Build your skills and knowledge within pharmaceutical research and manufacturing with a Master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences course meets the growing need for skilled professionals in pharmaceutical research. It provides strong theoretical grounding and extensive laboratory training, preparing you for careers in drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, product development, manufacturing and quality control. A major research project runs throughout the year, giving you hands‑on experience with modern laboratory equipment and the opportunity to contribute to original research. This work strengthens your practical abilities, analytical thinking, communication and independence, ensuring you are ready to support future developments in pharmaceutical and related sciences.
Graduates progress into roles across the pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare and chemical industries, often becoming pharmaceutical scientists, research scientists, QC or QA analysts, formulation scientists, clinical trials associates or regulatory affairs specialists. The programme also offers an excellent platform for further postgraduate research, including MPhil and PhD study.
Students benefit from secure university accommodation located on or near campus, creating a comfortable and supporting living environment. The active Students’ Union offers events, societies and dedicated support services, helping you feel part of a vibrant and welcoming community.
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Accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Train on industry standard equipment from leading manufacturers like Agilent, Bruker, Thermo and Zeiss to build real world technical confidence
Leading industry partners like Pfizer, GSK, Novo Nordisk and Merck bring real-world insight through guest lectures, seminars and hands-on teaching each year
Get involved with our Students’ Union and connect with the Pharmaceutical Science student society, find support and grow your sense of belonging
This course is taught at our Medway Campus in Kent
This course is being refreshed for 2026/7 building-in employability, real-world problem solving skills, and wellbeing initiatives for a future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2026.
This course is being refreshed for 2026/7 to offer a more inclusive, impactful and future-focused learning experience. Modules shown are indicative topics and will be updated in Spring 2026.
Our programme team and other contributors to the course are globally recognised specialists in their fields. Colleagues from industry (e.g. Pfizer, GSK, Novo Nordisk, Merck/Proctor & Gamble) deliver guest lectures each year as well as industry-relevant teaching sessions and seminars.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses. If you cannot find your country on this list, please contact international@gre.ac.uk.
This course is taught by lectures, seminars, workshops and lab-based exercises, with the use of practical case studies. You'll gain teamwork experience to simulate an industrial setting as well as the critical thinking and problem-solving abilities which are important for modern pharmaceutical practice.
Class sizes
For specialist modules, our classes are typically limited to 40 students in lab sessions and larger numbers in common lectures. Specialist labs allow hands-on experience across a range of techniques and all modules have a practical element.
Independent learning
Our courses are designed to give you the space for exploratory and independent study. You'll work towards individual and group assignments and undertake the preparation/follow-up work associated with lectures, seminars, integrative assignments and laboratory classes.
We encourage students to take advantage of a range of related extra-curricular opportunities available within the university and elsewhere.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
Students will be assessed through a variety of methods, such as:
Classroom presentations, discussions and case-studies
Critical reviews, looking at new areas of research
Examinations.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Each academic year runs from September to June. You can begin the course in September or January.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
International students can apply for the International Scholarship Award, which is a single year tuition fee discount up to £3,000 if they hold an offer to study at the University of Greenwich for September 2026.
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Pharmaceutical science graduates can pursue careers in the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry, or industries manufacturing other healthcare products.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.
With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.
Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.
We allocate you a personal tutor, who you meet soon after you join the department. Their role is to support your personal and academic development and act as your point of contact for queries or problems.
Support from the department
We help new students over the first few weeks with our faculty and department induction. We'll also help you discover the academic and social landscape at Medway Campus.
We welcome applications from disabled students. We encourage you to contact our ‘Student Wellbeing Service’ to discuss your individual needs and explore reasonable adjustments. Please also visit our webpage to find out more about support available at the University.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Pharmaceutical science at the University of Greenwich
Our courses explore the essentials of pharmaceutical science, formulation science, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry and drug discovery and delivery. Students will gain practical experience through labs and final year research projects.
Whatever subject you’re into, from human health to climate change, our supportive learning environment will prepare you for your future career. Many of our courses are accredited by professional bodies.
If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study full-time then you apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).
If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study part-time then you can apply directly via our online application form.
If you are a UK student or have settled/pre-settled status (EU) and you want to study full-time then you apply through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS).
If you are from outside the UK, you can apply via UCAS, directly via our online application form or via one of our in-country representatives. If you require a student visa, you cannot study part-time at undergraduate level.