MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: 12 months full-time
Study with us
- gain skills in the analytical techniques used to detect, identify and quantify drugs and related substances
- examine strategies for analytical research and development
- gain experience in instrumentation and techniques
- gain specialised knowledge of the analytical techniques used to detect, identify and quantitatively determine drugs and related substances
Why this course?
The course provides specialised knowledge of the analytical techniques used to detect, identify and quantitatively determine drugs and related substances. You'll be introduced to techniques for evaluating analytical data and validating analytical methods and examine strategies for analytical research and development.
You’ll gain practical experience in a wide range of modern instrumentation and techniques.
What you’ll study
The course consists of four theory and two practical modules running between October and April followed by examinations.
If you pass all exams and wish to proceed to the MSc, you’ll undertake a 10-week research project. This will be in the University or at an external company or organisation. You’ll submit your thesis at the end of August.
Course video
Find out more about our Pharmaceutical Analysis course:
Essential Skills and Employability for Masters Students (20 credits)
This module will illustrate the many sources of scientific information available electronically. It will also show how to construct effective search protocols to find relevant information and present it using graphical means and oral presentations.
It will enable you to understand, choose and use appropriate statistical methods to aid the collection and interpretation of data in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, and associated industries.
You'll be encouraged to engage in debate on:
- scientific hypotheses
- regulatory affairs & research funding
- in vivo experimentation
- human stem cell therapies
You'll be introduced to the concepts of:
- skills evaluation and personal effectiveness
- time management, planning and Gannt charts
- decision-making processes and review
- information and data management
- good laboratory practice
- peer interaction, communication and networking
- preparing a CV, career planning and applying for future positions
Chemical Analysis: Principles, Applications & Methods (20 credits)
In this module you'll develop an integrated knowledge and ability to apply the principles of chemical analysis (titrimetry), gaining theoretical and practical skills in the quantitative/qualitative analysis of drugs and related substances, including their effectiveness.
It also aims to provide an understanding of:
- the physicochemical properties of drug substances
- the stability of drugs or formulations
- the basic calculations used in the analysis of drugs
- the principles and application of method validation in analytical procedures
Spectroscopy: Principles, Application & Methods (20 credits)
This module will provide you with detailed knowledge of a variety of spectrophotometric techniques used in the quantitative/qualitative analysis of drugs and related substances. The lectures are integrated with 'real world' examples in the use of each technique in the quantitative/ qualitative analysis of pharmaceuticals and related substances to ensure you have the ability to apply learnt principles.
Techniques studied include:
- UV/visible spectrophotometry
- fluorescence spectrophotometry
- infrared spectrophotometry
- near infrared spectrophotometry
- raman spectrophotometry
- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- mass spectrometry - lectures and workshops cover both electron impact and atmospheric ionisation techniques (electrospray and chemical ionisation)
The module also provides an understanding of the application of UV, IR, NMR and MS techniques in the structural elucidation of known (and new) drugs and/or chemical entities.
Principles, Application & Method Development in Chromatography (20 credits)
In this module you'll develop an integrated knowledge and ability to apply the principles of separation (chromatographic) techniques and methods in the quantitative/qualitative analysis of drugs and related substances. Techniques studied include:
- thin Layer Chromatography
- gas Chromatography
- high Performance Liquid Chromatography
- capillary Electrophoresis
Bioanalysis, Biotechnology & Quality and Management (20 credits)
This module aims to give you a thorough understanding of the procedures used to analyse drugs in biological matrices. You'll also obtain a thorough understanding of the procedures used to assure quality in both synthetic and biotechnologically produced drugs.
Bioanalytical & Chromatographic Methods (20 credits)
This module is laboratory based and is used to develop practical lab skills of relevance to current industrial and academic practice. It has been designed to enable you to develop an integrated knowledge base and critical understanding of the practical skills relating to the pharmaceutical analysis and quality control of medicinal products, as preparation for progress to practice as a pharmaceutical analyst.
The module provides an appreciation of chromatographic techniques used in the qualitative, quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical substances and ingredients in formulations.
Research Project (60 credits)
Students who pass the necessary number of modules passes are eligible to do a research project to gain the required number of credits for an MSc.
The research project takes place over ten weeks from May until the end of August. Projects can be internal (within SIPBS) or external.
We have external placements within pharmaceutical companies, other Universities, government/European bodies and other industries. We aim to place as many students as we can in external placements. Internal placements are conducted with members of staff from SIPBS, usually within an area of active research within the department. These internal projects are by no means inferior to external placements, and students regularly achieve their name on scientific publications from these projects.
Learning & teaching
The course is taught by experts based in the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences.
Teaching of theory and applications is through lectures, tutorials and web-based learning. The material is further reinforced with practical sessions which provide you with hands-on experience in a wide range of modern instrumental techniques.
Assessment
Assessment is through written and practical exams and submission of a thesis (MSc students only).
Facilities
On this programme you'll benefit from regular laboratory sessions in our refurbished and well-equipped teaching laboratories within the institute. In addition, together with our industrial partners Shimadzu, we have established a new state-of-the-art high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectroscopy laboratory. As Pharmaceutical Analysis students you'll benefit from extensive use of these facilities to further develop and refine your analytical skills. This enhanced practical experience makes our graduates extremely attractive to potential employers.
Teaching staff
Dr David Breen, Course Leader - Dr Breen leads the team which delivers the MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis. On this course he teaches chemical and spectroscopic analysis and method development and validation. David also has an interest is the development of bioanalytical methods and coordinates and delivers a class on this topic. His research interests are focussed on the development of sustainable analytical development, and the implementation of green analytical principles.
Dr Iain D H Oswald - Dr Oswald is part of the team that teaches spectroscopic methods such as IR, spectrofluorimetry and circular dichroism. His research focuses on materials at high pressure and he has a general interest in the solid-state and polymorphism/co-crystallisation of materials.
Dr Christine Dufès - Dr Dufès teaches Binding Assays on the MSc course. Her research interests are:
- design and development of novel tumour-targeted anti-cancer therapeutic systems
- design and development of novel therapeutic systems able to reach the brain after systemic administration, with the ultimate aim to facilitate drug delivery to brain tumours and neurodegenerative disorders
Dr RuAngelie Edrada-Ebel - Dr Edrada-Ebel teaches NMR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry in Pharmaceutical Analysis. Her research focuses on natural products chemistry of macro-organisms and micro-organisms from both the marine and the terrestrial habitats.
Guest lectures
Students on this course will have the opportunity to learn from a range of external sources. As part of our Chromatography module, you'll spend some time working with Professor Mel Eurby, an internationally recognised leader in the development of new chromatographic methods and technologies.
As part of our Bioanalytical & Quality Management module you'll have the opportunity to interact with Dr Chris Burgess, Managing Director of Burgess Analytical Consultancy, who has worked with some of the largest pharmaceutical companies to develop robust and effective quality management systems. Professor Alistair Davidson and Professor John Miller will also contribute to the quality management content on the course, having both spent several years involved in developing and producing the British and European pharmacopeia, with roles across a range of regulatory bodies.
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements | Minimum second-class (2:2) honours degree, or international equivalent, in an appropriate science. |
|---|---|
| English language requirements | You must have an English language minimum score of IELTS 6.0 (with no component below 5.5). We offer comprehensive English language courses for students whose IELTS scores are below 6.0. Please see ELTD for full details. As a university, we now accept many more English language tests in addition to IELTS for overseas applicants, for example, TOEFL and PTE Cambridge. View the full list of accepted English language tests. |
Pre-Masters preparation course
The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.
Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.
| Scotland | £11,900 |
|---|---|
| England, Wales & Northern Ireland | £11,900 |
| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International | £31,250 |
| Available scholarships | Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities. |
| Additional costs | Course materials Other costs There are returnable deposits for entry keycards and lockers (depending on your project location within Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences). International students If you are an international student, you may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
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How can I fund my course?
Scottish postgraduate students
Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from England
Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Wales
Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
Students coming from Northern Ireland
Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.
Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.
International students
We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.
Careers
Many of our graduates obtain positions in the pharmaceutical & chemical industries and some have continued into PhD research. Previous graduates of the course include a number of world-renowned academics and leaders of international organisations such the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Pharmacopoeia Laboratory.
Apply
There is currently no deadline for submitting applications. However, we encourage you to apply early as we consider applications on a first come, first served basis, and may introduce an application deadline due to high demand.
Start date: Sep 2025
Pharmaceutical Analysis
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