This is a science-based programme, for pharmacists and other chemical graduates, concerned with the quality assurance and quality control of products as molecular entities. The course utilises well-equipped laboratories for hands-on time with a range of modern techniques and instruments. In many cases the programme leads to further research, work in R&D laboratories and employment within regulatory agencies.
KEY BENEFITS
- Located in the centre of London housed in an institute that is renowned for its international research profile.
- Well equipped laboratories allowing students lots of 'hands-on' time for a range of modern techniques and instruments.
- Students learn about Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC) and regulatory affairs which are crucial aspects when working in industry.
- Opportunity to undertake an extended project of interest in the laboratories of internationally rated scientists.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Recent graduates have gone on to take PhD studies; to work in R&D laboratories in the pharmaceutical industry (including Pfizer, GSK and Novartis); or have taken up positions with regulatory agencies. Overseas students have returned to similar positions in their home countries.
Programme leader/s
Dr Paul Royall
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT (one day per week), September to September.It should be noted that for PT students, private study is required at home in the evenings or at weekends to fulfil the learning outcomes.
Location
Waterloo Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
School of Biomedical Sciences
Department of Pharmacy
Closing date
Places are highly sought after and you are therefore strongly advised to apply as soon as possible. We operate a closing date of 1 June, beyond which your application will only be considered if places are still available.
Overseas and EU applicants must satisfy the language requirements for King’s postgraduate programmes
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/graduate/apply/lang. We advise that applicants assess their current language level as early as possible. Applicants planning to attend a King’s pre-sessional language course are advised to apply for their Masters programme in good time. Depending on language requirements, pre-sessional courses start in May, June and July. Details of dates, fees, application deadlines and minimum entry levels for the Pre-sessional can be found at
http://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/elc/study/pre-sessional We recommend early application to the Pre-sessional (minimum of one month before the course you want to follow) as courses fill up quickly
20 (approximately 18 FT, 2 PT).
Fees
PT Home: £5250 (2013)
PT Overseas: £9500 (2013)
FT Home: £10500 (2013)
FT Overseas: £19000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Postgraduate Admissions at Guy's Campus, tel 020 7848 8390; Dr Paul Royall, Programme Director, tel 020 7848 4369.
Email
PURPOSE
To provide pharmacists and other chemical or related science graduates with the necessary knowledge and expertise in pharmaceutical analysis and the scientific principles underlying quality control for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, health service, research institutes or regulatory authorities. The programme is science-based concerned with the Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) of products as molecular entities.
DESCRIPTION
Our advanced programme is concerned with the science and application of modern and traditional techniques for analysis of pharmaceutical products to support the discovery and development of better medicines and provide regulatory data ensuring product integrity.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Please see modules list for information.
Indicative non-core content
- Module 7BBPM015 Advanced Spectroscopic, Instrumental, Chemical and Bioanalytical Techniques.
- Module 7BBPM016 Advances Separation Science, Quality Control and Regulartory Matters.
- Module 7BBPM014 Research Project.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
Lectures; laboratory classes; tutorials; laboratory-based research project or dissertation; modules assessed by coursework and written examination.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7BBPM011
Credit level: 7
Assessment of the module is based upon performance in a written examination (70 per cent) and coursework (30 per cent).
An introductory module concerned with the fundamental philosophy, principles and practice of chemical analysis and quality control, with particular reference to the pharmaceutical sciences.
On completion of the module the student should have: An appreciation of the science and role of analytical chemistry; the ability to design and undertake measurement protocols to GLP standard; an understanding of basic numerical methods and statistics used in chemical analysis and quality control; an appreciation of the scope and limitations of various techniques for product identification and the assignment of molecular structure and the analysis of complex mixtures.
Module code: 7BBPM010
Credit level: 7
Assessment of the module is based upon performance in a written examination (70 per cent) and coursework (30 per cent).
This is an introductory module which provides an overview of drug delivery and drug disposition, ie drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and elementary pharmacokinetics, providing essential background knowledge for the pharmaceutical scientist.
On completion of the module the student should have: An understanding of the significance of physicochemical properties in drug delivery and drug disposition; an appreciation of the approaches for delivering drugs to the body and the associated dosage forms; an understanding of the methods for evaluation of drug release from tablets, capsules and inhalers; an understanding of the structure of biological membranes and the various mechanisms associated with drug transport across them; an appreciation of the potential sites, reactions and factors which influence drug metabolism; an appreciation of the significance of drug metabolism in relation to biological activity; an understanding of the principles of pharmacokinetics and an ability to define and calculate the commonly used pharmacokinetic parameters.
Module code: 7BBPM014
Credit level: 7
Students on all three Masters Degree Programmes in the Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Metabolism & Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Analysis & Quality Control, Pharmaceutical Technology) are required to carry out a research project. The aim of the research project is to provide students with the opportunity to study a particular topic in depth, give practical experience of research methodologies and in the presentation of scientific data, both orally and as a written report.
The Department of Pharmacy at King's is research active and as a result, Masters candidates are offered a considerable choice of research topics from across the entire spectrum of the pharmaceutical sciences, including:
- Computational methods with applications in the pharmaceutical sciences
- Drug delivery & formulation science
- Drug metabolism
- Toxicology
- Pharmaceutical analysis
- Isolation, identification and biological evaluation of materials derived from natural sources
The selection and allocation of research projects is carried out in November, and students are required to select three possible topics from a list of usually over sixty available, the final allocation being made by the Programme Directors. Obviously the projects selected must be appropriate for the degree programme being undertaken.
Project work starts in the second semester and students are expected to spend the equivalent of two days a week working on their projects. Following the summer examinations (these are generally held in May/June), work on the projects is carried out full time, and the final report is submitted for assessment in mid-August.
Students undertaking the degree programmes part-time are normally expected to carry out a practical-based project at their place of work, and they frequently have ideas for areas of investigation which would be of interest to their employers. However, depending on the nature of their employment it is appreciated that this may not be possible for everyone. In such instances these individuals are permitted to submit a critical survey of the literature (dissertation) rather than a practical-based research project.
Research projects/dissertations are assessed on the basis of the final written report (90 per cent) and a short oral presentation (10 per cent) at the end of the second semester.
Module code: 7BBPM016
Credit level: 7
Assessment of the Module is based upon performance in a written Examination (70%) and Coursework (30%).
This specialist module builds on module Principles of Analytical Techniques, Numerical Methods and Regulatory Affairs and describes current practices in separation science (including HPLC, GC, SEC and Electrophoresis methods). Aspects of regulatory matters (quality assurance and control) are also presented pertinent to the manufacture and licensing of medicines and with special reference to other aspects of this programme.
On completion of the module, the student should have: a mature understanding of the theory and application of modern separation science techniques for chemical analysis; the ability to select the chromatographic method of choice for a particular circumstance; a deeper understanding of the regulatory matters and quality assurance principles currently in practice for the manufacture and licensing of medicines; the ability to apply the modern knowledge gained in this course to provide practical solutions to real questions.
Module code: 7BBPM015
Credit level: 7
Assessment of this Module is based upon performance in a written Examination (70%) and Coursework (30%).
This specialist module builds on module Principles of Analytical Techniques, Numerical Methods and Regulatory Affairs and describes current practices in spectroscopic and other methods of analysis.
The module is concerned with both small molecule and biological-based medicines. The instrumental techniques discussed include : UV/Vis, Fluorescence, Atomic Spectroscopy, IR & Raman, NMR, Optical Activity, Mass Spectrometry, Thermal Methods and Microscopy. Other techniques presented include : Immunoassays, Titrimetry and aspects of Electrochemistry.
On completion of this module, the student should have: a mature understanding of the theory and application of modern spectroscopic, instrumental, chemical and bioanalytical techniques; the ability to select both the analytical technique and method of choice for a particular circumstance; the ability to apply the modern knowledge gained in this course to provide practical solutions to real questions.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
Minimum 2:1 first degree in pharmacy, biochemistry, chemistry or related discipline, or an overseas equivalent.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Your application will be assessed by the Programme Director, who will consult other members of the academic staff involved in teaching the programme. Both home and overseas applicants may be called for interview. You are welcome to contact the Programme Director to learn more about the MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please give your reasons for applying for this programme.
FUNDING
Most FT students are self-funded or have career development loans. PT students are generally funded by employers.
Student profiles
Pharmaceutical Analysis & Quality Control MSc
I am a master's student studying pharmaceutical analysis and quality control. After graduation, I will commence my PhD study for which I was awarded an Ors scholarship and a King's scholarship. This subject provides a broad depth of knowledge of spectroscopy, chromatography, quality control and quality assurance.