MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis at Queen's University Belfast

Programme overview

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis provides the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience for a career as a pharmaceutical analyst in industry or academia, aimed at recent physical or life sciences graduates (chemistry, pharmacy, biology) and professionals in work. Students receive practical training on separation techniques such as HPLC/MS and GC/MS in a dedicated Pharmaceutical Analysis laboratory designed in partnership with Agilent.

Department: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering | Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (one day per week) | Intake: 2027/28 | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Core modules are Quality Assurance and Quality Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry, Advanced Separation Science, Solid-State Characterisation of Pharmaceuticals I and II, Spectroscopic Analysis Methods I and II (20 credits each) and Advanced Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Analysis (60 credits).

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, analytical instrumentation and regulatory sectors, with Ireland north and south a major hub for the pharmaceutical industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemistry, Pharmacy or a closely allied subject, with performance in key modules taken into consideration. Applicants with relevant work experience are considered case by case. Applications received after 30 June 2027 may not be accepted, and a deposit is required to secure a place. International applicants need an IELTS score of 6.0 with no component below 5.5 (taken within the last 2 years), or an equivalent qualification.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,250 a year (2027/28). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fee Source

International applicants: GBP 29,000 a year (2027/28). International and EU Other fee Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (one day per week)

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