Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc

Why choose this course?

This course offers key skills in pharmaceutical analysis, including measurement, scientific practice, evaluation and interpretation of data.

You will study recent trends in analytical science and techniques and be introduced to pharmaceutical technologies, such as formulations and clinical pharmacokinetics.

Through your research project, you will develop valuable research skills. Past projects have examined areas such as determining caffeine and its metabolites in human serum samples using GC-MS, and synthesis and use of compounds as probes for biochemical reactions.

Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year 2 days a week September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement 2 days a week plus placement year September 2024
Part time 2 years 1 day a week September 2024

Pharmaceutical Analysis with Management Studies MSc

Mode Duration Attendance Start date
Full time 1 year 2 days a week, plus selected weekends for Management Studies pathway September 2024
Full time 2 years including professional placement 2 days a week, plus selected weekends for Management Studies pathway plus placement year September 2024
Part time 2 years 1 day a week, plus selected weekends for Management Studies pathway September 2024
Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • You will gain hands-on experience of state-of-the-art equipment in our modern laboratories.
  • Through an independent project you will be able to research an area of interest in depth, possibly at an industry placement or as collaborative research with other laboratories.
  • The option of the Management Studies pathway is ideal if you aspire to a management role within the pharmaceutical and allied industries.

What you will study

You will gain key skills in the specialised area of pharmaceutical analysis, including good measurement and scientific practice, evaluation interpretation of data, and other professional and organisational skills. In addition to studying core analytical techniques and their applications, you will be introduced to various pharmaceutical technologies, for example, formulations and topics such as clinical pharmacokinetics.

You may be offered a placement within industry (depending on your results and project availability) where you will carry out your independent research project.

The Management Studies option enables you to explore the fundamentals of management theory within the commercial and public sectors.

For a student to go on placement they are required to pass every module first time with no reassessments. It is the responsibility of individual students to find a suitable paid placement. Students will be supported by our dedicated placement team in securing this opportunity.

Modules

Management Studies pathway modules

Core modules

Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy

30 credits

This module introduces the main spectroscopic techniques used in industry such as UV/Vis, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, AES, AAS and X -Ray methods. The module later progresses to the more advanced designs and applications such as MS/MS, FTMS, TOF, sector and quadrupole mass analysers, 2D NMR, LCMS, MALDI, Atomic Fluorescence and ICPMS/AES.

Separation Science

30 credits

This module introduces students to the principles and theory of separation science and its application in the laboratory including solvent extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, gas/liquid chromatography, centrifugation, gel and capillary electrophoresis and hyphenated techniques.

Pharmaceutical and Analytical Technology

30 credits

The module is intended to ensure that students are aware of the processes by which a drug is formulated into a medicine. It examines the effect that formulation decisions have on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines, and on the pharmaceutical industry's business model. It includes the principles of pharmaceutical analysis and the application of pharmaceutical analytical techniques (both routine and non-routine) for the design, process- and quality-control of manufactured pharmaceuticals and process-intermediates. It is designed to enable students to review instrumentation choices when confronted with pharmaceutical issues and to select the appropriate tool(s). It also looks at the emerging quality assurance concepts of process analytical technology and quality by design.

Statistics and Quality Systems

30 credits

The module introduces students to the role of statistics and quality systems in modern analytical science. It demonstrates how a thorough understanding of statistical concepts, the analytical process and the quality systems and quality management paradigms collectively enable the consistent and reliable interpretation of analytical chemical data to support the economic requirements of a business organisation.

Project

60 credits

This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives.
  • Critically evaluate the current literature.
  • Carry out appropriate experiments in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical tests.
  • Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner.

Core modules

Separation Science

30 credits

This module introduces students to the principles and theory of separation science and its application in the laboratory including solvent extraction, high performance liquid chromatography, gas/liquid chromatography, centrifugation, gel and capillary electrophoresis and hyphenated techniques.

Pharmaceutical and Analytical Technology

30 credits

The module is intended to ensure that students are aware of the processes by which a drug is formulated into a medicine. It examines the effect that formulation decisions have on the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines, and on the pharmaceutical industry's business model. It includes the principles of pharmaceutical analysis and the application of pharmaceutical analytical techniques (both routine and non-routine) for the design, process- and quality-control of manufactured pharmaceuticals and process-intermediates. It is designed to enable students to review instrumentation choices when confronted with pharmaceutical issues and to select the appropriate tool(s). It also looks at the emerging quality assurance concepts of process analytical technology and quality by design.

Molecular and Atomic Spectroscopy

30 credits

This module introduces the main spectroscopic techniques used in industry such as UV/Vis, FTIR, Mass Spectrometry, NMR, AES, AAS and X -Ray methods. The module later progresses to the more advanced designs and applications such as MS/MS, FTMS, TOF, sector and quadrupole mass analysers, 2D NMR, LCMS, MALDI, Atomic Fluorescence and ICPMS/AES.

Business in Practice

30 credits

This postgraduate module covers the theory and practice of the business and management needs of students from different academic contexts such as, but not limited to Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services who are aspiring team leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs in business within the context of the commercial, public, voluntary, or academic sector.

Students will investigate business topics ranging from finance, accounting, budgeting, and marketing, to organisational management by developing the leadership skills to meet business challenges and to cope with their complexity.

The module will explain and put into context business concepts to graduates from a variety of sectors including those encompassed by Science, Engineering, Computing and Health Services.

Project

60 credits

This module involves a research- or industry-based in-depth research project. You will develop your ability to critically evaluate your own work as well as the work of others, using analytical and laboratory skills.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Prepare a realistic and coherent project proposal, formulate aims and objectives and plan your own time to achieve stated objectives.
  • Critically evaluate the current literature.
  • Carry out appropriate experiments in a safe manner (applying COSHH) and generate reliable, data suitably analysed, and apply appropriate statistical tests.
  • Communicate the results of the project in a coherent report and in oral and visual manner.
Professional Placement

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module if you're following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement. It provides you with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and develops and enhances key employability and subject specific skills in your chosen discipline. You may wish to use the placement experience as a platform for a major project or your future career.

It is your responsibility to find and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this should not normally involve more than two placements which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by your Course Leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability. You will have access to the standard placement preparation activities offered by the Student Engagement and Enhancement (SEE) group.

Read more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Work placement scheme

Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University allow students to take the option of a 12-month work placement as part of their course. Although the University supports students in finding a placement and organises events to meet potential employers, the responsibility for finding the work placement is with the student; we cannot guarantee the placement, just the opportunity to undertake it. You may find securing a professional placement difficult as they are highly competitive and challenging, but they are also incredibly rewarding. It is very important to prepare and apply yourself if this is the route you wish to take. Employers look for great written and oral communication skills and an excellent CV/portfolio. As the work placement is an assessed part of the course, it is covered by a student's Student Route visa.

Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • A 2:2 or above honours degree in chemistry, pharmacy, life science, pharmaceutical science or a related subject such as pharmacology or biomedical science. Other degrees will be considered on an individual basis.
  • If you do not hold a degree in one of the relevant subjects listed above, significant relevant experience will be considered. Applicants with alternative qualifications will also need appropriate experience in analysis.

Please note: each application is assessed on an individual basis and may be subject to additional requirements, such as undertaking short course(s), work experience and/or English language qualification(s). Meeting particular minimum entry requirements does not automatically guarantee a place.

International

In order to complete your programme successfully, it is important to have a good command of English and be able to apply this in an academic environment. Therefore, if you are a non-UK applicant* you will usually be required to provide certificated proof of English language competence before commencing your studies.

For this course you must pass IELTS academic test in English with an overall score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0, or meet the scores listed on the alternative online tests.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Please make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we'll consider.

* Applicants from one of the recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 1 Management pathway

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 577 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1223 hours
Year 1 Management pathway
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 564 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 1236 hours

Year 1 Core pathway: 32% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.
Year 1 Management pathway: 31% of your time is spent in timetabled learning and teaching activity.

How you will be assessed

Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical work (e.g. laboratory reports) and coursework (e.g. assignments, case studies, oral presentations, poster presentations or research project). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows, although it depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.

Type of assessment

Core pathway

Management pathway

Core pathway
  • Coursework: 50%
  • Exams: 32%
  • Practical: 18%
Management pathway
  • Coursework: 54%
  • Exams: 24%
  • Practical: 22%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Class sizes

­You will be part of an intimate cohort of students which provides dedicated academic guidance and advice as well as the opportunity to build a life-long network of colleagues. Some modules are common across other postgraduate programmes; you may therefore be taught alongside postgraduates from other courses.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Facilities

Our modern teaching environment 

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to pharmaceutical science;
  • new work areas and dedicated laboratories for research;
  • specialist equipment, such as:
    • gas and liquid chromatography;
    • electron microscopy;
    • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
    • nuclear science equipment;
    • thermal analysis;
    • x-ray diffractometers;
    • electrochemical analysis; and
    • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

The library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area;
  • online database subscriptions; and
  • a growing selection of resource materials.

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • MSc full time £10,900
  • MSc part time £5,995

International 2024/25

  • MSc full time £17,500
  • MSc part time £9,625

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

  • MSc full time £9,860
  • MSc part time £5,423

International 2023/24

  • MSc full time £15,800
  • MSc part time £8,690

Tuition fee information for future course years

If you start your second year straight after Year 1, you will pay the same fee for both years.

If you take a break before starting your second year, or if you repeat modules from Year 1 in Year 2, the fee for your second year may increase.

Fees for the optional placement year

If you choose to take a placement as part of this course, you will be invoiced for the placement fee in Year 2. Find out more about the postgraduate work placement scheme and the costs for the placement year.

Postgraduate loans

If you are a UK student, resident in England and are aged under the age of 60, you will be able to apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. For more information, read the postgraduate loan information on the government's website.

Scholarships and bursaries

Kingston University offers a range of postgraduate scholarships, including:

If you are an international student, find out more about scholarships and bursaries.

We also offer the following discounts for Kingston University alumni:

Gangolli scholarship

Through the generous support of Professor Sharat and Mrs Lilian Gangolli, we are able to offer a fully-funded (100% of fees) scholarship for taught MSc courses in the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. The scholarship aims to encourage academic excellence and allow talented young graduates to continue to higher levels of learning and research.

Find out more, by visiting the Gangolli Scholarship page.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residences. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

After you graduate

Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries, including in the public sector. Graduates work in areas such as quality control, ensuring products meet required standards, or in medicinal chemistry or drug discovery. Other relevant roles include teaching, PhD research, sales and marketing, and in managerial positions.

What our students say

I chose this course because it is very competitive and full of challenges. I believe it is one of the best courses in pharmaceutical analysis in the UK.

The staff reputation is another reason that encouraged me to choose the course, and it was also recommended by a friend who had finished his MSc and PhD at Kingston University. The teaching of the course was great. I learnt a lot here - the teaching was challenging, I really enjoyed the lectures, and the staff were more than magnificent.

The town of Kingston is really wonderful place to live in - the people are so nice and helpful; daily needs are available in the town; and everything that I need as an international student is available. The nature of the town is really wonderful - being on the Thames has a great effect on the town. The town itself is a little bit outside central London, which made Kingston a very good place to study in.

There are a lot of things that make Kingston University special to me - the teaching environment and the great staff; the relationship between students and staff; the new friendships that I made during the course; and finally the new knowledge that I gained, which will help me a lot in finding a good career after graduation.

Ali Athab Alkinani

How we work with industry partners

Our links with industry provide a practical base for our courses. They also help us to ensure your studies are kept up-to-date and relevant to the working environment.

If you choose to study this course, you will benefit from:

  • real-world experience through your MSc project, which you can undertake either:
    • in industry – past students have taken placements in the pharmaceutical industry, forensic labs, analytical consultancies, hospital labs and research labs; or
    • as collaborative research with other laboratories;
  • the latest views from visiting speakers – such as Vicki Barwick from LGC (an independent chemical analysis lab) and Stephen Paton from global pharmaceutical company Ely Lilley
  • industry visits – such as to Cancer Research UK or the Clinical Trials Laboratories Service.

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Faculty are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Research in the Faculty is organised into several research areas, including the following themes:

  • parasitology and microbiology;
  • haematology/immunology/cancer biology;
  • biomedical, pharmaceutical and instrumental analyses;
  • medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry;
  • clinical pharmacy and advanced drug delivery; and
  • nutrition/exercise and sports science.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.