Pharmaceutical Science
Develop the advanced pharmaceutical skills to deliver a drug from initial discovery to clinical trials and regulatory approval.
You can choose to study this course part-time, and start in September or January. The course durations vary slightly: 2 years (September starts) or 28 months (January starts). Course content and modules remain the same.
Save money on your course fees as an ARU graduate.
See if you're eligible for our Alumni Scholarship
Our SuperLabs and Pharmaceutical Research Lab will become your workspace as you carry out safe and ethical experiments.
Here, you’ll expand your knowledge of pharmaceutical design, analysis and manufacturing processes. You’ll also explore quality control and quality assurance, pharmaceutical research, development, distribution, marketing and sales.
We’ll challenge you to debate topics such as drug safety, clinical trials in humans, and pharmacovigilance.
As a graduate, you can apply to join the Royal Pharmaceutical Society after spending two years in a suitable job role.
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Discover what teaching looks like for our Pharmaceutical Science students in the SuperLab.
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Explore pharmaceutical design, analysis and manufacturing
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Work in a Level 2 Superlab and Pharmaceutical Research Lab
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Carry out safe, ethical experiments to industry standards
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Learn from experts in pharmaceutical regulation and licensing
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
Help meet the need for highly skilled professionals in pharmaceutical research, development and manufacturing.
Once you graduate, you could work in roles including:
- formulation, quality control or production scientist
- regulatory affairs and research
- licensing and post-marketing surveillance.
Other career options include medical publishing, academia, technical support, and roles in the food or cosmetic industries. Or you could continue your studies with an MPhil or PhD at ARU. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and save £400 on your fees.
Teaching and modules
Gain an in-depth understanding of drug development, as well as pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality principles.
Study at ARU and learn from drug delivery specialists and industry practitioners. You’ll focus on the developmental pathways and investigate drug delivery approaches and systems.
You’ll also build your research skills in preparation for completing the Major Project. This is your opportunity to carry out a detailed study in an area of your choice. We’ll encourage you to do this with an industrial partner to gain real-life experience and contacts in the field.
Choose to study for a full MSc (by completing the Major Project) or one of two intermediate qualifications – a Postgraduate Diploma or a Postgraduate Certificate.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Advanced Pharmaceutics
- Drug Design and Discovery
- Postgraduate Research Design (30 credits)
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Quality Principles
- Major Project
It's possible to study this course part-time. You'll take the same modules as MSc/MA students, but sometimes in a different order or in different years.
As a part-time student you'll typically study for twice as long as full-time students. For example if the MSc/MA course takes one year, you can expect to study over two years, though for some courses this may vary.
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Professor Mohammad NajlahProfessor
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Dr Ibrahim TolaymatSenior Lecturer
Facilities
Gain experience in specialist facilities, including a Level 2 category SuperLab and Pharmaceutical Research Lab.
Here, you’ll carry out safe, ethical experiments to industry standards. You’ll also work closely with experts in pharmaceutical regulation and licensing.