The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry is aimed at graduates with a BSc in Chemistry or closely related degree who wish to tailor their expertise towards jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. It will also appeal to graduates with a BSc Pharmaceutical Science who wish to pursue an Masters qualification in their field.
The main part of the postgraduate pharmaceutical chemistry degree is a work-based learning module in which you can undertake a research project, either in our specialist labs at USW or possibly as part of an industry-based work placement. Throughout the masters course, you will study formulation and medicinal chemistry, as well as industry specific topics such as quality assurance and management and a Prince 2 qualification, giving you the advanced knowledge, skills and experience to compete for sought after roles in the pharmaceutical sector.
Students who have completed our BSc Pharmaceutical Science degree will follow Route A; all other students will follow Route B.
Route A: MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree
- Toxicology
- Advanced Quality Control and Management in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Advanced Formulation Science
- Advanced Separation Science
- Project Design, Management and Enterprise with Prince 2 qualification
- Major Project, Professional Practice for Pharmaceutical Chemists
- Advanced Research Topics in Chemistry
Route B: MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry degree
- Advanced Drug Design and an Introduction to Formulation Science
- Advanced Formulation Science
- Quality Assurance in the Manufacture and Distribution of Medicines
- Advanced Separation Science
- Project Design, Management and Enterprise with Prince 2 qualification
- Major Project, Professional Practice for Pharmaceutical Chemists
- Advanced Research Topics in Chemistry
Teaching
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course is delivered primarily in block mode. A blended learning and teaching approach is used to provide you with key and subject specific skills. Typically all modules will consist of a mix of lectures, tutorials, and workshops/practical laboratory sessions. Students are provided with numerous learning activities including written coursework; project work; group work; practicals (with group sizes tailored to the activity); problem solving sessions; self-study assignments; oral and poster presentations; independent study; work related learning and on-line self assessments.
The pharmaceutical chemistry course is full time for one year, and each module is generally around 48 hours of contact spread over two to three weeks. The first term is spent doing mainly taught modules, the second term is for the work placement/project.
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course provides training either for employment or for continued studies such as a PhD. You will be well equipped to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry or in other roles in the life science sector which also includes the biotechnological industries. Students will also be attractive to employers in the chemical industries.
You will also develop a wide range of essential and transferable skills such as analytical problem solving, teamwork, organisation, and information communication. As such, graduates can go on to find employment in alternate disciplines such as teaching, management, law, finance, and business.
