Course summary
Pharmaceutical science focuses on formulation strategies for current and future drug therapies and medicinal products. Encompassing a range of scientific disciplines such as chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and physiology, this specialist area of study is crucial for the safe and effective design, development, production and regulation of medicines. The Pharmaceutical Sciences MSc at Aston University is designed to prepare you for an academic or industrial career in the pharmaceutics or pharmacology arena; an area in considerable demand in response to the continued increase in the development of highly complex and sensitive drug molecules. How you will learn Your teaching style is modern and innovative, with a hands-on approach that bridges the gap between theory and practice. This enables you to apply your skills as you progress through your course, marrying your learning with practical examples, all designed to prepare you for the world of work. You will engage in a variety of teaching and learning methods, including lectures, practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, seminars, group work, and a research project - likely to be a laboratory-based project where you will collect and analyse your own data. What you will learn Specialised training covering drug discovery, drug dosage form and design, and chemotherapy with a focus on selective toxicity. Throughout the program, you will gain a deep understanding of biopharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, and physicochemical principles crucial for designing and formulating drug dosage systems. The curriculum also includes an exploration of molecular modeling in rational drug design, insights into the biology of specific drug targets, and knowledge of the latest advances in pharmaceutical sciences. Expert guest lectures and laboratory-based practicals will enhance your systematic approach to formulation development, seamlessly integrating theoretical principles with hands-on learning. Additionally, you will gain valuable insights into regulatory procedures and laboratory processes essential for the analysis of pharmaceutical drug delivery products, ensuring a well-rounded education in the field.
Assessment method
You will be assessed by a mixture of coursework, examinations, practical work and oral and written presentations. The research project module will be assessed on the basis of a submitted project report and an oral defence of a poster.
Entry requirements
We welcome applications from candidates interested in our course who have the skills and capability to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation. All applicants require: Lower second class honours degree (2:2) or higher from a recognised university in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification. English language test requirements may be waived where students’ undergraduate degree was studied in an English speaking country. For more information, please visit our website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
Aston University, Birmingham
Aston Triangle
Birmingham
B4 7ET