Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc
- Chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences
- Postgraduate
This MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis provides you with the skills and knowledge to excel in the world of pharmaceutical analysis. From drug formulation, to quality control and regulatory affairs, you'll gain hands-on experience in industry-standard labs. Learn from experts shaping the future of healthcare.
Become a leader in pharmaceutical analysis and drug safety
Step into a career shaping the future of healthcare.
Kingston University's MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis provides the expertise needed to drive advances in drug development, formulation and safety. Whether you aspire to work in the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory bodies or research, this course opens doors to a wealth of career opportunities. You’ll work with cutting-edge technologies and gain work experience that will give you a competitive edge in the global pharmaceutical sector.
With a focus on emerging trends in drug safety, pharmaceutical technology, and regulatory frameworks, this course equips you to make a significant impact in the global pharmaceutical industry.
If you aspire to a management role within the pharmaceutical and allied industries, you can adjust your course to support your career goals. The option of the Management Studies pathway combines technical study with a chance to explore the fundamentals of management theory within the commercial and public sectors.
Why choose this course
Kingston University’s MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis blends in-depth theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on learning, preparing you for a rewarding career in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll explore key areas such as analytical techniques, quality control, drug development processes, and regulatory standards.
The course equips you with the skills to analyse and test pharmaceutical products using industry-standard technologies. You will learn how to identify and manage risks, ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and apply your knowledge to solve real-world problems. In addition to studying core analytical techniques and their applications, we’ll introduce various pharmaceutical technologies, for example, formulations and topics such as clinical pharmacokinetics.
With access to state-of-the-art labs and industry-relevant case studies, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle the challenges of pharmaceutical analysis. 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.
At Kingston, we foster close industry links. 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.
The course also offers research opportunities that allow you to specialise in areas such as drug safety, formulation science, or analytical techniques. Your research project invites you to apply your knowledge in a practical context. Our emphasis on practical learning and real-world applications means you’ll leave ready to make an impact in pharmaceutical science.
Course content
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.
Work placement scheme
Many postgraduate courses at Kingston University enable 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.
Modules
Core modules
Management Studies pathway modules
Core modules
Career opportunities
Whether you aim to work in research, production or regulatory roles, the MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis will open doors to diverse, rewarding career paths.
In addition to studying core analytical techniques and their applications, you’ll have the option to follow the Management Studies pathway. This approach is tailored specifically to enhance your career opportunities after graduation.
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.
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding
Fees for future course years
Part time
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.
Funding support for postgraduate students
If you are a UK student living in England and under 60, you can apply for a loan to study for a postgraduate degree. Find out more through the government's website.
Scholarships and bursaries
For students interested in studying Pharmaceutical Analysis MSc at Kingston, there are several opportunities to seek funding support:
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
How to apply
Before you apply
Please read the entry criteria carefully to make sure you meet all requirements before applying.
How to apply online
Use the course selector drop-down at the top of this page to choose your preferred course, start date and mode, then click 'Apply now'. You will be taken to our Online Student Information System (OSIS) where you will complete your application.
If you’re starting a new application, you’ll need to select ‘new user’ and set up a username and password. This will allow you to save and return to your application.
Application deadlines
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Applications will close when the course is full.
Information required to confirm your place
If English is not your first language, we will require proof of your proficiency to allow us to confirm your place on the course. This will generally be either an IELTS or TOEFL test certificate, which can be forwarded to us after you have submitted your application. If you do not hold a formal English language qualification, please indicate how you have acquired your proficiency in written and spoken English.
After you have applied
If the postgraduate admissions tutor requires further information or wishes to invite you to further assessment by interview they will contact you directly. You will then hear whether your application has been successful.
If you do not clearly meet the standard entry requirements and the admission tutor wishes to see a portfolio from you, you will be sent an email asking you to upload your portfolio to your Kingston University OSIS account. Further details on how to do this will be provided at the time.
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. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
What our students and graduates 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. The teaching was great. I really enjoyed the lectures, and the staff were more than magnificent.