It has been designed to provide you with an advanced theoretical knowledge of sciences that are related to disciplines in pharmaceutical sciences, and give you the skills you need for laboratory work in this area.

These disciplines include the development of pharmaceutical formulation, with particular emphasis on the technology used in the pharmaceutical process and the development and production of medicines. This focus leads to an emphasis on the processes and procedures for clinical trials that are needed for licensing and regulation.

Medicines control is an important element of this programme. It encompasses drug regulations, drug licensing, drug testing, and safety. You will learn about the key processes involved in structured enforcement and inspection standards through the application of quality assurance. You will also gain knowledge and develop skills related to pharmaceutical supply chains and pharmacovigilance, including the safe and proper use of medicines.

You’ll also have opportunities for hands-on experience in applying analytical and characterisation techniques such as liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) combined with tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) detection, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and near-infrared (NIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopy.