About Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science - Msc in Edinburgh Napier University

This programme is primarily, but not exclusively, aimed at international students who have an interest in developing a career in the pharmaceutical sector. 

It is designed to equip you with versatile skills in the theoretical understanding, practical execution and critical evaluation of pharmaceutical science principles.

You will develop expert critical and technical knowledge related to the development, analysis and production of medicines (pharmaceutics), the drug industry and regulatory affairs.

You will gain insight to contemporary, integrated drug discovery strategies, study recent trends in chemical and biological therapeutics and evaluate the latest technologies used in the pharmaceutical industry.

You will also study the interaction between drugs and the body (pharmacology) and explore key analytical and bioanalytical techniques used in therapeutic drug monitoring, with the opportunity for hands-on practical experience in a range of specialist instrumentation and techniques.

Course details

This programme provides the opportunity to acquire versatile skills in the theoretical understanding, practical execution and critical evaluation of Pharmaceutical Science principles to underpin your chosen professional careers.  In addition, a specific aim is to enhance your theoretical understanding and practical application of analytical science in pharmaceutical disciplines.

You’ll acquire broad knowledge in contemporary pharmaceutics and pharmacology and gain an in-depth critical understanding of current research in biotechnology and pharmaceutical science.

You’ll develop broad knowledge of current pharmaceutical analysis and quality control strategies and will learn about GMP and GLP compliance.

There is a strong focus on developing your analytical and practical laboratory skills with many opportunities for hands-on experience in a range of current techniques and practices including specialist equipment, for example, HPLC, UV/Vis, FTIR, microscopy, cell culture and flow cytometry. You will have the opportunity to collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data, and to interpret and evaluate data produced both in the laboratory and in silico.

In the final trimester you will undertake an independent project within a dedicated research team, allowing you to apply and further develop your practical, analytical and scientific research skills. There may be the opportunity to conduct your research project externally in a relevant organisation

You will develop graduate attributes necessary for a successful career in the pharmaceutical sector, developing key skills including communication with other professional scientists and non-specialist audiences, organisational skills, problem-solving, review and synopsis, numeracy, statistical analysis and computing skills.

Careers

With a two-year Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science, you can take advantage of the increased opportunities for advancement in the pharmaceutical, healthcare or bioscience sectors, as discovery or development scientists, in research leadership, development or management roles.  You may develop your career in global pharmaceutical companies, smaller developing biotechnology enterprises, contract drug testing companies or service providers to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, hospital laboratories, or in local government, or health and safety divisions in industry. 

Successful completion of the programme also provides a sound platform for PhD study across the pharmaceutical and bio-molecular sciences, in worldwide academic and research institutions.

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at a 2:2 or above. We look for applicants to have a background in  bio-molecular sciences in order to be eligible for this programme. 

The following acceptable degree background are: pharmacy; pharmacology, pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry; biological or biomedical sciences; chemistry; immunology; biotechnology; genetics; virology; molecular biology; forensic biology.

We may also consider degree-equivalent qualifications, as well as applicants without Honours degree equivalence but who have appropriate experience gained in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries.

You will be eligible to apply if you have gained one of the following:

• A bachelor general / pass (3 year) degree with 60% or above
• A bachelor special / honours degree (3 year) with 55% or above
• A bachelor degree (4 year) in a professional subject with 55% or above

IELTS (Academic)

6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5

TOEFL Internet Based Test

80 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing

Pearson’s Test of Academic English

56 overall with a minimum of 51 in each component

Edinburgh Napier University Highlights

Edinburgh Napier University Average Tuition Fees And Other Expenses

The table below shows the estimated cost of living in UK while attending the institute. The cost is presented annually and may vary according to the needs of individuals.

Edinburgh Napier University Application process

Application fee:

• Undergraduate: 13 GBP to 24 GBP
• Graduate: Not available

Supporting documents:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• References
• English proficiency proof
• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Interview or portfolio (if required)
• Copy of passport/visa
• Copy of CAS (if applicable)

Academic requirements:

• Undergraduate: Overall of 60% in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or higher in the Intermediate (10+2) (XII Standard) or the international United Kingdom equivalent.
• Graduate: Bachelor degree or its equivalent

English Proficiency Test Scores 

For taught undergraduate and graduate programs, any one of the following test scores are required:

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, other tests that are accepted by the university include TOEFL ‘At Home’ Test (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), IELTS Indicator (same scores as of TOEFL iBT), online Edinburgh Napier English Language Courses, Duolingo, and IELTS Academic tests taken more than two years but less than four years will be considered with the use of English language in work or education during that period playing a big role.

Duolingo test and its IELTS equivalent is shown below