Program Overview

MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis

Course summary

Develop the skills to operate common analytical laboratory instruments. Learn to obtain and interpret analytical data using a variety of methods. Apply experimental design techniques and statistical methods for data evaluation. Analyse and interpret data using industry-standard management systems. Study the background of drug design, development and the wider industry.

How you learn

You’ll study in an engaging and supportive environment, designed to help you develop independence, critical thinking and professional skills. The course follows our Hallam Model, ensuring an applied, collaborative and industry-relevant approach to your learning.

• Lectures introduce key concepts – with interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises to deepen your understanding.
• You'll engage with recent scientific developments and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
• Key skills are embedded in your modules and research project – including scientific writing, literature and database searching, data handling and critical analysis.

Modules

Year 1

• Modern Analytical Techniques And Data Interpretation (40 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (60%), Exam (40%)
• Molecular Spectroscopy For Pharmaceuticals (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Elective modules

• Biopharmaceuticals And Drug Discovery (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Data Science (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Forensic Analysis (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)

Year 2

• Advanced Laboratory And Research Practice (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Applied Laboratory Practice (20 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (100%)
• Research Project (60 credits)
  • Assessment: Coursework (70%), Practical (30%)

Future careers

This course prepares you for a career in:

• the pharmaceutical industry
• academic or industrial research
• quality assurance
• analytical laboratories

Previous graduates have gone on to work as:

• methods development scientists
• drug development scientists
• compliance officers
• PhD students

Equipment and facilities

Teaching takes place in lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and specialist laboratory facilities. Through our virtual learning environment Blackboard you’ll be able to access learning materials, interactive resources and course information – both on-campus and remotely.

You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment, gaining hands-on experience in scenario-based practical sessions. You’ll gain the technical expertise and practical experience needed for a career in pharmaceutical analysis, using facilities such as:

• analytical equipment such as HPLC, NMR, GC, IR and Raman Spectroscopy
• cutting-edge research instrumentation, including a mass spectrometry suite with various ionisation techniques (EI, ESI, MALDI, ICP) and mass analysers (QQQ, TOF)

Where will I study?

You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.

Entry requirements

• A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course.
• Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.
• Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered.
• If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent.

Fees and funding

• Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 is £10,620 for the course.
• The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded.
• This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above.
• If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
• Our tuition fee for UK students starting part-time study in 2025/26 are: Year 1: £4,720 Year 2: £5,900.

Additional course costs

• The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses.
• These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses.
• Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
• General course additional costs
• Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 131.3KB)