Pharmaceutical and BioPharmaceutical Formulations MSc

This is one of the few Masters courses in the UK that covers biopharmaceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals. Study innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our society. Enjoy the flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth.

North East Postgraduate Discount

Overview

The course covers drug delivery systems for large molecules such as proteins, genes and anticancer drugs that offer innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our society. It also covers advanced formulations and delivery of small drug molecules, and there is a focus on nanotechnology, dosage forms, pharmacokinetics and data analysis.

This course is particularly relevant if you plan to undertake a PhD in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, biopharmaceuticals or drug delivery. It is also suitable if you are considering, or already involved in, a career in pharmaceutical-related industries, hospitals or research institutions.

Why us?

This Masters at Sunderland covers biopharmaceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals
The course covers drug delivery systems, not only for large molecules such as proteins and genes but also for small drug molecules, that offer innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of the society

Most postgraduates go on to work in pharmaceutical industries or undertake PhD programmes in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, biopharmaceuticals or drug delivery
Sunderland has worked with GlaxoSmithKline for over 20 years, and Pfizer has funded research projects at Sunderland for more than ten years

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, problem-based learning, laboratory work, group work and visits to relevant companies. We also welcome guest speakers from the pharmaceutical industry who deliver guest lectures and seminars.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. Assessment methods include written examinations, online tests and coursework, which includes oral and poster presentations.

Modules on this course include:

Essential study skills, dosage forms and pharmacokinetics (30 credits)

- You will cover different types of dosage forms, advanced physiology, preformulation, pharmacokinetics and quality control tests. You will also cover research design and methodology, good manufacturing practice, laboratory safety standards, ethics in research, and organisational and communication skills.

Delivering Gene and Therapeutic Proteins (30 credits)

- You will gain an overview of advances in biotechnology, protein purification, gene, protein and vaccine delivery. You will also gain essential background knowledge for evaluation and advanced analysis of protein formulations.

Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (30 credits)

- In this module you will cover the formulation of nanoparticles, chemotherapeutics, polymer therapeutics, drug eluting stent development and drug delivery via the nose and inhalation. It will also cover the skills for writing and presenting posters and managing mini research projects.

Bioinformatics (30 credits)

- You will study computational and statistical methods used in chemical analysis and quality control.

Research Project (60 credits)

- You will complete a research project under the supervision of a recognised expert in the relevant field. You may have the opportunity to complete the project in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company.

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Facilities

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, synthetic, analytical and medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
a Canadian bachelor's degree	GPA 2.40
a USA bachelor's degree	GPA 2.5

If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

We invite applications from holders of, or those who hope to be awarded at least a second class honours degree in a relevant subject such as pharmacy, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related discipline. We also accept equivalent qualifications from other countries.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

£7,500 if you are from the UK/Europe*
£15,000 if you are an international student

*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Sunderland is well-regarded by employers in the pharmaceutical sector. We have worked with GSK for over 20 years. Salaries for senior formulation scientists range from £35,000 to around £80,000. Clinical laboratory scientists earn an average of £36,000.

Career options

On completing this course you will be equipped with the skills and understanding needed for research and development roles with employers such as:

Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies
Medical research institutes
Hospitals

Meet the students

We had access to excellent laboratories, with the latest equipment required for each module.

Bukola Mustafa

Related courses

Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 25 September 2023

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.

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