Everything you need to know...
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What is the fee?
Home: £10,940 for the course
International/EU: £18,600 for the course -
How long will I study?
1 Year
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Where will I study?
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When do I start?
September 2026
Course summary
- Develop the skills to operate common analytical laboratory instruments.
- Learn to obtain and interpret analytical data using a variety of methods.
- Apply experimental design techniques and statistical methods for data evaluation.
- Analyse and interpret data using industry-standard management systems.
- Study the background of drug design, development and the wider industry.
On our MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis course, you’ll develop the expertise required of an analytical scientist, gaining a deep understanding of modern instrumental techniques, data analysis methods and statistics. You'll explore the theoretical and practical aspects of pharmaceutical analysis, preparing for a career in this fast-evolving industry.
To complete an extended research project, see our MRes Pharmaceutical Analysis course.
Come to an open day
Find out more at our postgraduate open days. Book now for your place.
How you learn
You’ll study in an engaging and supportive environment, designed to help you develop independence, critical thinking and professional skills. The course follows our Hallam Model, ensuring an applied, collaborative and industry-relevant approach to your learning.
Lectures introduce key concepts – with interactive discussions and problem-solving exercises to deepen your understanding. You'll engage with recent scientific developments and apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Key skills are embedded in your modules and research project – including scientific writing, literature and database searching, data handling and critical analysis.
You’ll progress from tutor-led to student-centred learning, encouraging independence and professional growth. You’ll receive continuous guidance and constructive feedback to support your academic journey.
You learn through:
- lectures and seminars
- interactive workshops
- practical laboratory classes
- independent research project work
- small group academic tutorials
Key themes
In trimester 1 you’ll gain key laboratory skills, modern analytical techniques and data interpretation fundamentals.
In trimester 2, you’ll learn about molecular spectroscopy methods for the analysis of medicinally relevant molecules. You’ll also have elective options that explore forensic analysis, data analysis, and biopharmaceuticals and drug discovery. These electives allow you to take ownership of your learning to suit your future goals and personal interests.
You’ll then progress to a research project in trimester 3, supervised by one of our academics to advance an area of pharmaceutical analysis. You’ll gain hands-on, independent experience with advanced analytical equipment. You’ll then present your findings in research groups.
Course-level support
You’ll be supported in your learning journey towards highly skilled, graduate-level employment through a number of key areas. These include:
- access to academic and career development support
- one-to-one guidance from student support advisers
- online and in-person resources from the Skills Centre, including assignment planning and structuring assistance
Applied learning
You’ll have the opportunity to gain experience in our laboratories, applying your skills with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Live projects
You'll take part in hands-on laboratory experiences, analysing pharmaceutical compounds and developing your problem-solving skills.
Networking opportunities
You'll benefit from strong industry connections and professional recognition through Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) validation. You'll have the chance to connect with industry professionals through guest lectures, careers fairs, mentoring schemes and leadership programmes. The course is designed to prepare you for employment, with opportunities to engage with experts from the pharmaceutical sector.
Course leaders and tutors
Robert Bradshaw
Senior Lecturer in Analytical Science. Co-Placement Lead for Department of Biosciences and Chemistry.Robert is a lecturer in Analytical Science specialising in Mass Spectrometry
Modules
Important notice: The structure of this course is periodically reviewed and enhanced to provide the best possible learning experience for our students and ensure ongoing compliance with any professional, statutory and regulatory body standards. Module structure, content, delivery and assessment may change, but we expect the focus of the course and the learning outcomes to remain as described above. Following any changes, updated module information will be published on this page.
Final year
Compulsory modules
This module equips you with the essential skills and knowledge to conduct independent scientific research, from critical literature evaluation to experimental design and data analysis.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Conduct an independent literature review to enhance critical analysis and understanding of research topics.
• Design a structured research proposal with clear aims, ethical considerations, and safety protocols.
• Develop practical lab skills through structured experiments, including data analysis and troubleshooting.
• Understand and apply statistical methods for data analysis.
• Gain an understanding of the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in research.
• Help identify and articulate your employability skills
Engaging with these core areas will prepare you for the demands of independent research and professional scientific practice.
This module aims to equip you with both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of laboratory-based research and examine the important issues that make good laboratory practice. Within the programme, this module will prepare you for the semester two laboratory module and the semester three independent research project.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Fundamental practical laboratory training (including reagent preparation, accuracy and precision in performing experiments, health and safety) which will be underpinned by subject module theoretical knowledge.
• A range of course focussed laboratory methodologies and, where appropriate, other practical procedures.
• Effective communication and presentation skills development via the preparation of visual and written work in an appropriate context.
• Introduction to ethical issues and foundations of scientific integrity forming the implications of good laboratory practice.
• Understand and apply fundamental statistical methods for data analysis.
• Employability skills and career preparation (including CV development, application process).
This module aims to provide the introduction to the parameters that describe analytical methods and to apply them to the presentation of the theory and practice of routine chromatographic and mass spectrometric measurements.
Indicative Module content:
Identify and discuss the key elements in the definition of the analytical problem.
Factors affecting the choice of an analytical method such as limits of detection, accuracy, precision, sensitivity, and selectivity will be discussed in the context of method validation.
Laboratory Accreditation Schemes, UKAS, GLP, ISO 9000, laboratory quality management, quality systems, the quality manual including standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality audit and review, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), measurement traceability and calibration, record keeping.
Introduction to the theory and application of separation Sciences. General principles (Distribution Law, basic chemistry of separations).
Introduction to the theory and application of mass Spectrometry. Including, basic principles of mass spectrometry (ionisation and mass analysers and important criteria - mass accuracy, resolution, resolving power, sensitivity) and applications.
Hyphenated techniques: Principles of Liquid chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.
Sample preparation methodologies in analytical science (LLE, SPE, dilutions etc)
This module explores modern spectroscopic methods used to characterise the identity, purity and interactions of small molecule pharmaceuticals.
Indicative module content:
Underpinning theory, practical applications and spectroscopic data interpretation from a range of methods used in modern drug discovery, for example:
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy
- Infra-red spectroscopy
- Raman spectroscopy
- UV-Vis spectroscopy
To provide the student with the opportunity to carry out a substantial research project over a period of eight weeks. The vast majority of projects will be lab-based, all within the bioscience and chemistry research areas. Projects will be appropriate to the specific degree programme on which the student is enrolled. This will be followed by a writing-up period during which the student will prepare an article-style written report.
You’ll study topics such as:
• Literature review, relevant to the area of study, using information databases
• Planning of an agreed research project
• Acquisition and demonstration of practical skills
• Critical analysis of research results
• Preparation of written report
• Oral scientific communication
• Contributing to a research community
Elective modules
Drug discovery is the process of identification and development of new medicines. This module will provide the student with an up-to-date theoretical understanding of the development of both biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drugs and knowledge of current examples of these medicines. At the end of the module, students should be able to critically appraise and evaluate current literature in the field of biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drug discovery.
You’ll study topics such as:
- Target discovery - identification and validation of targets
- Target discovery - development of screening and functional assays
- The impact of genomics on drug development
- Small molecule drug development - from hit to lead
- Biopharmaceuticals and protein therapy
- Pre-clinical drug development including issues of pharmacokinetics and toxicology
- Clinical trials and international issues
- Large data analysis in clinical trials
- Regulations and guidelines
This advanced module provides a comprehensive introduction to big data and data science, designed to equip you with cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for modern scientific research and industrial applications.
Module content:
- Critically analyse and interpret large, complex scientific datasets.
- Apply advanced coding and statistical techniques to real-world research challenges.
- Utilise cutting-edge bioinformatics tools for data exploration.
- Develop sophisticated data visualisation and presentation skills.
- Demonstrate proficiency in extracting meaningful scientific insights from big data.
Delivered through a blend of on-campus and online taught sessions and interactive practical workshops, the module offers an in-depth exploration of data science concepts, methodologies, and technological applications.
This module is designed to equip students with an introduction to the workings of a forensic science laboratory and an understanding of the analytical techniques used for a range of sample types, particularly with reference to drugs. Students will be introduced to both qualitative and quantitative methods. Students will also gain insights into the legal aspects of forensic analysis, including the chain of custody and the role of forensic experts in the courtroom. Additionally, students will explore the effects of common drugs of abuse and gain an understanding of relevant UK legislation governing these substances.
You’ll study topics such as:
- An overview of ‘crime scene to court’
- The workings of a forensic science laboratory
- Outlines of UK legislation regarding substances of abuse, including the Misuse of Drugs Act, drink and drug driving laws. Common drugs of abuse: their sources, forms and effects. Trends of drug abuse and changes in legislation to counter these
- Analytical tools to screen and analyse different types of samples, including drugs (spot tests, immunoassays, on site testing and more advanced hyphenated analytical applications), gunshot residue and others
- Sample handling methods appropriate for the matrices being analysed: such as liquid or solid phase extraction, microextraction and headspace analysis. Sample preservation and storage for different matrices
- Hyphenated and mass spectrometry techniques and instrumentation applied to analysis of drugs, including scientific principles underlying the instrumentation when not explained elsewhere
- Toxicology applications such as therapeutic drug monitoring, drugs in sport, forensic and criminal toxicology casework
Future careers
This course prepares you for a career in:
- the pharmaceutical industry
- academic or industrial research
- quality assurance
- analytical laboratories
Previous graduates have gone on to work as:
- methods development scientists
- drug development scientists
- compliance officers
- PhD students
Equipment and facilities
Teaching takes place in lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and specialist laboratory facilities. Through our virtual learning environment Blackboard you’ll be able to access learning materials, interactive resources and course information – both on-campus and remotely.
You’ll have access to industry-standard equipment, gaining hands-on experience in scenario-based practical sessions. You’ll gain the technical expertise and practical experience needed for a career in pharmaceutical analysis, using facilities such as:
- analytical equipment such as HPLC, NMR, GC, IR and Raman Spectroscopy
- cutting-edge research instrumentation, including a mass spectrometry suite with various ionisation techniques (EI, ESI, MALDI, ICP) and mass analysers (QQQ, TOF)
360 tour - biosciences and chemistry facilities
Where will I study?
You study at City Campus through a structured mix of lectures, seminars and practical sessions as well as access to digital and online resources to support your learning.
City Campus
City Campus is located in the heart of Sheffield, within minutes of the train and bus stations.
City Campus map | City Campus tour
Adsetts library
Adsetts Library is located on our City Campus. It's open 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn moreLearn more about your department
Biosciences and Chemistry Facilities Tour
Take a look around the biosciences and chemistry facilities at Sheffield Hallam University with senior lecturer and recruitment lead Dr Susan Campbell.
Entry requirements
All students
A 2:1 in a relevant Honours degree is normally accepted as the entry requirement for the course. Applicants with a 2:2 are also actively encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis. Applicants with alternative qualifications with academic attainment or skills in subjects which are directly relevant to the course will also be considered
If English is not your first language you will need an IELTS score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills, or a recognised equivalent
Additional information for EU/International students
If you are an International or non-UK European student, you can find out more about the country specific qualifications we accept on our international qualifications page.
For details of English language entry requirements (IELTS), please see the information for 'All students'.
Fees and funding
Home students
Our tuition fee for UK students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £10,940 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
If you are studying an undergraduate course, postgraduate pre-registration course or postgraduate research course over more than one academic year then your tuition fees may increase in subsequent years in line with Government regulations or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) published fees. More information can be found in our terms and conditions under student fees regulations.
International students
Our tuition fee for International/EU students starting full-time study in 2026/27 is £18,600 for the course. The tuition fee displayed above is for the full course. If the full course is more than one year in duration, the fee will be divided into annual payments which will then be rounded. This may mean the total fee you pay is slightly higher than the fee stated above. If you take a break in study or have to re-take part of the course, you may also be charged an additional fee and will be notified of this at the time.
Scholarships and financial support
Find information on scholarships, bursaries and postgraduate student loans.
International scholarships up to £3000 ›
Alumni scholarships up to £2000 ›
Postgraduate loans for UK students ›
Additional course costs
The links below allow you to view estimated general course additional costs, as well as costs associated with key activities on specific courses. These are estimates and are intended only as an indication of potential additional expenses. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the choices you make during your course.
General course additional costs
Additional costs for Biosciences and Chemistry (PDF, 600.1KB)Legal information
Any offer of a place to study is subject to your acceptance of the University’s Terms and Conditions and Student Regulations.
