)
Pharmacy at UEA
Find out more about studying Pharmacy at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreMSc Pharmaceutical Sciences
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- January 2028
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Top 20
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research Quality
UEA is ranked top 20 in the UK for Research QualityCourse Overview
Why MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences at UEA?
Discover the science behind the medicines of tomorrow while learning alongside expert researchers at UEA and the Norwich Research Park(opens in a new window). Benefit from world-leading expertise in pharmaceutics, analytical chemistry, advanced structural and characterisation technologies, and drug discovery.
Why Choose UEA
- Research excellence: Learn from internationally recognised experts in pharmaceutics and biomaterials
- Advanced research: Complete an independent research project, guided by experienced researchers
- Specialist facilities: Gain hands-on experience using advanced equipment and technologies
What is MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences?
This one-year MSc gives you a solid theoretical foundation across key areas of pharmaceutical science, including formulation, pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical materials, drug design, and pharmaceutical analysis. Alongside this, you'll gain extensive hands-on laboratory experience and develop practical skills using advanced pharmaceutical research techniques. You'll also build valuable transferable skills in project management, communication, teamwork, and scientific presentation.
You'll study a range of taught modules while developing your research plan and completing a six-month laboratory research project, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real research environment. Throughout the course, you'll gain a deep understanding of the drug discovery and formulation development pipelines. You'll also develop expertise in formulating pharmaceutical products and using advanced analytical techniques to characterise them.
Alongside your specialist scientific knowledge, you'll strengthen your academic and professional skills through scientific writing, science communication, and engaging with a range of audiences. Working under the supervision of an expert researcher, you'll complete a full-time laboratory project, developing the practical and analytical skills needed for careers in research and industry.
:focus(1597x804:1598x805))
Careers
Career Pathways
With a MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, you could develop a career as a:
-
Pharmaceutical Scientist: Develop and improve medicines through research, formulation, and product development
-
Research and Development (R&D) Scientist: Drive innovation in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life sciences companies
-
Academic Researcher: Advance scientific knowledge through research in universities and research institutes
-
Regulatory Affairs Associate: Help ensure medicines meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching patients
-
Science Communicator: Share scientific research with public, professional, and policy audiences through education, media, and engagement
Career Support
You'll develop valuable transferable skills including scientific writing, science communication, and presenting research to a range of audiences. Your laboratory research project will help you build practical experience and strengthen the skills employers value across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and research sectors. You'll also have access to support from UEA's Career Central(opens in a new window), including careers advice, CV and application guidance, interview preparation, and career planning.
After the Course
You'll graduate ready for careers across the pharmaceutical industry, as well as research and development. Whether you work in academic research, industry, or the NHS, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to the development of new medicines and improve future healthcare. The course also provides an excellent foundation for further study, with many graduates progressing to PhD research in pharmaceutical sciences and related disciplines.
Study and Modules
Structure
This one-year MSc gives you a strong foundation in pharmaceutical science, covering formulation, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical materials, drug design, and pharmaceutical analysis. Alongside this, you'll gain extensive hands-on laboratory experience and develop valuable transferable skills in project management, communication, teamwork, and scientific presentation.
You'll study a range of taught modules while developing your research plan and completing a six-month laboratory research project, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real research environment.
Throughout the course, you'll gain a deep understanding of the drug discovery and formulation development pipelines. You'll also develop expertise in formulating pharmaceutical products and using advanced analytical techniques to characterise them.
Alongside your specialist scientific knowledge, you'll strengthen your academic and professional skills through scientific writing, science communication, and engaging with a range of audiences.
Working under the supervision of an expert researcher, you'll complete a full-time laboratory project, developing the practical and analytical skills needed for careers in research and the pharmaceutical industry.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
You'll be taught by internationally recognised researchers, giving you the opportunity to learn from experts at the forefront of pharmaceutical science. You'll explore the latest advances in the field, including how technologies such as machine learning are transforming pharmaceutical research and formulation development.
Teaching combines face-to-face lectures, workshops, and hands-on practical sessions in our modern laboratories, helping you build both scientific knowledge and technical expertise.
Throughout the course, you'll develop the skills to analyse scientific literature, interpret complex data, and work independently, preparing you for careers in research, industry, and further study.
Assessment
We’ll assess your learning in a combination of different ways, depending on the module and learning objectives. These will include formal exams, coursework assignments, and presentations. You'll also complete a research project and submit the results of your studies as a formal dissertation. This will be assessed by internal review.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Pharmacology, Chemistry (organic or medicinal), pharmacy or related subjects (including Biochemistry and Biomedical Science)
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in January each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Pharmacology, Chemistry (organic or medicinal), pharmacy or related subjects (including Biochemistry and Biomedical Science)
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, our UEA International Study Centre offers a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
- UK Students: £15,800
-
International Students: £32,200
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees(opens in a new window) for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form(opens in a new window).
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk(opens in a new window)
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.