Molecular & Pharmaceutical Analysis
About
The Pharma industry has identified key skill gaps in Northern Ireland. This programme aims to upskill those working in the Pharma sector, with key skills in the principles of molecular and analytical science, including diagnostic and analytical techniques.
Northern Ireland has several significant global players in the pharmaceuticals producers and analysis sector. Ireland is well known for its thriving chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector. Consequently, skills in pharmaceutical and molecular analytical techniques are sought locally.
This course is designed for those with a primary degree in science, or in a related area.
Start dates
22 September 2025
Delivery format (fully online)
Typically, the course will have 6 hours of taught content per week. Those undertaking the course should expect to spend 25 hours per week on the course.
Teaching will be a mixture of online delivery, podcasts/ pre-recorded and written lecture content. Suggested reading materials, tutorials and participant blogs facilitate learning and understanding. Assessment is 100% coursework using on-line submission and ranges from reports to essays.
Hardware requirements for study
In order to complete the programme, all successful applicants must have access to a broadband connection, a computer or laptop, a webcam and a microphone. A basic-entry PC or laptop would be sufficient. A computer with at least 8 GB of RAM, with an Intel or similar processor will be sufficient.
Progression
On successful completion of this programme, it is possible to progress to the MSc Pharmaceutical Sciences, with the potential of having some module exemptions.
Further Information
Modules
Compulsory:
Quality Assurance
Principles of pharmaceutical analytical methods and instrumentation, including FTIR, IR, UV-VIS, Mass, Atomic Absorption and Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques, HPLC, and NMR, Concepts of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
Biomolecular Therapeutics and Immunology
Fundamentals of immunology and infectious diseases. Molecular biology techniques and concepts in genomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics and gene screening, diagnosis and therapy.
Plus
Optional (choose one of the following):
Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
Formulation, characterisation, evaluation and application of novel pharmaceutical delivery systems based on nanotechnology.
Zoonoses and Public Heath
Public health impact of pathogens that jump the animal to human species barrier; role of government and local authorities on prevention and monitoring.
Entry requirements
Academic qualifications
2.2 Hons Degree in a Science or related subject area or equivalent.
Competence in written and spoken English
Applicants must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
Exceptional circumstances
In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route.
Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules in the programme.
Eligibility
Places are limited and open to applicants who:
- are 18 or over at the point of enrolment;
- have a right to work and undertake training in the UK at the point of application and for the duration of the course and must not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status. Proof of this will be required to progress your application. Prove your right to work to an employer: Overview - GOV.UK
- meet the course specific entry requirements. See course pages for requirements.
- meet the Ulster University general entry requirements including competency in English (as evidenced by GCSE Grade C in English or alternative). For English competency, a degree taught in UK or Ireland covers this requirement. If your degree is from outside the UK or Ireland, please see our list of acceptable qualifications or tests.
- are available to register in person at the campus as required.
Apply now - limited places available
There are a limited number of places for this course. Offers will be extended to those applicants who meet the entry requirements following successful completion of the application process, and have provided evidence of such, on a first come , first served basis.. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all offers are extended. Applications will no longer be accepted or processed once all places are filled. Applications can not be considered once a course has started.
Please note you can only be funded by DfE for a maximum of two courses at any one time (including modules to a total of 45 credits per semester - if studying part-time).
When creating your application you will need to have the following documents saved electronically as they need to be uploaded as part of the application process:
- Passport
- Evidence of having right to work and undertake training in the UK*
- Degree Certificate
- English Competency (If you have a degree from UK/ROI, you don't need to provide anything else
* Holders of UK or Irish passports automatically have this right. if you hold a passport from another nation, please provide evidence of UK immigration permissions to include a ShareCode and/or BRP.
To select the correct course, in the field called Please select the subject area, select Health & Social Care from the drop down box. Then select Molecular & Pharmaceutical Analysis, PG Cert from the next drop down box.
