MSc Analytical Science - Drug Analysis and Toxicology at Robert Gordon University

Programme overview

The MSc Analytical Science elective route in ‘Drug Analysis and Toxicology’ focuses on the analysis of pharmaceutical medicines and drugs. Students will have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and enhance core skills in advanced techniques such as GCMS, HPLC, LCMS and a range of spectroscopy instrumentation. The course offers hands-on learning with access to modern analytical equipment, complemented by a theoretical underpinning of the techniques, equipping graduates to meet the demands of a range of industries.

Faculty: School of Pharmacy, Applied Sciences and Public Health | Duration: 12 months full-time; 2 years part-time | Study mode: full-time; part-time | Intake: September | Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

This course has a common first term with the Analytical Science courses with other specialisms (Environmental Analysis, and Food Analysis, Authenticity and Safety). However, the extensive laboratory module is tailored to emphasise analytical techniques most relevant to your chosen specialism of Drug Analysis and Toxicology. You will take part in a group problem-solving mini-project within your discipline.

Career pathways

Graduates gain employment in a wide range of areas such as research, project management and analytical services associated with a range of industries including distillation, pharmaceutical, oilfield chemistry, food/drink analysis and environmental science.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science subject area and to include Chemistry including (but not restricted to) Analytical Chemistry, Forensic Science, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences or Life Sciences. Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,210 a year (2026/2027). Scottish students, full time on campus, over 1 year Source

International applicants: GBP 18,760 a year (2026/2027). International students, full time on campus, over 1 year Source

Intake: September

Duration: 12 months full-time; 2 years part-time

Apply through the official page: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/courses/pgcert-pgdip-msc-analytical-science-drug-analysis-and-toxicology#apply

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