Acquire the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience for a career as a Pharmaceutical Analyst in Industry or Academia.
WHO ARE YOU?
You are probably a recent physical or life sciences graduate – chemistry, pharmacy and biology.
But you could equally be in work and want to develop your professional skills. If you are, we offer this course part-time as well, one day per week.
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
Our industrial partners are always telling us they need people like you. Analysts are among the most sought after professionals with some of the highest employability rates.
You will receive practical training on state-of-the-art separation techniques, such as HPLC/MS and GC/MS, in the purpose built Pharmaceutical Analysis lab designed in partnership with Agilent (a world-leading instrument manufacturer)
PLEASE NOTE:
Applications for this course received after 30th June 2026 may not be accepted. In addition, a deposit will be required to secure a place.
This programme is taught in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering by leading experts in the field.
Pharmaceutical Analysis highlights
Industry Links
Our industrial partners have influenced the course structure, to tell us what they need from the latest analytical graduates.
We have guest lectures from industry to tell you about the issues they face, out in the field.
Career Development
Employability is a major perk of the course. Ireland, north and south, is a major hub for the Pharmaceutical industry.
World Class Facilities
Everything is on-campus, and the course is very hands-on and interactive.
You will receive practical training on state-of-the-art separation techniques, such as HPLC/MS and GC/MS, in the purpose built Pharmaceutical Analysis lab designed in partnership with Agilent (a world-leading instrument manufacturer)
Student Experience
We were ranked 13th in the UK for the study of Chemistry and joint 1st in the UK for research intensity in Chemistry (Complete Universities Guide UK 2023) and are 8th in the UK for Chemistry graduate prospects (Complete Universities Guide UK 2025).
If you have a primary degree in chemistry, pharmacy or a related subject, this degree is designed to provide you with advanced knowledge and high-level practical skills in laboratory analysis, and meets the ongoing need for analysts in the pharmaceutical industry.
Apart from basic and advanced separation, spectroscopic and
characterisation techniques, you’ll learn about aspects of quality assurance and quality control, as well as the preparation of scientific and technical reports.
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 summer Advanced Practical Skills module, you will spend 10 weeks on a project chosen from three core course topics.
Indicative Number of Modules Per Semester
Full-time: Two Modules
Part-time: One Module
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
Study time:
Coursework 100 hrs
Preparation of written/oral reports 100 hrs.
Private study / revision 300 hrs.
List of Indicative Programme Modules
Advanced Separation Science
Solid-State Characterisation I
Spectroscopic Analysis Methods I
Solid-State Characterisation II
Spectroscopic Analysis Methods II
Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Advanced Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Analysis
Modules
Full-time study:
The course comprises six taught modules, three per semester:
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).
Spectroscopic Analysis Methods I and II: (Sept-Dec and Jan-May) will cover the majority of modern spectroscopic techniques and their applications in pharmaceutical analysis as well as aspects of GMP and GLP (20 CATS points each).
Solid-State Characterisation I and II: (Sept-Dec and Jan-May) will discuss a series of solid state characterisation techniques and their application in pharmaceutical analysis (20 CATS points each).
These six modules include a large number of practical sessions, which involve conduct of experimental work using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and instrumentation, literature search 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).
During the summer semester (June-August) the students will undertake a laboratory based research project with an accompanying dissertation.
The research project will provide training in how to tackle a research problem in chemistry and will include a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking, analysis of data and independent research.
Part-time study:
In Year 1 students will take:
Advanced Separation Science (Sept-Dec)
Solid-State Characterisation I and II (Sept-Dec and Jan-May)
In Year 2 students will take:
Spectroscopic Analysis Methods I and II (Sept-Dec and Jan-May)
Quality Assurance/Control in the Pharmaceutical Industry.
These six modules include a large number of practical sessions, which involve conduct of experimental work using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and instrumentation, literature search and preparation of scientific reports.
During the summer semester of Year 2 (June-August) the students will undertake the laboratory-based research project with an accompanying dissertation.
School of Chem & Chem Eng Prof. Małgorzata (Gosia) Swadźba-Kwaśny graduated from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland (2005) with an MSc Eng in Chemical Technology. In her final year, she researched oxidations in ionic liquids under the supervision of Prof Chrobok. She then moved to QUB, where she studied acidic ionic liquids for her PhD degree, supervised by Prof. Ken Seddon at Queen’s University Ionic Liquid Laboratories (QUILL). Following graduation (2009), Gosia worked a post-doctoral researcher at QUILL, and was involved both in fundamental studies of inorganic chemistry in ionic liquids, and in industrial collaborations with Petronas and Evonik.
In 2015 Gosia won Queen’s University Research Fellowship in Green Chemistry (a tenure-track position) and established her own research group. She was promoted to a Senior Lecturer in 2019 and to a Professor of Inorganic Chemistry in 2021. Since 2018, Gosia has been the Director of the QUILL Research Centre.
Gosia’s research interests lie in ionic liquids and other advanced liquid materials.
She serves as a member of the Editorial Advisory Board for ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Chemical Engineering.
School of Chem & Chem Eng Professor Manesiotis is the Head of the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. He specialises in developing novel polymerisable building blocks for Molecular Imprinting for applications in bioanalysis, affinity separations, sensors, catalysis, and polymeric sorbents for environmental clean-up.
Professor; Pharmaceutical Analysis Course Director
School of Chem & Chem Eng Professor Peter Nockemann, FRSC, is the Programme Director for the MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis at QUB. His research focuses on Inorganic and Materials Chemistry, with a keen interest in eco-friendly methods for processing rare and high-tech metals and improving energy storage solutions vital for renewable energy adoption.
He completed his PhD in 2002 in Cologne, Germany, and subsequently worked as a post-doctoral fellow with Prof. Koen Binnemans at K.U. Leuven, Belgium. In 2008, he joined QUB as a Lecturer on an RCUK fellowship and was promoted to Senior Lecturer in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry in 2016. In 2019, he was appointed Chair in Inorganic and Materials Chemistry.
Beyond academia, Prof. Nockemann co-founded and serves as director for the QUB spin-out company, Green Lizard Technologies Ltd., which aims to provide technological solutions for the sustainable and clean energy sector. He also co-founded Ionic Technologies Ltd. (former Seren Tech), playing a pivotal role in introducing new technologies for recycling rare-earth metals.
School of Chem & Chem Eng Prof. Steven E. J. Bell received his PhD from Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and worked at the Rutherford-Appleton Laboratory and the University of York before returning to QUB where he is a Professor of Physical Chemistry.
His research centres on nanomaterials and Raman spectroscopy. He has a particular interest in the application of Raman methods to real world problems and is an expert on material and advanced technologies for healthcare. He has undertaken projects on the development of novel nanomaterials for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and catalysis, application of metal nanoparticles and nanoparticle assemblies as sensors, diagnostic applications of photonic sensors, vibrational spectroscopy forensic analysis, detection and identification of drugs of abuse, explosives and paint evidence, trace analysis of DNA/RNA and quantitative Raman spectroscopy for chemical analysis on foodstuff and pharmaceuticals.
Teaching Times
Lectures/practicals will be run within 1-2 set days each week to accommodate day-release schemes. Teaching may be available outside normal teaching hours to support employed part-time students.
Learning and Teaching
The course accommodates both full-time and employed part-time students.
CONTACT TEACHING HOURS (per week):
Full-time: 12-20 hours
Part-time: 8-12 hours
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Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Continuous assessment
Advanced Practical Skills project report.
Facilities
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has seen substantial strategic investment in building new state-of-the-art research laboratories for synthetic and analytical chemistry, as well as catalysis research, with accommodation for over 50 researchers.
A £4 million investment in research and teaching laboratory space has significantly modernised and further extended our facilities, with recently added equipment including an environmental SEM facility, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction equipment, a high-end confocal Raman microscope, 400 & 600 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, and a 500 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer, the first instrument of this type in Northern Ireland. A further investment of £1.2M resulted in an Ion-mobility qTOF MS and a SAXS instrument - both unique in Northern Ireland - being added to the School's instrument facilities.
Further School facilities include two additional NMR spectrometers, three mass spectrometers, and additional powder XRD, ICP-OES, BET and Hg porosimetry equipment, a CD spectrometer and a HPLC/GC instrumentation, as well as standard spectrometer and computational facilities.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2025/26). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Solid-State Characterisation of Pharmaceuticals II
Overview
Summary of Lecture Content:
• Surface Area and Porosity Analysis (BET)
• Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) (1)
• Optical and Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) (2)
• Advanced Imaging Techniques (Cryo EM, AFM)
• Solid-State Characterisation of Biopharmaceuticals
• Essentials of pharmaceutical formulation (1)
• Essentials of pharmaceutical formulation (2)
• Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) for Pharmaceutical Applications
• Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) for Pharmaceutical Formulations
• Particulate Analysis
• Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques (1)
• Combining Solid State Analytical Techniques (2)
Summary of Practical Content:
• Practical 1: SEM
• Practical 2: SAXS
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the students will be able to:
• Explain and evaluate advanced solid-state characterisation techniques such as BET, SAXS,
DVS, and microscopy (SEM, TEM, Cryo-EM, AFM) in the context of pharmaceutical materials
and formulations.
• Critically assess particle properties such as surface area, porosity, morphology, and
hygroscopicity, and their influence on formulation design and performance.
• Apply imaging and scattering techniques to investigate microstructural and nanoscale features
of pharmaceutical solids and biopharmaceuticals.
• Interpret data from multiple complementary solid-state techniques to generate a
comprehensive understanding of formulation characteristics and behaviour.
• Demonstrate competence in practical application of advanced analytical techniques (e.g. SEM,
SAXS) and evaluate their utility in solving formulation-related challenges.
• Integrate formulation principles with analytical findings to inform rational design, development,
and optimisation of pharmaceutical products.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
• Ability to operate and interpret data from advanced imaging techniques (e.g. SEM, TEM, Cryo-
EM, AFM) for pharmaceutical characterisation.
• Combining data from techniques such as BET, SAXS, DVS, and microscopy to draw holistic
conclusions about formulation properties and behaviour.
• Capability to connect physicochemical and microstructural data with formulation performance,
informing design decisions in pharmaceutical development.
Advanced Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Analysis
Overview
Summary of Module Content:
• Each student will carry out one project, from a total of three projects available.
• The projects focus on the development and/or validation of core analytical methods relevant to
pharmaceutical analysis: chromatography, spectroscopy and solid-state analysis.
Each project will last ten weeks and will be structured as follows:
o Weeks 1-2: Project briefing, literature review, experiment planning and COSHH review
o Weeks 3-8: Experimental work
o Weeks 9-10: Preparation of technical report.
1. Chromatographic method development and validation
Overview:
• This project will focus on the development of an HPLC method for the quantitative
determination of an API in pharmaceutical tablets, to include the following steps:
o Literature review and initial experiment plan
o Review of COSHH form
o Chromatographic parameter optimisation
o Method calibration and validation
o Determination of concentration of API in pharmaceutical tablets
o Preparation of technical report
• The experiment plan developed following project briefing and literature review must be
submitted for assessment and initial feedback.
• A detailed budget for the project, to include staff time/cost, materials and consumables, must
be prepared before experimental work begins, and an evaluation of projected versus actual
costs must be submitted as an appendix to the technical report.
• Experimental data collected during the project must be compiled and submitted as an appendix
to the technical report.
2. Development of methods for the quantitative determination of API in tablets using spectroscopic techniques
Overview:
• This project will involve the development of the quantitative determination of an API in
pharmaceutical tablets using infrared and NMR spectroscopy, to include the following steps:
o Literature review and initial experiment plan.
o Review of COSHH form.
o Selection of appropriate internal standard compounds.
o Determination of optimum spectroscopic data analysis approach.
o Method calibration and validation with known samples using both ATR-IR and NMR
spectroscopy.
o Determination of concentration of API in commercial pharmaceutical tablets.
o Preparation of technical report to include error analysis and potential sources of interference.
• The experiment plan developed following project briefing and literature review must be
submitted for assessment and initial feedback.
• A detailed budget for the project, to include staff time/cost, materials and consumables, must
be prepared before experimental work begins, and an evaluation of projected versus actual
costs must be submitted as an appendix to the technical report.
• Experimental data collected during the project must be compiled and submitted as an appendix
to the technical report.
3. Analysis of pharmaceutical co-crystals
Overview:
• This project will focus on the study of polymorphs present in pharmaceutical samples, to
include the following steps:
o Literature review and initial experiment plan.
o Review of COSHH form.
o Crystallisation experiments to prepare co-crystals.
o Powder-XRD study of co-crystals prepared under different conditions.
o Single Crystal XRD study of selected co-crystals.
o Morphology analysis of crystallised co-crystals using SEM.
o Polarised optical microscopy (POM) study of co-crystals to analyse crystal habit.
o Design of parameters for thermal analysis studies.
o Thermal analysis of co-crystals prepared using DSC.
o FTIR spectroscopic analysis of co-crystals.
o Preparation of technical report.
• The experiment plan developed following project briefing and literature review must be
submitted for assessment and initial feedback.
• A detailed budget for the project, to include staff time/cost, materials and consumables, must
be prepared before experimental work begins, and an evaluation of projected versus actual
costs must be submitted as an appendix to the technical report.
• Experimental data collected during the project must be compiled and submitted as an appendix
to the technical report.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Design and plan a research project in pharmaceutical analysis, including literature review,
experimental design, and identification of suitable analytical techniques.
• Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment, including COSHH review, and implement good
laboratory practice and health and safety protocols.
• Select and apply appropriate analytical methods, such as chromatography, spectroscopy, or
solid-state techniques, for method development, validation, or materials characterisation.
• Optimise and validate analytical methods, applying relevant industry and regulatory standards
for quantitative accuracy, precision, linearity, and robustness.
• Process and interpret complex analytical datasets, using appropriate statistical and
chemometric tools to draw meaningful scientific conclusions.
• Prepare and manage a detailed experimental budget, and critically evaluate the relationship
between projected and actual resource usage.
• Adapt problem-solving strategies based on experimental outcomes and troubleshoot issues
that arise during method development or material analysis.
• Communicate research findings effectively, both in written form through a technical report and
orally if required, using appropriate scientific language and visual data presentation.
• Demonstrate professional research behaviour, including independent working, time
management, and ethical awareness throughout the research lifecycle.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
• Ability to plan, execute, and manage a substantial research project independently, including
time management, prioritisation, and critical decision-making.
• Proficient use of advanced instrumentation and analytical methods (e.g. HPLC, spectroscopy,
solid-state techniques) for method development, validation, and materials characterisation.
• Competence in processing and interpreting complex data sets using statistical tools, with
attention to accuracy, reproducibility, and critical evaluation of findings.
At the end of the module the students will be able to:
• Describe and compare the fundamental principles and instrumentation of key spectroscopic
techniques used in pharmaceutical analysis, including UV-Vis, fluorescence, NMR, and mass
spectrometry.
• Interpret spectroscopic data to determine structural, compositional, and functional information
about pharmaceutical compounds in both solution and solid-state forms.
• Apply nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, including 1D, 2D, and solid-state NMR,
to investigate molecular structure and dynamics in pharmaceutical materials.
• Evaluate the capabilities and limitations of mass spectrometry and hyphenated techniques
(e.g. LC-MS, GC-MS) in pharmaceutical compound identification and quantification.
• Demonstrate practical competence in operating spectroscopic instrumentation and analysing
experimental data through hands-on laboratory and workshop-based activities.
• Critically assess analytical strategies that integrate multiple spectroscopic techniques for
comprehensive pharmaceutical characterisation and problem-solving.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
• Ability to interpret complex spectral data (e.g. NMR, UV-Vis, fluorescence, MS) for structural
elucidation and compound characterisation.
• Competence in the operation and application of advanced spectroscopic and hyphenated
techniques for pharmaceutical analysis.
• Selecting and combining appropriate spectroscopic methods to solve pharmaceutical problems
and support formulation or regulatory decisions.
At the end of the module students will be be able to:
• Critically evaluate the principles and applications of modern separation techniques, including
liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and multidimensional
approaches, within the context of pharmaceutical analysis.
• Design and optimise chromatographic methods for qualitative and quantitative pharmaceutical
analysis, considering factors such as resolution, selectivity, sensitivity, and efficiency.
• Apply advanced sample preparation techniques to improve analytical performance, particularly
in the context of complex matrices such as biological samples and biopharmaceutical products.
• Interpret and critically assess chromatographic and electrophoretic data, including the use of
method validation parameters (e.g., accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity, LOD/LOQ).
• Demonstrate practical proficiency in operating key analytical instruments (e.g. HPLC, GC),
performing method development and validation in a laboratory setting.
• Communicate analytical findings effectively, using appropriate scientific language and data
presentation techniques, in both written and verbal formats.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
• Ability to select, adapt, and troubleshoot analytical techniques to solve complex problems in
pharmaceutical analysis.
• Proficient use of chromatographic and electrophoretic instrumentation, including method
development, validation, and data analysis.
• Capacity to critically assess experimental data and literature and effectively communicate
findings through reports and presentations.
Summary of Lecture Content:
• Introduction to the Solid State 1 – Thermodynamics, Polymorphs and Interactions
• Introduction to the Solid State 2 – Physical Properties and Processes
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (1)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (2)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (3)
• X-Ray crystallography including Power X-Ray Diffraction (4)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (1)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (2)
• IR, Raman and near-IR spectroscopy (3)
• Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) (1)
• Thermal analysis (Isothermal Calorimetry, DSC and TGA) (2)
• Applied Thermal Analysis (TGA, DSC, & ITC)
At the end of the module the students will be able to:
• Explain and evaluate fundamental solid-state concepts, including thermodynamics,
polymorphism, and intermolecular interactions, as they apply to pharmaceutical materials.
• Critically assess the physical properties and transformations of pharmaceutical solids and how • these influence drug formulation, stability, and performance.
• Apply X-ray diffraction techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction, to characterise crystalline
pharmaceutical substances and interpret crystallographic data.
• Utilise vibrational spectroscopy methods (IR, Raman, near-IR) to investigate molecular
structure, polymorphic forms, and solid-state interactions in pharmaceutical compounds.
• Interpret thermal analysis data (DSC, TGA, ITC) to characterise phase transitions, thermal
stability, and thermodynamic properties of pharmaceutical solids.
• Demonstrate competence in experimental techniques for solid-state analysis through practical
application and critical analysis of laboratory data.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
• Proficiency in using analytical techniques (e.g. XRD, DSC, TGA, IR, Raman) to investigate the
physical and structural properties of pharmaceutical solids.
• Ability to interpret complex experimental data, draw meaningful conclusions, and critically
assess solid-state behaviours relevant to pharmaceutical development.
• Presenting analytical findings clearly and effectively in scientific formats, including lab reports,
posters, and oral presentations.
• Advanced data processing
• Advances in Mass Spectrometry
• AI & Automation in Analytical Science
• Process Analytical Technology (PAT) & Real-Time Monitoring
• Miniaturised & Portable Analytical Devices
• Peptide and protein characterisation (1)
• Peptide and protein characterisation (2)
• Green Analytical Chemistry & Sustainable Methods
• Titrations
• Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Biosensors (1)
• Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Biosensors (2)
• Detection of counterfeit medications
Summary of Practical Content:
• Practical 1: Data processing
• Practical 2: Electrochemistry
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate emerging technologies in pharmaceutical analysis, including AI, automation,
portable devices, and real-time monitoring systems.
• Apply data processing techniques to analyse, interpret, and visualise complex datasets
generated from advanced analytical instrumentation.
• Assess the principles and applications of electrochemical methods and biosensors for
pharmaceutical detection, including their use in sustainability and counterfeit detection.
• Demonstrate an understanding of modern bioanalytical techniques, including mass
spectrometry and protein/peptide characterisation approaches.
• Evaluate the principles of green analytical chemistry and propose more sustainable analytical
workflows in pharmaceutical analysis.
• Apply practical and theoretical knowledge to contemporary challenges in pharmaceutical
analysis, including quality control, authenticity testing, and regulatory compliance.
Skills
Skills associated with module:
Ability to process, interpret, and visualise complex analytical data using advanced software and digital tools.
Understanding and critical appraisal of cutting-edge technologies (e.g. AI, PAT, portable devices) and their application in modern pharmaceutical analysis.
Capability to incorporate green chemistry principles and ethical considerations (e.g. counterfeit detection) into analytical strategies and decision-making.
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.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 30th June 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the 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.
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.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
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 is a member of the Russell Group and, therefore, one of the 24 universities most-targeted by leading 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 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 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:
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.
1EU 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 relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
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.
Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications
1.1 Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications.
1.2 You will be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the course.
1.3 This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.
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.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
