About the course
This full-time one-year course is designed for graduates in chemistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and other related sciences who are contemplating a career in the pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production and regulatory affairs), academic and other research institutions, NHS or with government agencies such as drug licensing authorities. This programme provides a good background in basic pharmaceutical sciences followed by advanced training in drug discovery, drug product design, drug delivery, pharmacology, microbiology and regulatory processes. The course emphasises both fundamental processes and an introduction to novel technologies. The programme offers advanced practical experience, supervised training, together with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth research project as part of an active research group. It may also be possible to undertake a short industrial placement. This course is suitable for both UK and non-UK graduates. The University of Brighton has excellent support systems for international students.
Individual offers may vary.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0.
Degree and/or experience:
first or upper second class honours degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, chemical engineering or a related subject. Equivalent overseas qualifications will be accepted.
For equivalent international qualifications
We can help you meet our English language entry requirements
For help meeting English language requirements contact our
Language Institute.
We can help you meet our academic entry requirements
For help meeting academic entry requirements contact our
International College.
If you cannot find your country listed, please email admissions@brighton.ac.uk
Course structure
This masters prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries (research and development, production and regulatory affairs); academic and other research institutions; NHS or with government agencies such as drug licensing authorities. Graduates are also equipped to begin a research career that could potentially lead to a PhD.
Areas of study
During the course students will:
- develop knowledge and understanding of the role of drug discovery; biological processes involved in drug action; drug product design; quality assurance, quality control and regulatory affairs
- develop knowledge and understanding of the chemical principles underlying the design, action and disposition of drug molecules
- appreciate aspects of drug ADME and the underlying mathematical principles, mechanisms of action and adverse effects of drug treatments and the phenomenon of drug interactions
- develop an understanding of the microbiological processes involved in the development and quality assurance of non-sterile and sterile medicines and devices including biotechnology products
- develop knowledge and understanding of the basic principles and current trends in the formulation design and manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage forms
- deveop an appreciation of the physicochemical and biological factors which affect uniformity, performance, stability and bioavailability of pharmaceutical products
- develop and apply knowledge and skills in research in a specialised area of pharmaceutical sciences
- improve their critical appraisal skills through examination of current issues in various aspects of industrial pharmaceutical sciences and be able to communicate their findings appropriately
- take responsibility for their own learning, and to create a basis for life-long learning and development.
Syllabus
Core modules
Research project
Research Methods Workshop
Advanced Drug Delivery
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Drug Discovery, Design and Development
Regulatory Affairs
Industrial Pharmacy, QA and QC
Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Two options from:
Industrial placement
Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
Advanced Instrumental Analysis
Medicinal Plants: Quality issues and their uses
New Medicinal Products: From inception to market
The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2013-14. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.
The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.
What's included in the fee?
When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.
You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.
Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.
| Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSc) (Full time) | [P3BH021] |
| UK/EU (Full Time) | 6,395 GBP |
| Island Students (Full Time) | 9,968 GBP |
| International (Full Time) | 14,240 GBP |
Located to the north of Brighton city centre, the Moulsecoomb campus offers students an excellent learning environment and a wide range of facilities. It is the largest of our five campuses with over 8,000 students.
View campus maps and directions
Living in Brighton
Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.
Social scene
Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Arts
The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

Sports
Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.
This masters prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries (research and development, production and regulatory affairs); academic and other research institutions; NHS or with government agencies such as drug licensing authorities. Graduates are also equipped to begin a research career that could potentially lead to a PhD.
01273 642118
Email pharmacy@brighton.ac.uk
If you are an international student, contact us on:
+44 (0) 207 250 6749
international@brighton.ac.uk