Pharmaceutical Science MSc
- Chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences
- Postgraduate
The MSc in Pharmaceutical Science at Kingston University provides you with an in-depth understanding of drug development, formulation and quality control. Learn from industry professionals and gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge laboratories.
Shape the future of medicine
Whether you are looking to advance your career in the pharmaceutical industry or pursue further research, this course will give you the skills to thrive.
By studying Pharmaceutical Science MSc at Kingston University, you’ll become a well-rounded professional in the global pharmaceutical industry. Learn about drug development, regulatory frameworks and pharmaceutical analysis.
This course explores current trends in chemical, biological and biotechnological therapeutics. We examine the latest technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
You’ll acquire and improve your practical skills and familiarity with key instrumentation. What’s more, you’ll learn how to demonstrate the knowledge and skills relevant to conduct clinical trials, influence regulatory affairs, or support quality control and marketing.
This course will equip you with practical skills that employers demand. Take advantage of our modern laboratories and extensive industry connections to develop your expertise and graduate prepared to make a difference in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Why choose this course
At Kingston University, we provide a comprehensive and industry-focused Pharmaceutical Science MSc. You will gain an understanding of processes used in clinical trials and in the development, manufacture and regulation of medicines.
Our course blends theory with practical laboratory experience, preparing you for a career in drug development, quality control or regulatory affairs. The course is taught by experts in pharmaceutical sciences, many of whom have extensive industry experience.
Our work spaces are equipped with the latest technology. The £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building offers state-of the art laboratories, including labs dedicated to pharmaceutical science. As an MSc student, you’ll have access to industry-standard facilities for practical experiments, preparing you for real-world challenges.
The course covers essential topics such as pharmaceutical chemistry, drug formulation, regulatory affairs and good manufacturing practices (GMP). Whilst expert teaching staff with experience of working within regulatory bodies, offer specialised topics like pharmacovigilance. Kingston’s links with the pharmaceutical industry provide valuable opportunities for internships, placements and collaborations.
By the end of the course, you’ll be confident to plan, carry out, and communicate findings from an extensive independent research piece. You’ll also develop the critical thinking, research, and technical skills needed to excel in the pharmaceutical industry or pursue a PhD.
Students who choose the Management Studies pathway will gain scientific knowledge in a vocational context. This option is ideal if you aspire to management roles in this industry.
Course content
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.
Core pathway
Core modules
Management Studies pathway modules
Core modules
Career opportunities
Graduating with an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science from Kingston University opens doors to a range of careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. You will be prepared to work in roles such as:
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Drug Development Manager
- Pharmaceutical Consultant
The Management Studies pathway often leads to managerial positions within large pharmaceutical organisations.
With your newly acquired skills and experience, you’ll be equipped to work with major pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, or even pursue a career in academia and research.
Previous graduates from the MSc in Pharmaceutical Science have achieved success with roles in areas, such as:
- drug manufacturing and pharmaceutical technology
- drug formulation and analysis
- clinical trials
- pharmacovigilance
- regulatory affairs
- Management
Teaching and assessment
Fees and funding
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 Science 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
For courses that select on application alone, applicants should normally receive an initial decision or a request for more information within four to six weeks of receipt of their application. Our admissions team will notify you of the decision by email.
Learn more about the postgraduate application process in detail.
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 am very thankful for the quality education I earned from Kingston University, which has helped me build my career in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently I am working with GSK as a regulatory affairs executive.
