanded by many industries today (including pharmaceutical, environmental, and forensic analytical laboratories).
• Many analytical chemists, pharmaceutical chemical analysts, and environmental chemical analysts go on to pursue careers in industry, government, and forensic laboratories, and opportunities for further research often result.
• The course sets out to bridge the gap between the current undergraduate degree knowledge and what is relevant and expected by the industry.

Requirements

• Entry Requirements - Direct Entry: Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme.
• Relevant Subjects: Typically include any subject in Chemistry, Engineering, or Life Sciences.
• Applicants with Other Qualifications: Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in other related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience, may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following assessment and interview.
• Compulsory Modules: May be assigned to individuals depending on their background.
• International/Non-EU Applicants: For full details of the non-EU application procedure, visit the how to apply pages for international students.
• English Language Requirements: Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Fees and Costs

• EU Fee: Full-time: 8,000, Part-time: 4,800.
• Non-EU Fee: 27,000.
• Bench Fee: A 1,000 bench fee is also required, payable directly to the department.
• Deposits: If your course requires a deposit, please note that booking fees and deposits are non-refundable in all cases.
• Payment Options: See different options on the How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

How to Apply

1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process.
2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
3. Apply Online: Apply online by clicking the application portal link. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable 50 application fee.
4. Deposit: Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of 500 on acceptance of their place.