Programme Description

The Pharmaceutical Analysis course gives you a strong background in the theory of analytical techniques. You learn how to apply these techniques to complex analytical problems. You also have the chance to study recent trends in analytical science and the latest analytical techniques.

You can choose to study for a PgCert (four modules), PgDip (eight modules) or the full MSc award (eight modules plus research project). If you opt for the MSc qualification, the independent research project gives you the chance to study an area of interest in greater depth and gain valuable research skills. Our students often find this an excellent selling point when looking for a job or promotion.

You can choose to take it in industry or as collaborative research with other laboratories. For example, past projects have looked at:

* determining caffeine and its metabolites in human serum samples using GC-MS;
* the characterisation of sol-gel films as a potential matrix to design an optical biosensor device; and
* synthesis and use of compounds as probes for biochemical reactions.

Visiting speakers and industrial visits support the course and help you contextualise your studies. We regularly review our courses to make sure they remain up to date and that you graduate as a marketable industry professional.

The taught courses aim to prepare you for the job market. Alongside your academic studies, you gain skills in:

* problem solving and organisation;
* data collation, review and synopsis;
* communication (oral, written and electronic);
* time management;
* computing; and
* co-operation and teamwork.

The knowledge and skills you gain will allow you to pursue a career in analytical science in a variety of industries or the public sector.

A careers and networking event at the end of the course will help you build valuable contacts. We offer flexible timetables and part-time options to help you fit your studies around other commitments. If you are working in industry and want to brush up in a particular analytical area, you can even take individual modules on a stand-alone basis.