Pharmatechnology

    Become an expert in Pharmatechnology

    Key data

    Degree
    Master of Science in Life Sciences
    Studying type
    Double-Degree with foreign University optional
    ECTS points
    90
    Studying mode
    Full-time and part-time
    School days
    Monday to Friday
    Teaching language
    English
    Place
    Muttenz (Basel-Land)
    Stay abroad
    optional
    Application fee
    CHF 200

    The deadline for applications for the autumn semester is 30 April of the relevant year and 30 November for the spring semester.

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    Pharmatechnology – Career Opportunities
    The specialisation in Pharmatechnology spans the entire range from early pharmaceutical profiling to formulation development and manufacturing. Graduates will be optimally prepared for jobs in the pharmaceutical/biomedical industry or related industries such as nutraceuticals. Apart from jobs offered by global players such as Roche or Novartis, there are further opportunities in smaller pharmaceutical firms or contract research/manufacturing organizations. Moreover, graduates are also attractive to companies in pharmaceutical engineering, excipients, production machines, consultancy, as well as being qualified for work in a regulatory agency or academia. The growth in the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors is expected to continue in future due to the rising health challenges of chronic and infectious diseases, where Pharmatechnology will continue to play a critical role in the value chain of producing efficacious and safe drug products that meet highest quality standards.

    Pharmatechnology – Curriculum
    The curriculum offers modules on drug formulation and delivery, and a separate module on the formulation of biologicals. The modern trend of continuous production is addressed by an entire module, while another covers pharmaceutical production facilities. Further modules can be chosen from related specializations, in particular Analytical Chemistry, Applied Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Bioanalytics. The broad range of specialist and generic modules allows each student to create an individually tailored study programme.
    Students may also take an additional semester at a foreign partner university, allowing them to gain an additional degree.
    The MSc concludes with an eight month thesis, which can take place in a research group at the University or at an industrial partner. The practical experience gained during the thesis is an important part of the qualification for industrial work or a continuation of research for those graduates who prefer to pursue doctoral studies.

    Pharmatechnology – Entry Requirements
    The MSc in Life Sciences – Pharmatechnology is especially suited for students with a BSc degree in Pharmatechnology, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology or related fields.

    Details of the Master's programme

    Modul Groups for Pharmatechnology

    Module Group Pharmatechnology (5 out of 6 required)

    • Continuous Pharmaceutical Production
    • Formulation of Biologics and Routes of Drug Delivery
    • Pharmaceutical Production Facilities
    • Drug Formulation and Delivery for Solid Dosages Forms
    • Physicochemical Principles of Pharmaceutics
    • Materials Science

    Module Group Electives Analytics (2 out of 7 required)

    • Compound Profiling in Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery
    • Process Analytical Technology
    • Bioanalytics in a Regulated Environment
    • Laboratory Automation in the Pharmaceutical Industry
    • Chromatography and Mass-Spectrometry
    • Proteomics and Protein Analytics
    • Biostructures and Solid State Sciences

    Module Group Electives Production (2 out of 7 required)

    • Sustainable Process Development
    • Process Automation
    • Process Transfer and Scale-up
    • Process Development and Technology
    • Process Technology for Industrial Pollution control
    • Costs and Benefits of Sustainable Production
    • Regulatory Affairs

    Module Group Core Competences (4 out of 8 required)

    • Handling and Visualizing data
    • Design and Analysis of Experiments
    • Modelling and Exploration of Multivariate Data
    • Data and Ethics
    • Business Administration for Life Sciences
    • Management and Leadership for Life Sciences
    • Innovation and Project Management
    • Politics and Society

    N.B. In total 50 ECTS (meaning 17 modules a 3 ECTS) have to be gained. Further modules can be chosen: Module Overview
    You may also plan your studies in advance with our MSc Life Sciences planning tool.

    Double Degree with the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague

    Selected students from our Master's programme can earn a double degree by completing an additional semester at the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague. They will receive two titles: MSc in Life Sciences FHNW and MSc in Synthesis and Manufacturing Pharmaceuticals UCT Prague or MSc in Biotechnology and Food Science UCT Prague, respectively.

    More information on Double Degree.

    Admission

    Graduates with an excellent Bachelor's degree are admitted directly if they:

    • hold a Bachelor's degree in a related technical field from a university of applied sciences with a mark of A, B or ≥ 5 or an equivalent mark (≥ good)
    • or demonstrate an equivalent background (BSc) and practical experience
    • and have excellent English skills.

    Prospective students who meet most but not all of the entry requirements are invited to an interview.

    Study guide

    Downloads

    FHNW School of Life Sciences

    FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland
    School of Life Sciences

    Hofackerstrasse 30

    CH - 4132 Muttenz