Course Summary
Course Background
The course has been developed by the School of Science at the Institute of Technology, Sligo. The award is an MSc of IT Sligo. The course comprises 6 modules, providing teaching in 22 major subject areas and an MSc Research Project. For suitably qualified and candidates who wish to pursue Qualified Person Status, the course fulfils the educational requirements required by European Directive 2001/83/EC and 2001/82/EC. The course is delivered by distance learning, with certain block attendance. The modular structure and credit system will facilitate studying for the degree while working.
The programme will consist of 6 core modules. Typically the duration of the programme will be part-time over 2 years for the 6 modules. A research project is carried out in 2nd year. However, students may also complete the programme over a longer period to offer flexibility for those in full time employment.
Typically, two modules will be studied each year from September to January and one module from January to June with the research project running from January to August in the 2nd year. The project provides each student with an opportunity to apply knowledge gained from the taught modules.
Exams will run in January and May in ATU Sligo and an exam centre in Dublin and repeat exams in August of each year in ATU Sligo
Modules may be taken individually or on a standalone basis.
Key Course Information
Award: Level 9
Duration: 2 years
Delivery: Distance
Course co-ordinator
Sarah Hehir
Application Closing Date : 15th August 2025
Entry Requirements
The M.Sc. course is open to students who have obtained an honours degree or its equivalent in an appropriate discipline. Candidates intending to pursue Qualified Person status should have an appropriate primary degree that conforms to the specific requirements for primary qualifications listed in European Directives 2001/83/EC and 2001/82/EC. There is also a requirement to have completed a minimum of two years practical industrial experience in an appropriate manufacturing environment.
Programme Fees
Academic Year 2024/25 Fees
Total Programme Fee: €16,200
To help make the payment of fees more manageable for students who are self-funding their studies, tuition fees can be paid through payment instalment plans at ATU Sligo. For further information on instalment plans, please visit our Fees and Funding webpage.
If you apply and are approved for an online course at ATU Sligo, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 to secure your place. Your deposit will then be credited against the course fees once you are registered as a student. Students at ATU Sligo are also eligible to claim tax relief at the standard rate for tuition fees.
For further information and guidance about Fees and Funding for online and part-time courses at ATU Sligo, click here.
If you are seeking to take your exams online, and you meet the eligibility criteria (overseas students and those with extenuating circumstances), an additional examinations fee will apply. For further information, please visit our Examinations webpage.
Course Format
Year 1 Semester 1| Modules |
|
MIPS1 – Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Pharmaceutical Analysis MIPS4 – Formulation of Dosage Forms, Sterile Pharmaceuticals and Advanced Drug Delivery Systems |
| Modules |
|
MIPS2 – Chemistry, Toxicology and Pharmacology of Therapeutics |
| Modules |
|
MIPS3 – Regulation and licensing of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Products and Medical Devices MIPS5 – Processes, Production and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems |
| Modules |
|
MIPS6 – Management of Pharmaceutical Operations and Projects MIPS7 – Research Project |