Pharmaceutical Science

Learning Methods

You will learn in lectures and tutorials, and in a well-equipped analytical science lab with an array of professional standard instrumentation. You will also learn about dosage form design in the pharmaceutics lab with its array of specialised medicine manufacturing equipment (e.g. automated tablet presses and high shear mixers) and characterisation capability which includes particle sizing, rheological testing and thermoanalytical analysis.  In addition, a wet chemistry lab equipped for drug discovery and practical organic synthesis will also be used.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - Approximately 15 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Tutorial - Approximately 15 students per group, 2 hours per week
• Project Supervision - one-to-one, a full-week (excluding Wednesday afternoon)
• Practical class or workshop - Approximately 15 students per group, 6 hours per week

How long is a Pharmaceutical Science course?

The Pharmaceutical Science course can be successfully completed in 12 months.

Independent Study

There will be directed and private study for all modules, typically 100 hours per module per term.

Staff Delivering on this Course

Teaching staff on the course consists of industry experts, subject specialists and experienced researchers. 

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

• 6 written assignments, including essays
• 4 report
• 1 dissertation
• 1 project output
• 1 oral assessment
• 1 group critique

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Job Prospects

You will be industry-ready from exposure to modern instrumentation and techniques directly relevant to employers and have a competitive edge when applying for jobs in the pharmaceutical science sector.

Is Pharmaceutical Science a good career choice?

There are several career options, some of which include:

• Research in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
• The chemical or pharmaceutical industry (research and development, production and regulatory affairs)
• Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities

What is needed to study MSc Pharmaceutical Science?

• Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant science subject area.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.