Course Summary
The MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences at UCC has been designed to address the current and future skills demands of the pharmaceutical sector, offering a unique opportunity for graduates to fast-track their careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in any of the following subject areas: chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmacy, mathematical and computer science, engineering, public health, and business information systems.
Eligible applicants may also be invited for an interview. Selection from among eligible applicants will be made according to the following criteria:
Performance in primary degree
Personal statement
Reference
Recognition of Prior Learning
Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may also be given to applicants who do not meet the above entry requirements but who have relevant experience in a related field such as the chemical, biological and medical sciences, pharmaceutical industry, engineering, public health, business information systems sector, etc. To demonstrate relevant experience, applicants will be assessed on the following criteria and an interview may also be required.
Academic achievement
Work experience
Personal statement
Reference
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Application Details
Start Date 7 September 2026
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Career Progression
Regulatory science is a crucial skill gap in Ireland, as highlighted by the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs report (2024). This program is your gateway to a dynamic career in quality and regulatory affairs. Graduates of our successful PG Diploma in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences currently work in the following roles:
Associate Director - Clinical Regulatory Scientist
Director of Regulatory Affairs
Process Specialist
Senior Scientist CMC
Key Account Manager
Senior Regulatory Associate CMC
Senior Quality Analyst
Clinical Scientific Expert
Quality Assurance Associate
Research Officer