MSc — 2025 entry Pharmaceutical Sciences with Industrial Practice
Our Pharmaceutical Sciences with Industrial Practice MSc explores the life of medicine, from drug discovery to manufacture and quality control. This two-year programme enables you to study full-time for one year, followed spending some time working in industry with an organisation of your choice.
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Why choose
this course?
On this course, you’ll be immersed in the development of world-class medicine, benefiting from hands-on learning in dedicated laboratory facilities. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn from industry experts to gain a comprehensive understanding of the developments and challenges of the global pharmaceutical industry.
Employability is at the core of this programme. At Surrey, you’ll develop specialist theoretical knowledge and exceptional laboratory skills that will prepare you for a successful career in industry or further study.
Students on our Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc will also work with our award-winning £1.7m chemical pilot plant. From start-up to shut down, you'll run real industrial processes and perform a variety of roles within the plant, just as a professional engineer would. This is science as it's meant to be - hands-on, high-tech and career-focused.
You'll also have the opportunity to undertake a postgraduate placement year, allowing you to gain crucial workplace experience. We’ll support you in finding a placement with a company most suited to your career goals.
Plus you can make connections outside of the lab by joining the PharmaSci Society. This student led group organise industry visits, study sessions and social events to help you boost your academic performance, grow your professional network and enjoy student life with a like-minded community.
Please note: Applications may close early if the programme reaches capacity.
Statistics
96%
Of our postgraduate taught students go on to employment or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2024, HESA)
What you will study
This masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences will prepare you to become a highly effective practitioner in areas at the forefront of pharmaceutical knowledge. We’ll support you to develop a breadth of knowledge of the pharmaceuticals process, and its application to industry. Through problem-based learning, you’ll develop an ability to work in multiple settings and have the independent thinking skills to respond to different challenges.
Modules cover the life of pharmaceuticals, from Drug Design and Discovery, Formulation and Manufacture to Quality Control. You will complete a laboratory-based research project in our world-class facilities and learn from specialist module content focusing on current knowledge and industrial standards in the pharmaceutical field. You will develop the skills to interrogate and integrate diverse sources of scientific literature, to design and develop methods for investigation and analysis.
Facilities
Digital literacy and capabilities are key tools of the pharmaceutical industry. This programme will equip you with the knowledge to meet these needs, working with a wide variety of software; for driving analytical equipment and formulation instrumentation, data evaluation, statistical analysis, remote access of the instruments, molecular modelling and more.
You will benefit from our excellent laboratory facilities. Your carefully designed laboratory-based learning sessions will recreate real-life situations, imbuing you with invaluable practical experience.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Modules
Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. Modules are subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps.
The University operates a credit framework for all taught programmes based on a 15-credit tariff, meaning all modules are comprised of multiples of 15 credits, up to a maximum of 120 credits.
Course options
Year 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern pharmaceutical technologies, their concepts, importance, advantages and challenges. In addition, regulations surround the manufacturing process and the use of advanced digital developments (Continuous Manufacturing) and monitoring (Process Analytical technologies (PAT)) to assure quality is built (Quality by Design (QbD)) into the product during the manufacturing process. This module develops the key knowledge and skills related to the production of pharmaceuticals and is the foundation for many science projects associated with this degree.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to provide students with the most up-to-date knowledge and advanced understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning pharmaceutical formulations. In this module, a wide range of formulation approaches will be presented and discussed. Examples are the use of nanoparticles, microneedles, and transdermal patches as modes of delivery of APIs. Use of less traditional routes of drug administration such as buccal, transdermal, and pulmonary drug delivery systems. Development of novel medical devices. The module will also emphasise and demonstrate the vital use of computer modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of novel dosage forms to enhance the effectiveness of medications.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide a systematic understanding of the physicochemical properties of API, drug action, metabolisms, toxicology effect of drugs, excipients and degradation products as well as methods used to evaluate potential drug candidates and their synthesis. Knowledge obtained in this module will be vital for understanding the overall impact of pharmaceutical sciences as well as how modern technologies, IT and artificial intelligence can work together to develop and deliver safe and effective medicines to patients.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning pharmaceutical analysis. A wide range of analytical techniques will be presented to students which are broadly divided into those used in pharmaceutical quality control and those dedicated to drug discovery, drug design and formulation. Furthermore, a range of laboratory experiments are designed to develop Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) amongst students and expose them to a number of major analytical tools used in pharmaceutical sciences. Information obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules on the study programme and together they provide a full picture of the life of pharmaceuticals from drug discovery via drug design, and drug manufacture to drug release on the market. This module provides the necessary knowledge of analytical tools and approaches used to critically evaluate the drug development life cycle to enable the development of safe and effective medicines.
View full module detailsThis module is the pinnacle of the learning journey for MSc students and is intended to allow MSc students to put all their knowledge learned so far to use in an extended practical project. Students work in the research groups of one of the academic staff and carry out independent research leading to the production of a dissertation. Students will engage with leading research topics in the scientific area relevant to their discipline. Therefore, this module will promote deeper learning and develop their ability to conduct independent research i.e. define the depth of their knowledge. The work must be of MSc standard and requires a critical appraisal of the work and literature.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsThis module provides a portfolio of professional development appropriate to the expectations of the graduate’s technical discipline. The module will include developing the ability to interrogate theoretical knowledge learned at the university with applied professional skills and maximise the potential to succeed in the global job market. The Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning by promoting reflection on the development of professional skills and critical thinking about the ways to improve these. Reflection, critical thinking, and analytical skills will be developed during the placement and while writing the report.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsYear 2
Across academic years
Compulsory
This module provides a portfolio of professional development appropriate to the expectations of the graduate’s technical discipline. The module will include developing the ability to interrogate theoretical knowledge learned at the university with applied professional skills and maximise the potential to succeed in the global job market. The Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning by promoting reflection on the development of professional skills and critical thinking about the ways to improve these. Reflection, critical thinking, and analytical skills will be developed during the placement and while writing the report.
View full module detailsYear 1
Semester 1
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of modern pharmaceutical technologies, their concepts, importance, advantages and challenges. In addition, regulations surround the manufacturing process and the use of advanced digital developments (Continuous Manufacturing) and monitoring (Process Analytical technologies (PAT)) to assure quality is built (Quality by Design (QbD)) into the product during the manufacturing process. This module develops the key knowledge and skills related to the production of pharmaceuticals and is the foundation for many science projects associated with this degree.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to provide students with the most up-to-date knowledge and advanced understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning pharmaceutical formulations. In this module, a wide range of formulation approaches will be presented and discussed. Examples are the use of nanoparticles, microneedles, and transdermal patches as modes of delivery of APIs. Use of less traditional routes of drug administration such as buccal, transdermal, and pulmonary drug delivery systems. Development of novel medical devices. The module will also emphasise and demonstrate the vital use of computer modelling and artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of novel dosage forms to enhance the effectiveness of medications.
View full module detailsSemester 2
Compulsory
The purpose of this module is to provide a systematic understanding of the physicochemical properties of API, drug action, metabolisms, toxicology effect of drugs, excipients and degradation products as well as methods used to evaluate potential drug candidates and their synthesis. Knowledge obtained in this module will be vital for understanding the overall impact of pharmaceutical sciences as well as how modern technologies, IT and artificial intelligence can work together to develop and deliver safe and effective medicines to patients.
View full module detailsThe purpose of this module is to give students a fundamental understanding of the conceptual frameworks underpinning pharmaceutical analysis. A wide range of analytical techniques will be presented to students which are broadly divided into those used in pharmaceutical quality control and those dedicated to drug discovery, drug design and formulation. Furthermore, a range of laboratory experiments are designed to develop Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) amongst students and expose them to a number of major analytical tools used in pharmaceutical sciences. Information obtained in this module closely relates to all other modules on the study programme and together they provide a full picture of the life of pharmaceuticals from drug discovery via drug design, and drug manufacture to drug release on the market. This module provides the necessary knowledge of analytical tools and approaches used to critically evaluate the drug development life cycle to enable the development of safe and effective medicines.
View full module detailsThis module is the pinnacle of the learning journey for MSc students and is intended to allow MSc students to put all their knowledge learned so far to use in an extended practical project. Students work in the research groups of one of the academic staff and carry out independent research leading to the production of a dissertation. Students will engage with leading research topics in the scientific area relevant to their discipline. Therefore, this module will promote deeper learning and develop their ability to conduct independent research i.e. define the depth of their knowledge. The work must be of MSc standard and requires a critical appraisal of the work and literature.
View full module detailsSemester 1 & 2
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsThis module provides a portfolio of professional development appropriate to the expectations of the graduate’s technical discipline. The module will include developing the ability to interrogate theoretical knowledge learned at the university with applied professional skills and maximise the potential to succeed in the global job market. The Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning by promoting reflection on the development of professional skills and critical thinking about the ways to improve these. Reflection, critical thinking, and analytical skills will be developed during the placement and while writing the report.
View full module detailsAcross academic years
Compulsory
This module provides information, guidance and support for developing the student’s employability. In addition, this module helps students build on their previous skills and generate documents that are required to demonstrate their skill sets to external parties, recruiters and recruiting agencies. Furthermore, skills acquired in this module will enable students to actively participate in placement and employment searches.
View full module detailsYear 2
Across academic years
Compulsory
This module provides a portfolio of professional development appropriate to the expectations of the graduate’s technical discipline. The module will include developing the ability to interrogate theoretical knowledge learned at the university with applied professional skills and maximise the potential to succeed in the global job market. The Industrial placement is an excellent opportunity to explore and practice reflective and experiential learning by promoting reflection on the development of professional skills and critical thinking about the ways to improve these. Reflection, critical thinking, and analytical skills will be developed during the placement and while writing the report.
View full module detailsTeaching and learning
We have a research-led focus to our teaching, ensuring that everything you learn is up-to-date and relevant to employers. You’ll be taught by lecturers who are active researchers in their respective fields. These may include:
- Dr Milan Antonijevic, expert in pharmaceutical analysis and the use of thermal analytical techniques to study pharmaceutically important molecules. Dr Antonijevic has extensive experience working in quality assurance and quality control for the pharmaceutical industry.
- Professor Adrian Dobbs, an expert in the development of new synthetic methodologies.
- Professor Tao Chen, a computational and data scientist, working on digital technologies for chemical engineering applications.
- Professor Charley Wu, an expert researcher who has run industrial collaborative research projects with Pfizer, AstraZeneca, MSD and Sanofi in development of advanced numerical modelling techniques for pharmaceutical application.
- Dr Nota Zarmpi, a skin specialist interested in drug delivery, drug bioavailability, whose research focuses on pharmaceutics, specifically on modifying a medicine’s properties to optimize its interaction with the body.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable in Welcome Week. In later semesters, two weeks before the start of semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled on one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
On this course you will gain the knowledge and experience required to meet the needs of pharmaceutical companies, ranging from global leaders to small enterprises and contract laboratories.
Graduates could go on to roles including formulation development, manufacturing, quality control in major pharma industries and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as development of healthcare products and consumer goods in related industries and contract laboratories.
As well as being designed to meet the needs of future employers, this programme will give you a solid foundation to pursue further study in pharmaceutical sciences or scientific research.
Throughout your Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc, you'll be hands-on in the superb facilities within our School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering - giving you valuable experience with instruments you'll find in a professional laboratory.
This means working in our award-winning £1.7m chemical pilot plant, a learning experience offered by very few universities within the UK. From start-up to shut down, you'll run real industrial processes and perform a variety of roles within the plant, just as a professional engineer would. This is science as it's meant to be - hands-on, high-tech and career-focused.
As part of a new £1.2m refurbishment, we recently opened a new Pharmaceutical Laboratory with a capacity for 35 students. In this laboratory, postgraduate students will be able to use specialised equipment to generate solid dosage forms, for example tablets, and fully characterise them.
Dr Harini S.
Student - Pharmaceutical Sciences with Industrial Practice MSc
"I would advise students to take full advantage of the placement year with industrial practice. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience and build industry connections, which will be crucial for your future career."
Abhinandan B.
Student - Pharmaceutical Sciences with Industrial Practice MSc
"I strongly encourage students to pursue placements, as the process itself is a great learning experience. Even before starting the role, I’ve already developed interview skills, industry awareness, and resilience."
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree or a recognised equivalent international qualification, in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy or chemistry. Other closely related degree subjects with relevant pharmaceutical knowledge/modules may also be considered, for example, chemical engineering and pharmacology, these cases will be referred to the programme director to review.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in each other element.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Recognition of prior learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions for some courses and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Placements
This two-year MSc includes a placement year which enables you to gain invaluable professional experience working within an organisation.
After a year of full-time study at Surrey, you'll spend up to an additional 12 months on placement. Please note, placements are not guaranteed and you'll be responsible for securing your own placement. But, we work closely with potential employers to help facilitate your successful placement and we support you with employability workshops and individual coaching.
In addition to this, our award-winning Employability and Careers team are always ready to help, and they can provide you with a range of specialist resources and advice.
Our students have done their placement years at companies including:
- ITH Pharma Ltd.
- MedPharm
- Strandhaven Limited (Somex Pharma)
- South East Water Limited
- Xeal Pharma Ltd
- Element Materials Technology Group Limited
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
September 2025 - Full-time (with placement) - 2 years
- UK
- £12,050
- Overseas
- £17,150
February 2026 - Full-time (with placement) - 2 years
- UK
- £12,050
- Overseas
- £19,050
- The fee stated above will be charged in Year 1 of the programme and a fee of £1,850 is payable in Year 2 of the programme
- Once enrolled, students who decide to change from the two-year with placement course to the one-year full time course will not be entitled to a refund of the difference in course fees between the one-year full time course and the first year of the two-year with placement course
- These fees apply to students commencing study in the academic year 2025-26 only. Fees for new starters are reviewed annually.
Payment schedule
- Students with Tuition Fee Loan: the Student Loans Company pay fees in line with their schedule (students on an unstructured self-paced part-time course are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Loan).
- Students without a Tuition Fee Loan: pay their fees either in full at the beginning of the programme or in two instalments as follows:
- 50% payable 10 days after the invoice date (expected to be October/November of each academic year)
- 50% in January of the same academic year.
- Students on part-time programmes where fees are paid on a modular basis: cannot pay fees by instalment.
- Sponsored students: must provide us with valid sponsorship information that covers the period of study.
The exact date(s) will be on invoices.
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