CAS Pharmaceutical Project Management, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Upon completing this programme, you will be able to: 

• Understand the pharmaceutical development lifecycle and its impact on project management.
• Apply specialised project management methodologies and tools for pharmaceutical projects.
• Navigate regulatory requirements and ensure compliance within project management frameworks.
• Develop and implement effective risk management strategies tailored to the pharmaceutical industry.
• Communicate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including R&D, regulatory affairs, marketing and manufacturing.

You complete the programme with an individual thesis – enabling you to apply your knowledge directly in your professional setting.  

This part-time programme is for current project managers in pharmaceutical companies, professionals aspiring to enter project management roles within the pharmaceutical industry, R&D professionals, regulatory affairs specialists and quality assurance managers. 

This programme is designed in a modular format. In the four focused modules of the programme you will gain in-depth knowledge and acquire practical skills to apply directly in your professional practice.

The programme is conducted by lecturers from the university as well as recognised experts in the field. 

• Reto Brügger, eidg. dipl. Apotheker, EMBA, Standortleiter Basel und Mitglied der GL bei pixon engineering AG
• Dr. Kurt Eyer, Industrial Biosolutions, Bühler AG
• Dr. Christoph Heinzen, Programmleitung
• Claude Keller, Leadership Coach, Trainer, Moderator, Speaker, Claude Keller & Partner AG
• René Marty Ph.D. PMP, Senior R&D Program Manager
• Dr. Christian Schärer, Leiter Inspection Management Swissmedic
• Hermann Stricker, P-ELEVEN, Senior Project Manager

The following programme admission requirements apply:

• Tertiary A: Higher education qualification (at least a Bachelor’s degree) and at least 2 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme,
• Tertiary B: Colleges of Higher Education Diploma (HF), Advanced Federal Diploma of Higher Education (HFP) or Federal Diploma Higher Education (BP), and at least 5 years’ practical experience relevant to the programme,
• Individuals without a Tertiary A or B qualification may be admitted if they cumulatively meet the following admission criteria:
• at least 10 years’ professional experience in a field relevant to the programme, of which at least 5 years in a managerial or senior specialist role
• additional qualifications (various non-formal, extensive further training courses or partial completion (>50%) of a tertiary qualification)
• evidence of knowledge of academic work or a willingness to acquire this in advance.

As the instruction and educational materials are in English, proficiency in English (minimum level C1) is a prerequisite.