Pharmaceutical Science MSc
Subject and course type
- Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Postgraduate
The MSc in Pharmaceutical Science at Kingston University provides you with an in-depth understanding of drug development, formulation and quality control. Learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories.
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Shape the future of medicine
Whether you are looking to advance your career in the pharmaceutical industry or pursue further research, this course will equip you with the skills needed to thrive.
By studying Pharmaceutical Science MSc at Kingston University, you’ll become a well-rounded professional in the global pharmaceutical industry. Learn about drug development, regulatory frameworks and pharmaceutical analysis.
This course explores current trends in chemical, biological and biotechnological therapeutics. We examine the latest technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
You’ll acquire and improve your practical skills and familiarity with key instrumentation. What’s more, you’ll learn how to demonstrate the knowledge and skills relevant to conduct clinical trials, influence regulatory affairs, or support quality control and marketing.
This course is designed to equip you with practical skills that employers demand. Take advantage of our modern laboratories and extensive industry connections to develop your expertise and graduate prepared to make a difference in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Why choose this course
At Kingston University, we provide a comprehensive and industry-focused Pharmaceutical Science MSc. You will gain an understanding of processes used in clinical trials and in the development, manufacture and regulation of medicines.
Our course blends theory with practical laboratory experience, preparing you for a career in drug development, quality control or regulatory affairs. The course is taught by experts in pharmaceutical sciences, many of whom have extensive industry experience.
Our work spaces are equipped with the latest technology. The £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building offers state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to pharmaceutical science. As an MSc student, you’ll have access to industry-standard facilities for practical experiments, preparing you for real-world challenges.
The course covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical chemistry, drug formulation, regulatory affairs and good manufacturing practices (GMP). Whilst expert teaching staff with experience of working within regulatory bodies, offer specialised topics like pharmacovigilance. Kingston’s links with the pharmaceutical industry provide valuable opportunities for internships, placements and collaborations.
By the end of the course, you’ll be confident to plan, carry out, and communicate findings from an extensive independent research piece. You’ll also develop the critical thinking, research, and technical skills needed to excel in the pharmaceutical industry or pursue a PhD.
Students who choose the Management Studies pathway will gain scientific knowledge in a vocational context. This option is ideal if you aspire to management roles in this industry.
Course content
For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.
Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.
Core pathway
Core modules
30 credits
This module details the synthetic chemistry behind the development of drug molecules and evaluates quantitatively the structure activity effects from pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspectives. Advanced experimental techniques in spectroscopy and compound separation will be discussed in the context of drug discovery and development. The module also outlines the process for intellectual property protection and exploitation.
30 credits
This module introduces the student to the different phases and types of clinical trials and the associated legal, regulatory and ethical issues. This includes statistical data analyses and how to manage and review clinical trial data in relation to evidence-based medicine. The technology and application of the manufacture of various medicine formulations are discussed and the place of biotechnological products introduced. The module also covers elements of medicines regulation with particular reference to the UK and European Union. Regulations are dealt with both within a general framework and specific areas including manufacturing, dealing with specialist products, regulation in clinical use, and licensing.
30 credits
The module is intended to ensure that students are aware of the processes by which a drug is formulated into a medicine. It examines the effect that formulation decisions have on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines, and on the pharmaceutical industry's business model. It includes the principles of pharmaceutical analysis and the application of pharmaceutical analytical techniques (both routine and non-routine) for the design, process- and quality-control of manufactured pharmaceuticals and process-intermediates. It is designed to enable students to review instrumentation choices when confronted with pharmaceutical issues and to select the appropriate tool(s). It also looks at the emerging quality assurance concepts of process analytical technology and quality by design.
60 credits
This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives
- Critically evaluate the current literature
- Carry out appropriate experiements in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical test
- Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner
30 credits
The module introduces students to the role of statistics and quality systems in modern analytical science. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of statistical concepts, the analytical process and the quality systems and quality management paradigms collectively enable the consistent and reliable interpretation of analytical chemical data to support the economic requirements of a business organisation.
Management Studies pathway modules
Core modules
30 credits
This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts including Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector. This module explains and puts business concepts into context within a variety of sectors.
You will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.
30 credits
This module introduces the student to the different phases and types of clinical trials and the associated legal, regulatory and ethical issues. This includes statistical data analyses and how to manage and review clinical trial data in relation to evidence-based medicine. The technology and application of the manufacture of various medicine formulations are discussed and the place of biotechnological products introduced. The module also covers elements of medicines regulation with particular reference to the UK and European Union. Regulations are dealt with both within a general framework and specific areas including manufacturing, dealing with specialist products, regulation in clinical use, and licensing.
30 credits
The module is intended to ensure that students are aware of the processes by which a drug is formulated into a medicine. It examines the effect that formulation decisions have on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines, and on the pharmaceutical industry's business model. It includes the principles of pharmaceutical analysis and the application of pharmaceutical analytical techniques (both routine and non-routine) for the design, process- and quality-control of manufactured pharmaceuticals and process-intermediates. It is designed to enable students to review instrumentation choices when confronted with pharmaceutical issues and to select the appropriate tool(s). It also looks at the emerging quality assurance concepts of process analytical technology and quality by design.
60 credits
This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.
On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:
- Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives
- Critically evaluate the current literature
- Carry out appropriate experiements in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical test
- Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner
30 credits
The module introduces students to the role of statistics and quality systems in modern analytical science. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of statistical concepts, the analytical process and the quality systems and quality management paradigms collectively enable the consistent and reliable interpretation of analytical chemical data to support the economic requirements of a business organisation.
Career opportunities
Graduating with an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science from Kingston University opens doors to a range of careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. You will be prepared to work in roles such as:
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Drug Development Manager
- Pharmaceutical Consultant
The Management Studies pathway often leads to managerial positions within large pharmaceutical organisations.
With your newly acquired skills and experience, you’ll be equipped to work with major pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, or even pursue a career in academia and research.
Previous graduates from the MSc in Pharmaceutical Science have achieved success with roles in areas, such as:
- drug manufacturing and pharmaceutical technology
- drug formulation and analysis
- clinical trials
- pharmacovigilance
- regulatory affairs
- Management
Kingston’s close connections with industry professionals and opportunities for placements will enhance your employability. Our goal is to prepare you for a dynamic career in pharmaceutical sciences.
Beyond providing a practical base for our courses, industry partnerships help us to maintain up-to-date courses that are relevant to the working environment. If you choose to study this course, you will benefit from:
- real-world experience through your MSc project, conducted in industry or in one of Kingston University's research institutes
- the latest views from visiting speakers
- industry visits to gain insight into the working work.
Teaching and assessment
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 180 credits across a year (typical for a postgraduate course) would equate to 1,800 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- 32% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Type of assessment
- Core pathway: Coursework: 49%, Exams 30%, Practical 21%
- Management pathway: Coursework: 55%, Exams 20%, Practical 25%
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
You will be part of a cohort of approximately 60 to 100 students, which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.
Fees and funding
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | MSc full time £11,400 |
| International | MSc full time £18,200 |
| Fee Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | MSc full time £10,900 |
| International | MSc full time £17,500 |
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree on the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Pharmaceutical Science MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Through the generous support of Professor Sharat and Mrs Lilian Gangolli, we are able to offer a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for taught MSc courses in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. The scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and allow talented young graduates to continue to higher levels of learning and research.
Find out more, by visiting the Gangolli Scholarship page.
The Inspire the Future Scholarship offers a 40% reduction in fees for taught masters or postgraduate diploma courses with September start dates. 20 scholarships are available for progressing Kingston University graduates.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Inspire the Future Scholarship page.
International postgraduate students could receive up to £5,000 towards tuition in their first year of study.
For more information on how to apply for these scholarships, visit the International Scholarship page.
If you are a Kingston University 2024/25 undergraduate progressing to a 2025/26 postgraduate degree (taught or research), you could get a 15% reduction in tuition fees.
For more information on how to apply for this scholarship, visit the Postgraduate Progression Scholarship page.
Kingston University offers a 10% discount on full and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees to our alumni.
For more information on how to apply for this discount, visit our alumni discount page.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Specific courses may require uniforms, specialty clothing, or specific equipment like lab coats and safety shoes.
If you choose to do a placement year, travel costs will vary depending on your location. These costs could be up to £2,000.
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates say
I am very thankful for the quality education I earned from Kingston University, which has helped me build my career in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently I am working with GSK as a regulatory affairs executive.
