MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry is aimed at graduates with a BSc in Chemistry or closely related degree who wish to tailor their expertise towards jobs in the pharmaceutical industry. It will also appeal to graduates with a BSc Pharmaceutical Science who wish to pursue an Masters qualification in their field.
The main part of the postgraduate pharmaceutical chemistry degree is a work-based learning module in which you can undertake a research project, either in our specialist labs at USW or possibly as part of an industry-based work placement. Throughout the masters course, you will study formulation and medicinal chemistry, as well as industry specific topics such as quality assurance and management and a Prince 2 qualification, giving you the advanced knowledge, skills and experience to compete for sought after roles in the pharmaceutical sector.
You will study the following modules (Core/Optional):
- Analytical Techniques and Quality in the Laboratory
- Advanced Formulation Science
- Medicines: Scale-up, Formulation, and Manufacture (optional)
- Project Management and Techniques
- Advanced Research Topics in Chemistry (optional)
- Quality in the Manufacture and Distribution of Medicines
- Major Research Project, Professional Practice And Employability
- Advanced Materials for Energy Application (optional)
- Toxicology (optional)
Teaching
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course is delivered primarily in block mode. A blended learning and teaching approach is used to provide you with key and subject specific skills. Typically all modules will consist of a mix of lectures, tutorials, and workshops/practical laboratory sessions. Students are provided with numerous learning activities including written coursework; project work; group work; practicals (with group sizes tailored to the activity); problem solving sessions; self-study assignments; oral and poster presentations; independent study; work related learning and on-line self assessments.
The pharmaceutical chemistry course is full time for one year, and each module is generally around 48 hours of contact spread over two to three weeks. The first term is spent doing mainly taught modules, the second term is for the work placement/project.
Research-informed teaching
The majority of chemistry research at USW is concerned with the development and application of new catalytic entities, particularly within the field of renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing processes. The ongoing development and application of novel chemical entities, which strongly impacts many areas of our everyday life, is a critical factor in the continued competitiveness of our society. The wider scope of our chemistry research encompass those areas of solid oxide fuel cells, computational chemistry, analytical chemistry, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical formulation and natural product syntheses.
Assessment
Assessments are undertaken on an individual, pair or small group basis, and include:
- Formal unseen closed-book examinations
- In-class tests
- Laboratory/practical reports and skills
- Oral presentations
- Themed portfolios of work
- Essays and dissertations
- Computer assignments
- Project work including planning, conducting, documenting and reporting
- Overall monitoring of safe practice in the laboratory
Placements
Your 10-week project may see you working in industry or alongside an industrial supervisor in our own labs at USW.
Companies that have provided our students with both placements and formal employment include Nanopharm; PCI Services; Zorba Foods; Simbec; Midatech; Animax UK; Dow Corning; Ortho Clinical Diagnostic; Norgine; Cat Sci; 3M Healthcare; Norgine; Cogent Power; Humiseal; Eurocaps and Bob Martin.
Lecturers
- Dr Suzanna Kean - Course Leader
- Dr Ryszard Babecki
- Dr Peter Miedziak
- Mia Lambert
- Dr Meirion Pugh
- Dr Christian Laycock
- Dr Natasha Galea
- Darren Evans
- Professor Tony Davies
- Dr Andrew Graham
- Dr Rehana Karim
We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement
At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.
If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.
2:2 BSc (Hons) degree in either Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Science or a degree which includes chemistry. Other applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
August 2022 - July 2023 Fees
Full-time UK: £9250
Full-time International: £14700
August 2023 - July 2024 Fees
Full-time UK: £9500
Full-time International: £15100
August 2024 - July 2025 Fees
Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC
Student Perks
At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.
Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.
Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.
Additional Costs
As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.
* Obligatory
| Item | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Kit / equipment | Students are encouraged to equip themselves with a suitable cotton laboratory coat, suitable for working in a chemical laboratory, and a pair of personal protective laboratory goggles, although the School does provide these items.
Students who are successful in securing an industry-based project may, in a small number of cases, be required to purchase additional personal protective equipment as specified by the specific organisation or company.
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| Bench fees * | £1000 | |
| Externally payable fees | £500 - £1000 | PRINCE2 training course. |
| Placement | Students who successfully secure a placement in industry to complete their major research project would be expected to pay their own travel costs to and from the venue during the period of placement. The cost of this will of course vary and some students have also paid for accommodation close to their place of work for the duration of their placement.
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Funding
Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs
Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).
To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.
USW Postgraduate 20% Alumni Discount 2023/24
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales* graduates starting a taught/online*** MA,MSc, LLM,MBA or DBA course from September 2023 (this includes students starting a course in January/February 2024). T's and Cs apply. Click here for more details and eligibility criteria: USW Postgraduate Alumni Discount 2023/24
Apply directly to the University for the MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course.
The MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry course provides training either for employment or for continued studies such as a PhD. You will be well equipped to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry or in other roles in the life science sector which also includes the biotechnological industries. Students will also be attractive to employers in the chemical industries.
You will also develop a wide range of essential and transferable skills such as analytical problem solving, teamwork, organisation, and information communication. As such, graduates can go on to find employment in alternate disciplines such as teaching, management, law, finance, and business.
Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites; Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.