Program Overview

Pharmaceutical Engineering MSc

The Pharmaceutical Engineering MSc is a postgraduate program offered by the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Sheffield. This program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience and industry connections, preparing them for careers in the pharmaceutical industry.

Course Description

The course is informed by strong industry connections and cutting-edge research. An Industry Advisory Board, including representatives from leading pharmaceutical companies, ensures the course stays globally competitive and aligned with evolving sector needs. Students will explore the science and application of pharmaceutical products, oral drug delivery, medicine production, and cutting-edge technologies used in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical processes.

Modules

A selection of modules is available each year, including:

• Science of Formulated Products
• Continuous Manufacturing Technology: PAT and Process Optimisation
• Advanced Bioprocess Design Project
• Biopharmaceutical and Vaccine Manufacturing
• Advanced Biochemical Engineering
• Research Project
• Nanomaterials Process Design
• Particle Design and Processing
• Process Safety in the Chemical, Pharma and Fine Chemicals Industry
• Managing Innovation and Change in Engineering Contexts
• Biopharmaceutical Engineering

Open Days

Interested students can register their interest in studying at Sheffield or attend an online event throughout the year to find out what makes studying here special.

Duration

The program is 1 year full-time.

Teaching

Teaching is delivered through lectures, many led by experts from the pharmaceutical industry, alongside tutorials and drop-in sessions to support students' learning journey. Laboratory practicals make use of The Diamond Pilot Plant, a full-scale continuous manufacturing line, giving students hands-on experience with industrial-scale processes.

Assessment

Students will undertake a formal examination to assess their understanding of topics such as pharmaceutical engineering principles, alongside pilot plant laboratory coursework that develops practical skills. The independent research project will also be assessed, giving students the opportunity to investigate a specialist topic under academic supervision and apply their learning to real-world challenges.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this MSc are highly sought-after in the global pharmaceutical sector. They go on to work for leading companies such as AstraZeneca, GSK, and other multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical organisations. Typical roles include process engineers, production managers, formulation scientists, quality assurance and regulatory specialists, and biopharmaceutical development engineers.

School

The School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering is world-leading in research and teaching. The University of Sheffield is ranked 92nd in the world and 15th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings 2026.

Student Profiles

Communication ability is quite important in study. The academic staff here are willing to help solve difficulties.

Entry Requirements

Minimum 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject. We accept degrees in the following subject areas: Any Engineering, Science or Technology discipline. English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 (with 6 in each component) or University equivalent.

Fees and Funding

• Home (2026 annual fee): £13,660
• Overseas (2026 annual fee): £32,905 There are also £3,000 scholarships for international students and up to £2,500 savings for Sheffield graduates.

More Information

For more details about the program, please refer to the University of Sheffield's official resources.