This MSc combines advanced pharmaceutical analysis training with a minimum nine-month industrial placement in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Year one provides hands-on training in analytical techniques including HPLC, GC, mass spectrometry, thermal analysis, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and QA/QC in the pharmaceutical industry, all in a purpose-built lab co-designed with Agilent. In year two, students undertake an industry-based placement gaining real workplace experience and developing highly transferable skills. Students may complete their laboratory-based research project on return to QUB or during placement. Placements are competitively secured by students and not guaranteed by the University.