MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management

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Over 150 pharmaceutical companies operate in Ireland, including 13 of the world’s top 15. 12 out of the world’s top 25 drugs are manufactured here. This course was developed based on an analysis of the importance of the pharmaceutical and related industries in Ireland and within the Southeast region. The content of this programme specifically addresses major thematic topics in analytical science and quality management that are perceived to offer the best prospects for growth, particularly in an Irish context.
The IDA strategy for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and related sectors, taking into account the number of multinationals here already and increased competition from emerging economies, is to encourage companies to ‘start earlier and finish later’ in their Irish-based activities. This means expanding research and development and the pre-clinical stages of product development. This focus will increase the requirement for highly trained graduates and postgraduates with research capabilities. This will require upskilling of graduate staff to postgraduate level in advanced analytical techniques.
Recognising this demand, Waterford Institute of Technology now offers a taught Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management. This is the only postgraduate course in the Southeast region that offers this combination of disciplines. The course places a strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate and is aimed at students already working in an industrial environment. Such a qualification will enable and facilitate career progression for graduates in the region. This MSc programme is very closely linked to highly successful research groups active in the Department of Chemical and Life Sciences at WIT. The Department a very active research culture in areas such as separation science, sensor technology, biotechnology and environmental science. Many of these research projects are in collaboration with pharmaceutical industries in the Southeast. This course is seen as critical, not only in increasing the number of graduates from the region with a formal qualification in analytical science and quality management, but in making a valuable contribution to the infrastructure of the region in the context of developing and attracting knowledge-based industry.

This Postgraduate Diploma/MSc programme is delivered in a modular format, as follows:

* Elective modules – students choose 2 electives per semester in year 2.

As this is a part-time course, students will be requested to be released by their employers to attend classes for two days per week, three times per semester.
You can view the details of each module by clicking on the appropriate link below.

Core modules

• Total Quality Management
• Statistics for Quality
• Separation Techniques
• Research Methodology
• Spectroscopic Techniques
• Advanced Laboratory Techniques
• Validation
• Advanced Quality Methodologies

 Elective modules

• Design of Experiments
• Process Analytical Technology
• Risk Management
• Biopharmaceutical Analysis
• Chemical Sensors & Biosensors
• International Regulatory Affairs
• Food Industry Safety Management
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Analytical Microbiology
• Materials Characterisation

 Students who choose to pursue the Masters option must complete a Research Dissertation module.

How to Apply

All applications are processed through the online facility at www.pac.ie

Closing date for applications is 10th June 2011

International students are required to meet the WIT postgraduate TOEFL (600) / IELTS (6.5) English language requirement.

For further information, please contact the Course Leader Dr. Kathleen Grennan kgrennan@wit.ie or

Dr. Helen Hughes hhughes@wit.ie

MSc in Analytical Science with QM flyer
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