M.Sc./P.Grad. Dip. in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Contributing Principal Investigators in the School have outstanding track records in basic pharmaceutical sciences but they are also widely involved in industrial and commercial activities, in consultancy and in product development. Successful university spin outs from the School include Solvotrin Therapeutics Ltd. (www.solvotrin.com) and Trino Therapeutics Ltd. (www.trinotherapeutics.com). They also actively contribute to the recently established and Science Foundation Ireland co-funded Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceuticals Centre (http://www.sspc.ie/).

The M.Sc./P.Grad.Dip.in Pharmaceutical Sciences is an integrated multidisciplinary programme 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 objective of the programme is to equip science graduates with knowledge and skills in the pharmaceutical sciences. It will help prepare candidates for careers in pharmaceutical research relevant to academic and manufacturing sectors. It is also expected that the course will help to stimulate interest in the pharmaceutical sciences and associated product and service innovation opportunities. The course was established in 1999 in consultation with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry. Its graduates have enjoyed successful careers in manufacturing, in R&D and in regulatory affairs.

The M.Sc./Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences is delivered by highly experienced academics from the leading School of Pharmacy in Ireland and is supported by a panel of visiting lecturers from other academic institutions, pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies. The programme consists of 10 compulsory taught modules and, for the M.Sc. degree, a research dissertation.

Regulatory Aspects and Industrial Pharmacy - Prof. John Gilmer
This module deals with the organization of a pharmaceutical manufacturing site, the quality regime for pharmaceutical production and its regulation, professional roles within the pharmaceutical business and how the context in which pharmaceutical product and service innovation takes place.  

Natural Product Analysis and Regulation - Assoc. Prof. Fabio Boylan
This module introduces natural products (analysis and regulation) and their importance in pharmaceutical sciences.

Spectroscopic Methods for Drug Analysis - Assoc. Prof. Astrid Sasse
This module is concerned with the theory and applications of spectroscopic methods to pharmaceutical analysis including drug product qualification and drug discovery and development.

Molecular Pharmaceutics and Advanced Drug Delivery - Assoc. Prof. Lidia Tajber
This module is concerned with advanced drug delivery, with factors influencing drug absorption and distribution and related in vitro methods for predicting and explaining drug absorption from the intestinal tract.

Biopharmaceutical Sciences - Prof. John Gilmer & Assoc. Prof. Carlos Medina
This module is concerned with the properties of biopharmaceuticals, their stability issues, methods of characterisations and analytical aspects, biosimilar products as well as formulation and secondary processing of large therapeutic molecules.   

Pharmaceutical and Medical Nanotechnology - Assoc. Prof. Maria Jose Santos-Martinez
This module deals with the potential applications of nanotechnology to the practice of medicine (diagnosis, treatment and follow up of human disease), the relevance of toxicological studies related to the use/exposure of nanomaterials and Regulatory Policies of nanomaterials.

Drug Discovery and Development - Assoc. Prof. Carlos Medina
This module provides an overview of the drug discovery and development process and a detailed knowledge of the principles and concepts of pharmacology.

Biotechnology - Prof. Lorraine O’Driscoll
This module covers the characteristics of gene structure and expression, gene products and their properties, genetic engineering, and methods of upstream and downstream processes in biotechnological manufacturing.

Formulation Development and Evaluation - Assoc. Prof. Lidia Tajber
This module provides knowledge and understanding of present physical methods used in preformulation as well as formulation and processing of liquid, semi-solid and solid pharmaceutical preparations.

Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences - Asst. Prof. Niamh O'Boyle
This module is concerned with the practice and development of competencies in laboratory techniques, research skills, statistical methods, analytical validation and effective communication in the pharmaceutical sciences in preparation for a career in the industry.

Applicants are accepted, subject to the availability of places (18 places are offered each year), from holders of honors degrees in a relevant Science discipline e.g. Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Pharmacology. 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 Dean of Graduate Studies as appropriate.

To ensure your application is considered, please submit a complete application, including:

✔ CV
✔ Full Academic Transcript
✔ Two References (at least one must be academic)
✔ Proof of English Language Competency

We welcome applications from international students! 🌍
For details on entry requirements, visit: International Entry Requirements.

Applicants should consult the current Postgraduate Prospectus of Trinity College Dublin for information on fees. Click here for a full list of postgraduate fees.

Prospective applicants are invited to discuss their intentions with the course coordinator: Dr Eduardo Ruiz-Hernandez before submitting their application, further details can be supplied at this time.

Orientation sessions:

Recordings of previous orientation sessions covering topics such as academic integrity, academic skills, research skills, library services, student wellbeing, and student life are available at:

https://www.tcd.ie/students/orientation/postgraduates/timetable.php

Visas, accommodation:  

General information for international applicants can be found at https://www.tcd.ie/study/international/

For visa, accommodation, or other international student queries, please contact TCDGlobalRoom@tcd.ie  

Scholarships:

Please see list of Scholarships via www.tcd.ie/study/postgraduate/scholarships-funding/

If you are intending to apply for the Government of Ireland Scholarship Fund please see www.tcd.ie/study/international/scholarships/postgraduate/goi/

Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their course application at least six weeks before the scholarship deadline. Once your application has been submitted online, please send an email to  to confirm your submission and indicate your intention to apply for the GOI Scholarship to confirm your submission and indicate your intention to apply for the GOI Scholarship.

Questions specific to a programme in Trinity College Dublin can be sent to global.scholarships@tcd.ie 

Admissions:

For information on admissions, English Language requirements, letters of reference please see https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission-requirements/postgraduate/

Information regarding registration, fees and funding is available at: www.tcd.ie/courses/postgraduate/fees/

If you have any queries relating to Admissions or Finance, please contact Academic.Registry@tcd.i

Incomplete applications:

Only complete applications will be reviewed. Applications should include:

·         Curriculum Vitae (CV)

·         Full academic transcript(s)

·         Two references (at least one academic reference)

·         Evidence of English language proficiency, where applicable

Full admission requirements are available at: https://www.tcd.ie/study/apply/admission-requirements/postgraduate/

Applications should be submitted through the ‘Apply Here’ link on the Course webpage: www.tcd.ie/pharmacy/courses/postgraduate/msc-pharmaceutical-sciences/

Face-to-face Course activities: 

Formal classes run from September to April. Lectures, workshops, research seminars, practicals and presentations normally require that students come to campus.

The remaining time is available to students for self-directed study, writing tutor-marked assignments, preparing laboratory reports and presentations. Students progressing to the MSc award will be required to undertake a research project and present a detailed scientific report at the end of the Course.

Research Projects: 

The Final Research Projects are worth 30 ECTS. Students undertake a 12-week full-time research project under the supervision of an academic staff member. Research projects typically require attendance between 9:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.

Topics will be suggested by Principal Investigators in the School or colleagues in other Universities/industry, and students will be able to rank their preferences. The order of project allocation will be done according to the exam results of Semester 1. Once the project report is submitted, students will be required to produce a poster based on their work for exhibition. During the poster session, students should be available for discussion with the external examiner who will contribute to the project mark.

A broad range of research topics is available, including pharmaceutics, natural products, chemistry, pharmacology, and nanomedicine.

The Course does not currently offer industry-based internships as part of the research project component, but we encourage the students to discuss this possibility with relevant companies and with the Course Coordinators.

Job prospects: 

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences prepares graduates for careers across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, regulatory, manufacturing, and academic research sectors.

Graduates have progressed to positions within leading pharmaceutical companies, graduate training programmes, research institutions, and doctoral studies in Ireland and internationally. Career outcomes vary according to individual experience, qualifications, and career goals.

Part-time Course:

The MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences is currently available on a full-time basis only.

Eligibility:

Applicants are accepted, subject to the availability of places, from holders of honours degrees in a relevant Science discipline (e.g. Pharmacy, Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology and other appropriate primary honors degrees e.g. Information Technology, Medicine or Veterinary). Equivalent primary and/or postgraduate qualifications are considered, particularly with relevant professional experience. Applications will be evaluated by the Course Director in consultation with the Course Committee and Dean of Graduate Studies as appropriate.

Excellence in Teaching and Learning:

The Course is delivered by experienced academic staff from Trinity College Dublin's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, supported by guest lecturers from academia, industry, and regulatory agencies.

The Course 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; Practical Skills in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Industry component in the Course:

The programme consists of 10 compulsory taught modules and one of them is focused on Regulatory Aspects and Industrial Pharmacy. This module is taught by experts in the area and external contributors. Topics covered include: pharmaceutical manufacturing processes; pharmaceutical Quality Control (QC); the role of the Qualified Person (QP) in product release and development; organization of a pharmaceutical manufacturing site; advanced concepts in manufacturing; the drug approval process; pharmaceutical development in regulated environment; packaging; pharmacovigilance; documenting and planning a solution to a problem in product development and manufacturing.

Teaching is delivered through a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars, and case studies.

Assessment and progression:

Assessment includes tutor-marked assignments, written examinations, presentations, laboratory reports, and the MSc research project.

Students must successfully complete the taught components of the programme before progressing to the research project. Supplemental examinations are normally available in August where required.

A minimum pass mark of 40% is generally required in examinations and 60% in assignments. To be awarded the MSc degree, students must achieve an overall Research Project mark of at least 50%.

Thank you for your interest in the MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Key programme information is provided below:

Course information: www.tcd.ie/pharmacy/courses/postgraduate/msc-pharmaceutical-sciences/

Course Code: DPTPH-PANA-2F09 (full-time)
Duration: One year full-time
Closing Date: 30th April 2027
Next Intake: September 2027
Application: Applications for this Course should be made online through this link
Course Coordinators: Dr. Eduardo Ruiz-Hernandez, Dr. Oliviero Gobbo.
Course Administrator: Anne-Marie Duffy, amduffy@tcd.ie 

Course queries: email MScPharmSci@tcd.ie