Pharmaceutical Sciences (M.Sc. / P.Grad. Dip.)

M.Sc. or Postgraduate Diploma, NFQ Level 9
1 year full-time
26 Places

Overview

Course Overview

The M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip. in Pharmaceutical Sciences is an integrated multidisciplinary course addressing fundamental and applied aspects of drug and drug product discovery, regulation, development, production and analysis, with particular emphasis on the regulatory environment in which the pharmaceutical industry operates. The programme will prepare candidates for careers in pharmaceutical research relevant to academic and manufacturing sectors, as well as will create an awareness of issues and approaches relevant to pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Trinity is the leading research School of Pharmacy in Ireland. This M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences course is the only degree of its kind offered in Ireland by a specialist School of Pharmacy centre.

Is This Course For Me?

This course is designed for students with an Honours degree in a relevant science discipline, such as Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology. If you want to develop your skills in research and pharmaceutical manufacturing, and expand your career options, then this course is for you.

Career Opportunities

This course will prepare candidates for careers across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, regulatory, manufacturing and academic research sectors. Graduates have enjoyed successful careers in manufacturing, in R&D and in regulatory affairs.

Course Structure

The course is taught full-time over one calendar year, on campus, and consists of lectures, workshops, research seminars, presentations and laboratory work. Formal classes run from September-April. Outside class time, students carry out self-directed study, write tutor marked assignments, and prepare laboratory reports and presentations.

Course Content

The programme consists of 10 compulsory taught modules: Regulatory Aspects and Industrial Pharmacy; Natural Product Analysis and Regulation; Spectroscopic Methods for Drug Analysis; Molecular Pharmaceutics and Advanced Drug Delivery; Biopharmaceutical Sciences; Pharmaceutical and Medical Nanotechnology; Drug Discovery and Development; Biotechnology; Formulation Development and Evaluation; and Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Students who wish to progress to the M.Sc. complete a research project (30 ECTS): a 12-week full-time project supervised by a member of the School’s academic staff, followed by a detailed scientific report and a poster. Research topics are proposed by Principal Investigators in the School or by colleagues in other universities and industry.

The taught modules are Delivered by academic staff of the School, with contributions from visiting lecturers from academic, industry and regulatory bodies. Assessment combines tutor-marked assignments, written examinations, presentations, laboratory reports and the research project.

For further information on modules/subjects, click here.

Postgraduate study at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Trinity

An overview of the opportunities for postgraduate study at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin.

Course Details

Awards

M.Sc. or Postgraduate Diploma, NFQ Level 9

Number of Places

26 Places

Next Intake

September 2027

Course Coordinator

Dr Eduardo Ruiz-Hernandez/Dr. Oliviero Gobbo

Closing Date

30 April 2027

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Admission Requirements

Applicants are sought from holders of an upper second-class (2.1) Honours degrees in a relevant science discipline, including Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, or Pharmacology, or other appropriate programmes, such as Medicine or Veterinary.

Equivalent primary and/or postgraduate qualifications are considered, particularly with relevant professional experience.

Applications will be evaluated by the Course Coordinators in consultation with the Course Committee and the Dean of Graduate Studies as appropriate. A complete application includes a CV, a full academic transcript, two references (at least one academic) and proof of English language proficiency. Only complete applications are reviewed. International applications are very welcome.

English Language Requirements

All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements. For more details of qualifications that meet Band B, see the English Language Requirements page here.

Course Fees

For a full list of postgraduate fees, click here.

Apply

To apply to this course, click on the relevant Apply Link below. Please note that places on the course may fill before the application deadline, so early application is encouraged. Eligible applicants may be added to a waitlist if all places are currently filled.

Get in Touch

Telephone Number

+353 1 896 2812

mscpharmsci@tcd.ie

Website

School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences website

Register Your Interest

Register your interest in studying at Ireland’s leading university, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin.

Register Your Interest

I enjoyed the invigorating environment of the university, which kept me motivated to achieve my goals. As a chemist, studying pharmaceutical sciences aligns perfectly with my future goals. I enjoyed the multidisciplinary nature of the course, especially the hands-on projects, which offered fascinating opportunities to explore new concepts and deepen my learning.

Mariya Sabu

Graduate