The programme will prepare candidates for research careers in academia and industry in pharmaceutical R&D as well as will create an awareness of issues and approaches relevant to the key pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in Ireland.

The course is available for full-time study over one calendar year or part-time over two years and consists of lectures, workshops, presentations and laboratory work. Formal classes run from September to April and are normally held two days every week with the remaining time available to students for self-directed studies, writing tutor marked assignments, preparing laboratory reports and presentations. Students proceeding to a M.Sc. degree will be required to undertake a research project and present a detailed scientific report at the end of the course.