MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Systems Validation and Technology
Course Overview
Advance Your Career with the MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, Validation and Technology
Gain the expertise to lead in pharmaceutical quality assurance, validation, and regulatory compliance. This industry-focused MSc equips you with the practical and technological skills to drive innovation, implement quality systems, and support global healthcare through safe, efficient pharmaceutical manufacturing.
This programme is delivered in partnership with Innopharma.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Blended - September 2025
- Cork - Blended - September 2025
- Dublin - Full-Time - February 2026
Why Study Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, Validation and Technology with Innopharma Education at Griffith College?
Delivered over 1–2 years on a full-time or part-time basis, the course focuses on regulatory compliance, quality systems, and cutting-edge technologies, including AI and automation. It ensures graduates are prepared for dynamic roles across the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.
Course Highlights:
- In-Demand Industry Skills: Build expertise in pharmaceutical quality assurance, validation, and technology aligned with current industry requirements.
- Curriculum Aligned with Regulatory Standards: Learn about quality systems, compliance, and AI-driven process optimisation in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Practical, Career-Focused Learning: Apply knowledge through case studies, simulations, and potential site visits or industry projects.
- Latest Pharma Technologies: Explore innovations such as automation, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation for enhanced manufacturing efficiency.
- Global Regulatory Knowledge: Gain insight into international compliance frameworks to support careers in global pharmaceutical companies.
- Leadership for Pharma Professionals: Develop strategic and leadership skills to drive innovation and manage teams in regulated environments.
Related Courses
Course Details
The MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Systems, Validation and Technology is available full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months). Delivered through blended learning, it combines online modules with on-campus sessions for flexible study options.
Core Modules
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Plant Design
- Emerging technologies of Industry 4.0/5.0 & Pharma 5.0
- Quality by Design (QbD) and Process Analytical Technologies (PAT)
- Validation Lifecycle
- Pharmaceutical Quality Systems
- Pharmaceutical Regulatory Environment
- Pharmaceutical Regulatory Standards and Guidelines
- Pharmaceutical Regulations in Manufacturing Plant
- Clinical Trials Regulation
- Pharmaceutical Regulations in Drug Distribution
- Waste Management and Pollution
- Regulatory Requirements for Process Validation
- Risk-Based Approach to Process Validation
- Process Validation Protocols and Documentation
- Execution of Process Validation Studies
- Statistical Tools and Techniques in Process Validation
- Process Change Control and Management
- Cleaning Validation Programs
- Communication of Validation Results
- The research process and critical thinking
- Conducting a literature review
- Research questions and hypotheses
- Ethical and data integrity considerations
- AI in research
- Quantitative methods
- Qualitative methods
- Transforming research ideas to product and services
- Project management
- Operational Excellence Implementation Models
- The Lean Enterprise
- Six Sigma
- CAPA
- Design for Six Sigma
- Introduction to Analytical Method Validation
- Regulatory Background and Requirements
- Statistical Tools for Method Validation
- Practical Aspects of Method Validation
- Preparing for Method Validation
- Validation of Analytical Methods
- Verification of Compendial Methods
- Transfer of Analytical Methods and Procedures
- Maintaining Method Validation (Lifecycle Management)
- Introduction to Computer Systems Validation and Assurance (CSV&A)
- Risk-Based Approach to CSV&A
- Validation and Assurance Documentation
- Validation and Assurance Execution and Compliance
- Data Integrity and Security in Computerised Systems
- Ongoing Maintenance and Periodic Review
- Integration of CSV&A with Quality Management Systems
- Introduction to Pharmaceutical Packaging and Labelling
- Pharmaceutical Packaging Design
- Regulatory Requirements for Pharmaceutical Labelling
- Packaging Materials and Technologies
- Labelling Requirements and Artwork Design
- Packaging and Labelling Process Validation
- Risk Assessment in Packaging and Labelling
- Quality Assurance and Control in Packaging and Labelling
- Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
- Initial proposals
- Seminars/Workshops
- Supervisor interaction
- Viva Day
Course Contact
- Dublin Main Campus
Timetables
Timetable:
- Full-Time: 4 days per week
- Part-Time: 2 evenings per week + 2 Saturdays per month
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
A Level 8 primary degree with a minimum 2.2 award in a relevant discipline such as science, quality, manufacturing, engineering, data analytics, project management, medicine, or a related field is required. Applicants may also be considered through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
English Language
Griffith College accepts the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency.
For more information on English language requirements, please visit here.
How to Apply
If you have any questions or need guidance on the application process, please get in touch with Orla McKiernan or a member of the Innopharma Education team at +353 1 485 3346 or via email.
You can also submit your application through Griffith College below to apply directly.
Fees
For purposes of fee calculation, residence is counted from time of application.
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times; for confirmation, refer to the Intake dates on the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Fee: €8,450
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees.
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
General Fee Information
An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: accounts@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Career Opportunities
This highly sought-after master’s degree opens the door to exciting and rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Graduates may progress into roles such as:
- Operations: Manager, Supervisor, Process Engineer
- Validation: Process, Product, or Computer Systems Validation Specialist
- Digital & Automation: Digital Transformation Lead, Automation Engineer, PAT Deployment Specialist
- Data & Analytics: Business Intelligence Analyst, Data Analyst
- Engineering & Project Management: New Product Introduction (NPI), Product Programme Manager
- Regulatory & Compliance: Regulatory Affairs Officer, Compliance Specialist
- Safety & Risk: Medical Vigilance, Risk Management Specialist
- Process Improvement: Continuous Improvement Manager, Lean/Six Sigma Specialist
- Quality Assurance: QA Specialist or Manager
Our Professional Development team provides one-on-one coaching and mentorship to help students reach their full potential. We focus on enhancing networking, communication, and presentation skills to support career progression.
Thanks to this targeted career support, over 70% of Innopharma graduates secure employment or advance their careers within six months of graduation.
