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Pharmaceutical Chemistry equipment

Pharmaceutical and Analytical Science MSc

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

1 year full-time 2 years part-time

About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • You’ll gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and methodologies used in drug formulation and analysis.
  • You'll study a wide knowledge base, which will prepare you for roles within the pharmaceutical and analytical science fields.
  • This course is designed to maximise your learning experience, with dedicated teaching time as well as hands-on project work.

Are you looking to meet the growing demand for skilled Pharmaceutical and Analytical Scientists in the pharmaceutical and related industries?

Our cutting-edge course, crafted with insights from experienced Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Scientists, offers you the perfect blend of industrial and research expertise.

Explore the world of pharmaceutical analysis, where you’ll master the testing of drug substances and the formulation of pharmaceutical drugs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the latest technological advancements and applications in Pharmaceutical and Analytical Science. You’ll explore current and emerging drug formulation methods, alongside the instrumental techniques essential for analysing drug components.

We aim to prepare you for a successful career by providing:

  • Industry-Relevant Skills: Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the skills that are in high demand in the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Research and Development Expertise: By engaging in project work and research, you’ll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Comprehensive Understanding: The course covers a wide range of topics, from drug testing and formulation to regulatory affairs and quality control. Our modules are delivered by experts who are leaders in their fields, ensuring you receive top-tier education.
Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for this course are normally:

  • A minimum of a lower second class honours degree in Chemistry, Biology or Pharmacy or a related subject.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.0 overall with no element lower than 5.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

What will you learn?

Course Details

An introduction to key concepts of scientific research, including project planning, using scientific literature, the application of statistical methods, data processing and the process of creating a journal article from writing to submission. Part of the module will contain subject specific material appropriate to the student’s discipline.

This module introduces the theoretical basis and current and future developments in analytical separation techniques. Areas covered range from solid phase extraction; theory of chromatography; gas chromatography (GC); high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); capillary electrophoresis (CE), asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AF4) and sedimentation velocity in the analytical ultracentrifuge (SV-AUC). Tutorials are provided to support the lectures.

This module provides both a broad and in depth coverage of NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. There is a large emphasis on developing your knowledge of the two techniques and you will be exposed to the most recent advances in instrumentation and their applications. You will explore advances in NMR design through a written assignment and you will also be able to demonstrate your ability to interpret spectral data in an exam.

This module will help you to develop your practical and analytical skills in a range of analytical techniques including chromatography and different types of spectroscopy. These techniques can be applied towards various pharmaceutical, biological and forensic problems of an analytical nature. You will perform extended experiments to develop, compare and assess methods for analytical problems, with experiments usually carried out in small groups.

This module will consider the formulation of small molecules and macromolecules (e.g proteins and monoclonal antibodies) using advanced drug delivery systems. The application of advanced analytical techniques such as thermal and spectroscopic methods in drug development will also be appreciated. Latest trends in pharmaceutical development such as pharmaceutical nanotechnology and lipid based drug delivery systems will also be considered.

This module will consider the testing of drug substances and formulations in the Pharmaceutical Industry. A graduate analyst will be familiar with a wide range of analytical techniques but largely chemical in nature. This module will extend that knowledge to the testing of formulated pharmaceutical products and their other important attributes.

This module will help you learn how understanding the biology underlying microbial (bacterial and viral) infection and disease, such as cancer, is important in the design of novel therapeutic agents. The module will outline examples of anticancer drugs, antimicrobials and drugs against other diseases (such as diabetes). In addition to a test that will assess your understanding of the topics, you will have the opportunity of independent learning in the form of a poster combined with a viva-type examination that will enhance your communication and interpersonal skills as well as critical thinking.

​The overall aim of the project is to train you in methods of experimental design and either to develop new analytical methods (for example, to select by critical comparison and apply the most suitable method to a particular problem) or to solve a novel research problem in your subject area.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

Previous graduates from courses in this subject area have gone on to work in a variety of roles such as Analytical chemist, Clinical research associate, Clinical scientist, Clinical scientist, Immunology, Medical science liaison, Pharmacologist, Research scientist (life sciences), Research scientist (medical), Toxicologist.*

*Source: Prospects

98%
98% of our postgraduate students go on to work and/or further study within fifteen months of graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, UK domiciled

Top 10
We were in the top 10 in the country for assessment and feedback in this subject area.

* National Student Survey (NSS), 2025

With the knowledge and laboratory experience gained in my Master's degree, I was determined to learn, grow, and contribute to the UK workforce. I am proud that I am now working as a Quality Control Sampler at STADA Thornton and Ross in Huddersfield, which has truly been a dream come true.

- Bhagya M. Shibu
Pharmaceutical & Analytical Science MSc graduate.

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£10,305 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£859 per 15 credits

This information is for Home and International students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Modules credits can range from 15 to 60, dependent on the content of the module. Read more about total credits required for a range of degrees, to allow you to calculate the potential total cost.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy and/or to ensure our distance learning fees are competitive.

Tuition fees will cover the cost of your study at the University. Read more about what is and is not covered by Tuition Fees including compliance for Goods and Services Tax for International Students studying an online course. 

For detailed information please visit www.hud.ac.uk/distance-learning/fees-and-finance/

£18,700 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

Scholarships and Bursaries

Discover what additional help you may be eligible for to support your University studies.

Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible postgraduate students.

What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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Why Hud

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

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Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the Department of Physical and Life Sciences may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

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Further Study

Many of our graduates stay at Huddersfield to complete postgraduate research degrees at Masters or PhD level.

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