Who may be admitted

The following are eligible for admission into the MSc in Pharmaceutical Product Development:

• Holders of First Class or Upper Second Class Honours degrees, from recognised universities, in pharmacy, medicine, biomedical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline; or
• Holders of Lower Second Class degrees in pharmacy, medicine, biomedical sciences, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline, plus a postgraduate diploma in a relevant area or two years' practical experience in a relevant field; or
• Holders of other related qualifications from recognised universities, considered by the Academic Council as equivalent to the routes above.

Related disciplinary backgrounds

The named fields above are the curriculum's primary list. Related scientific, health or quantitative disciplines may be considered under the Academic Council route. Typical related backgrounds include the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences; the list below is illustrative, not a closed set of eligible degrees.

• Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
• Medicine and biomedical sciences
• Mathematics, statistics and related quantitative fields
• Engineering
• Other related scientific or health disciplines, where the Academic Council treats the qualification as equivalent

When professional experience is required

Two years' practical experience in a relevant field is a formal admission requirement only for applicants who hold a Lower Second Class degree and do not hold a relevant postgraduate diploma. For First Class and Upper Second Class applicants, relevant experience may be an advantage; it is not a University entry condition.

• Required: Lower Second Class route without a relevant postgraduate diploma — two years' practical experience in a relevant field
• Not required for entry: First Class or Upper Second Class Honours in an eligible field
• Relevant fields may include research, laboratory science, clinical work, data analysis, healthcare or regulatory practice

Interview and entrance examination

In addition to meeting one of the academic routes above, all applicants are required to attend and pass an oral interview and a Graduate Entrance Examination (GEE). A valid Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score may be used instead of the GEE.

Credit transfer

Students may apply to transfer credit for comparable academic work completed at other accredited institutions of higher education. Applications are made to the Graduate Studies Office at the time of admission, with transcripts and course outlines for the modules concerned. The Board of Graduate Studies considers applications and makes recommendations to the Academic Council.

• Credit transfer may be permitted for up to half of the programme's credits
• All transferred credits must have been earned with a grade of B or better

Who the fellowship is designed for

The Master's is designed for mid-career scientists who can apply their learning while they study. Recruitment is intended to draw fellows from organisations with a track record in pharmaceutical product development.

• Typically already engaged in regulatory agencies, research centres or related organisations
• Able to participate in blended study and, where needed, leave of absence for immersion placements

Pan-African participation

The programme is intended to bring together fellows from across Africa. Representation across the five Africa CDC regions is a design aim of the funded cohorts, subject to the published call.

• Applicants from across the continent are encouraged to apply once the official call is open
• Regional representation will be confirmed in the fellowship selection process, not as a substitute for University admission criteria

Funded places

This EDCTP3-supported programme is designed to support two Master's cohorts of 15 fellows each, and short courses for up to 100 scientists. Cohort size describes funded places. It is not an academic admission requirement.