Course Structure

-

Course Details	You’ll learn the theory behind state-of-the-art analytical techniques and have an opportunity to practice your skills using the most modern instrumentation. You’ll be trained on techniques such as: Liquid and gas chromatography (HPLC, GC) Mass spectrometry (MS) Thermal Analysis (DSC, TGA) X-ray crystallography (PXRD, XRD) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy You will also receive training on QA/QC aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry. For your research project, you’ll spend 2-3 months in a laboratory. You have the option to do this during your placement.
Indicative Number of Modules Per Semester	First Year: Two taught Modules per semester.  Second Year: One Module spans a year from May. There is also a research module.
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester	Contact time: Lectures / Seminars 56 hrs. Laboratory / Workshop classes 48 hrs. Study time: Coursework 50 hrs Preparation of written/oral reports 96 hrs. Private study / revision 150 hrs.
List of Indicative Programme Modules	Advanced Separation Science Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry International Placement* Research Project *Students enrolled on an international placement module will be offered training and support in preparation for their placement applications as well as during their industrial placement. Placements are competitively secured by the students and are not guaranteed by the University.
Modules	The course in Year One comprises four taught modules, two of which will run during the entire academic year (Sept-May) and two semester-long modules; the first running Sept-Jan and the second Feb-May. Advanced Separation Science: (Sept-Jan) will cover the most important separation techniques relevant to the Pharmaceutical Industry as well as method validation, stability of pharmaceutical compounds and sample preparation methods (20 CATS points). Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods: (Sept-May) will cover the majority of modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications in pharmaceutical analysis as well as aspects of GMP and GLP (40 CATS points). Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods: (Sept - May) will discuss a series of solid state characterisation techniques and their application in pharmaceutical analysis (40 CATS points). These three modules include a large number of practical sessions, which involve conduct of experimental work using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and instrumentation, literature searches and preparation of scientific reports. Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry: (Feb-May) will cover QA and QC aspects of the Pharmaceutical Industry (20 CATS points) and is assessed exclusively by class tests and group assignments. In Year Two International Industrial Placement (120 CATS points) students will experience an industry-based work environment and will have the opportunity to analyse and critically self-reflect on the experience of working in industry, communicating their conclusions in writing.  They will develop an awareness and understanding of the structures, practices and ethos of an industrial workplace as well as developing a range of highly transferable skills which will maximize their future career prospects. International Industrial Placement students will have the opportunity to complete their research project (60 CATS points) on return to QUB or during their placement, with this being dependent on approval from both the industrial supervisor and the research project module coordinator. In the latter case students can submit their thesis and other necessary components upon return to the University following completion of their placement, with these aspects, and others, being assessed as per the requirements of the research project module.

Teaching Times

FT hours: term 12-20hrs pw and 35hrs pw summer project. Lectures/practicals will be run over a single day each week to accommodate day-release schemes. Teaching may be available outside normal teaching hours to support employed part-time students.

Career Prospects

Introduction
This programme is designed to prepare students for employment as analysts in the pharmaceutical and related industries.

There is currently a high demand, both locally and internationally, for graduates with analytical skills in this sector.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Graduate School, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast Full Employability Statement for further information.

Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements at home or overseas, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Overall, these initiatives, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment after the Course
WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN FIVE YEARS' TIME?

You might be working as a laboratory analyst or senior analyst in a global company - in quality assurance or quality control or in an industrial R&D facility.

You could be managing graduate recruits of your own, signing off the analysis and the quality of drugs and releasing batches into the world.

You could study further towards obtaining a PhD and continue towards an academic career.

The main focus of this degree is pharmaceutical analysis, but your training and placement experience could open up career pathways in other areas, such as the food industry or environmental protection.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment Links
Many of our previous students have gone on to work for companies such as:

Almac
Randox
Norbrook
Pfizer
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Learning and Teaching

The course accommodates both full-time and employed part-time students.

CONTACT TEACHING HOURS (per week in term time):

Full-time: 12-20 hours
Part-time: 8-12 hours

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Research Project in Pharmaceutical Analysis (60 credits)

  ×

  Research Project in Pharmaceutical Analysis

  Overview

  Staff: Dr P. Manesiotis Contribution: 2 Lectures
  CHM and PMY academic staff Directing research project
  
  
  • Summary of Lecture Content:
  
  • Lecture 1: Performing a literature review
  • Lecture 2: Writing a dissertation thesis
  
  
  Lab-Book, Data & Record Keeping 40%
  The students will submit alongside their thesis their lab notebook and an electronic copy of their supplementary data (such a calculations or spectra) on a CD/USB. Some supervisors can ask for a hard copy of this data also but this is on a case-by-case basis, however the student must hand this data in if asked.
  The lab notebook will be assessed by both the supervisor and the second assessor for its content including level of work conducted, thoroughness, legibility and clarity. An average of the marks will be used for the final total.
  
  Thesis 50%
  The thesis will be marked by both the supervisor and the second assessor and an average of the marks used for the final total. The marking will be split into three sections:
  Introduction 30%
  Results and Discussion 40%
  Experimental/Methods 30%
  The student should submit a draft of their thesis to their supervisor by the date set at the start of the project to receive feedback before their final submission. Following feedback from the supervisor, students should submit two bound copies for marking.
  
  Oral Presentation 10%
  The presentation will take the form of a 12 minute PowerPoint presentation plus 3 minutes of questioning on the presentation and associated area. All supervisors and second assessors are obliged to attend these presentations. It is advised that the students prepare this well in advanced and at least one practice talk is presented so that feedback may be given.

  Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the module the students are expected to:
  • Have experience in scientific research at a level appropriate to the Master’s degree i.e. professional scientific research
  • Have experience in data collection and analysis.
  • Be able to contribute, design and communicate scientific research in a written form.
  • Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to analytical and characterisation techniques of pharmaceuticals and related products.
  • Apply the theoretical background of analytical and characterisation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals and related products.
  • Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
  • Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
  • Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
  • Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
  • Apply detailed knowledge and awareness of Health and Safety legislation to ensure safe working practices in a laboratory environment.
  • Identify and assess risk within a working environment.

  Skills

  • Literature and practical research.
  • Ability to communicate scientific research.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Problem solving.
  • Good numeracy, literacy and IT skills (spreadsheets, word-processing, structure drawing and modelling etc.).
  • Independent learning.
  • Time management and personal prioritisation skills.
  • Risk assessment in a laboratory environment.
  • Critical thinking.

  Coursework

  50%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  50%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  CHM7004

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis Industrial Placement (0 credits)

  ×

  MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis Industrial Placement

  Overview

  Course Contents
  
  The content will vary as each placement is different. An appropriate job description should be provided by the placement provider and should reflect the content of the placement. As such the syllabus will comprise undertaking the approved work placement, maintaining a summary or activity log whilst on placement and submitting the required essay. The workload must be a minimum of 1,200 hours to maintain equivalence with that expected for a 120 credit module. Note that 9 months is therefore the expected minimum for the duration of a placement (i.e. 9 months at an average of 4 weeks per month and 35 hours per week giving 1260 hours, which is in excess of that required.). Work may be split over multiple placements within the maximum 15 month period normally available.
  
  
  Industry based research project:
  Students will have the opportunity to complete their research project during their industrial placement, with this being dependent on approval from both the industrial supervisor and the research project module coordinator. In these cases, students can submit their thesis and other necessary components upon return to the University following completion of their placement, with these aspects, and others, being assessed as per the requirements of the research project module.

  Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of this module, students will have:
  • Demonstrated an ability to adapt to an industry-based work environment
  • Analysed and critically self-reflected on the experience of working in industry, communicating their conclusions in writing
  • Developed an awareness and understanding of the structures, practices, and ethos of an industrial workplace
  • Developed a range of highly transferrable skills which will maximise their future career prospects

  Skills

  During the successful completion of this module, students will develop a range of skills related to:
  • Problem-solving and team-working
  • Independent working and time/project management
  • Critical reflection on experiential learning
  • Adaptation to new working environments, dynamics, and systems
  • Confidence, self-awareness, and self-effectiveness
  • Interpersonal skills

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  0

  Module Code

  CHM7010

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  36 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods (40 credits)

  ×

  Solid State Pharmaceutical Analysis Methods

  Overview

  Staff:
  Dr P. Nockemann Contribution: 5 Lectures / 3 seminars
  TBC Contribution: 7 Lectures / 4 seminars
  Prof. Steven J. Bell Contribution: 5 Lectures / 2 seminars
  Dr M. Swadzba-Kwasny Contribution: 4 Lectures / 2 seminars
  Prof. Ryan Donnelly Contribution: 1 Lecture
  Dr Diarmaid Murphy Contribution: 1 Lecture
  
  
  Summary of Lecture Content:
  
  Week Lectures Lecturer
  1 Introduction to the Solid State 1 – Thermodynamics, Polymorphs and Interactions PN
  2 Introduction to the Solid State 2 – Physical Properties and Processes TBC
  3 Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) 1 MSK
  4 Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) 2 MSK
  5 APPLIED Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, & ITC) MSK
  6 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 1 PN
  7 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 2 PN
  8 X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction 3 PN
  9 APPLIED X-ray Diffraction PN
  10 Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) 1 TBC
  11 Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) 2 TBC
  12 Surface area analysis DC
  Break
  16 Particulate Analysis & Technology DM
  17 Measurement of water content (KF, DVS) TBC
  18 IR and near-IR spectroscopy SJB
  19 APPLIED Infrared Spectroscopy SJB
  20 Raman spectroscopy SJB
  21 APPLIED Raman Spectroscopy SJB
  22 Formulated product analysis- most common formulation RD
  23 Data presentation of chemical information: data handling; data processing SJB
  24 Solid State NMR spectroscopy MSK
  25 Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques 1 TBC
  26 Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques 2 TBC
  Practicals
  
  Total 24 hrs: 6 x 4hrs practicals

  Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the module the students are expected to:
  • Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to solid state characterisation techniques.
  • Apply the theoretical background of solid state characterisation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals and related products.
  • Apply basic and advanced procedures used in the solid-state characterisation of pharmaceutical and related products.
  • Possess practical skills associated with spectroscopic instrumentation and techniques including thermal analysis, X-Ray diffraction techniques, solid-state NMR, IR/Raman spectroscopy, microscopy and analysis of particulate materials.
  • Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
  • Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
  • Demonstrate problem solving skills.
  • Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
  • Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
  • Have a sound understanding of advanced analytical techniques and procedures used in the analysis of pharmaceutical and related products.
  • Have the practical and related skills required to carry out such techniques/procedures and in the production of appropriate reports.
  • Have developed skills to understand and identify suitable technique/s for application to specific pharmaceutical product type.
  • Translate theoretical knowledge of the subject into practical methodology and applications.

  Skills

  • Ability to obtain and record characterisation data using common solid-state techniques.
  • Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulate conclusions.
  • Ability to produce written reports utilising IT skills.

  Coursework

  30%

  Examination

  70%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  40

  Module Code

  CHM7002

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Advanced Separation Science (20 credits)

  ×

  Advanced Separation Science

  Overview

  STAFF
  
  NAME CONTRIBUTION
  Prof. De Lorenzi (Pavia) 3 Lectures
  Dr P Manesiotis
  p.manesiotis@qub.ac.uk 9 Lectures / 4 seminars
  
  Summary of Lecture Content:
  Summary of Lecture Content:
   Lecture 1: Introduction to separations and chromatography
   Lecture 2: Liquid Chromatography 1
   Lecture 3: Liquid Chromatography 2
   Lecture 4: Liquid Chromatography 3
   Lecture 5: Gas Chromatography
   Lecture 6: TLC/IC/FPLC
   Lecture 7: Self-Study: Method development and validation
   Lecture 8: Size Exclusion Chromatography
   Lecture 9: Capillary Electrophoresis 1
   Lecture 10: Capillary Electrophoresis 2
   Lecture 11: Sample preparation
   Lecture 12: Hyphenated analytical techniques
  
  Summary of Practical Content:
   Workshop 1 & Practical 1: HPLC instrumentation and familiarisation with procedures and software.
   Workshop 2 & Practical 2: HPLC method development.
   Workshop 3 & Practical 3: HPLC method validation and assay of pharmaceutical mixture.
   Workshop 4 & Practical 4: Gas chromatography.

  Learning Outcomes

  At the end of the module the students are expected to:
  • Perform enhanced laboratory and instrumentation skills related to modern separation techniques.
  • Apply the theoretical background of separation techniques to the analysis of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and related products.
  • Apply basic and advanced procedures used in the chromatographic analysis of pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals and related products.
  • Possess practical skills associated with analytical instrumentation and techniques including HPLC, GC, IC, TLC and GPC.
  • Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
  • Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
  • Demonstrate problem solving skills.
  • Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
  • Be able to working in a team, through participation in group projects.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.

  Skills

  • Ability to obtain and record relevant analytical data.
  • Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulating conclusions.
  • Ability to produce written reports utilising IT skills.

  Coursework

  30%

  Examination

  70%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  CHM7001

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods (40 credits)

  ×

  Chemical, Biochemical and Spectroscopic Analytical Methods

  Overview

  Summary of Lecture Content:
  
  Semester 1
  Lecture Topic Staff
  1 Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis (1) Sudhirkumar Shinde
  2 Principles of Pharmaceutical Analysis (2) Sudhirkumar Shinde
  3 Basic spectroscopic principles (1) Steven Bell
  4 Basic spectroscopic principles (2) Steven Bell
  5 Ultraviolet spectroscopy AP de Silva
  6 Fluorescence spectroscopy AP de Silva
  7 Titrimetric methods of analysis Sudhirkumar Shinde
  8 Mass spectrometry (1) Panagiotis Manesiotis
  9 Mass spectrometry (2) Panagiotis Manesiotis
  10 NMR (1) Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
  11 NMR (2) Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
  12 Applied NMR spectroscopy Gosia Swadzba-Kwasny
  Semester 2
  13 BP standard chemical assay and pharmaceutical analysis Justin Tian
  14 Applied analysis in solid dosage form development Justin Tian
  15 Process-driven innovations in pharmaceutical analysis Justin Tian
  16 Analysis of Biopharmaceutical Agents Wafa Al-Jamal
  17 Formulated biologicals and analysis Wafa Al-Jamal
  18 Microbiological Analyses Laura Sherrard
  19 Enzyme Immunoassays Deirdre Gilpin
  20 Radiochemistry and applications Laura Sherrard
  21 Pharmacopoeias and Official Standards Garry Laverty
  22 Data presentation of biological information: data handling/ processing/reporting Laura Sherrard
  
  Summary of Practical Content:
  • Workshop 1 & Practical 1: UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy.
  • Workshop 2 & Practical 2: NMR spectroscopy.
  • Workshop 3 & Practical 3: Mass spectrometry.
  • Practical 4: Total protein assay.
  • Practical 5: Phosphate assay.
  • Practical 6: Assay of ibuprofen in commercial tablets.

  Learning Outcomes

  This module will provide an extensive overview of the theoretical principles and the design and operating principles of a range of spectroscopic instruments. Methodologies relating to the use of such instruments in qualitative and quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical and related products will be extensively covered and specifically related to analytical aspects of Pharmacopoeia monographs. The module will cover the design, workings and operating principles of a range of analytical techniques that are commonly used to characterise the physicochemical properties of finished products. It will also introduce, briefly, the cutting-edge innovations in pharmaceutical analysis for global pharmaceutical industry.
  
  At the end of the module the students are expected to:
  • Have a sound understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of key chemical, biological and spectroscopic methods applied to the analysis of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and excipients.
  • Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
  • Reflect on experimental outcomes and use this in relation to overcoming analytical method development orientated problems.
  • Demonstrate problem solving skills.
  • Perform advanced mathematical and statistical manipulation of data.
  • Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of technical reports based on experimental results.
  • Be able to work in a team, through participation in group projects.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking through the validation of information (personal and literature data) and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical method development and problem solving.
  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of how to select and develop advanced analytical techniques and procedures to be used in the analysis of pharmaceutical and related products.
  • Have developed the practical and related skills required to generate data and produce appropriate reports and SOPs in a GMP environment.
  • Aware of current trends in pharmaceutical R&D, manufacture and associated innovations in pharmaceutical analysis department.

  Skills

  • Ability to prioritise activities and plan lab practical.
  • Obtain and record relevant analytical data in correct format.
  • Ability to perform data handling, interpretation of results and formulating conclusions.
  • Ability to review literature, to produce written documents, including SOPs and written reports.
  • Ability to perform statistical interpretation of data.

  Coursework

  30%

  Examination

  70%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  40

  Module Code

  CHM7003

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Quality Assurance and Quality Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry (20 credits)

  ×

  Quality Assurance and Quality Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry

  Overview

  To be confirmed

  Learning Outcomes

  To be confirmed

  Skills

  To be confirmed

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  PMY7092

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in Chemistry, Pharmacy or a closely allied subject. Performance in key modules will be taken into consideration.

Applicants with relevant work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2023. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

Please Select Your Country/Region Please Select Your Country/Region Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bolivia Bosnia And Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Cambodia Cameroon Canada Chile China Mainland Colombia Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Ecuador Egypt Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Finland France Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong (SAR) Hungary India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Ivory Coast Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lativa Lebanon Liberia Libya Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (SAR) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Malta Mauritius Mexico Mongolia Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palestine Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saudi Arabia Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka St Vincent And The Grenadines Sudan Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates Uruguay USA Uzbekistan Venezuela Vietnam Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction
This programme is designed to prepare students for employment as analysts in the pharmaceutical and related industries.

There is currently a high demand, both locally and internationally, for graduates with analytical skills in this sector.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Queen’s is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 20 universities most-targeted by leading graduate employers.  Queen’s students will be advised and guided about career choice and, through the Graduate School, will have an opportunity to seek accreditation for skills development and experience gained through the wide range of extra-curricular activities on offer.  See Queen’s University Belfast Full Employability Statement for further information.

Recognising student diversity, as well as promoting employability enhancements and other interests, is part of the developmental experience at Queen’s.  Students are encouraged to plan and build their own, personal skill and experiential profile through a range of activities including; recognised Queen’s Certificates, placements at home or overseas, learning development opportunities and involvement in wider university life through activities, such as clubs, societies, and sports.

Overall, these initiatives, reward the energy, drive, determination and enthusiasm shown by students engaging in activities over-and-above the requirements of their academic studies.  These qualities are amongst those valued highly by graduate employers.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment after the Course
WHERE YOU MIGHT BE IN FIVE YEARS' TIME?

You might be working as a laboratory analyst or senior analyst in a global company - in quality assurance or quality control or in an industrial R&D facility.

You could be managing graduate recruits of your own, signing off the analysis and the quality of drugs and releasing batches into the world.

You could study further towards obtaining a PhD and continue towards an academic career.

The main focus of this degree is pharmaceutical analysis, but your training and placement experience could open up career pathways in other areas, such as the food industry or environmental protection.
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Employment Links
Many of our previous students have gone on to work for companies such as:

Almac
Randox
Norbrook
Pfizer
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/careers/

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£6,980
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£6,980
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£8,360
EU Other 3	£23,150
International	£23,150

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Pharmaceutical Analysis with International Industrial Placement costs

Where students are undertaking a professional internship (industrial placement) they are required to pay a placement charge to the University. When the placement charge for the academic year is published, it will be available on page 11 of the Tuition Fee Schedule at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/Feesandfinance/FileStore/Filetoupload,1527396,en.pdf.

Students are required to buy a laboratory coat and laboratory glasses in year 1 at a combined cost of approximately £20. Students can use a locker each year but will have to provide their own padlock.

Students also have the option to join the Royal Society of Chemistry at a cost of approximately £20 per year.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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