Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management
Course Overview
Develop your knowledge and understanding of the Pharmaceutical Business Management Industry
The Masters of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management (MSPBM) programme aims to develop the learner's ability to manage businesses and develop their leadership skills in the highly regulated environment of the pharmaceutical industry.
Why Study Pharmaceutical Business Management at Griffith College?
The MSc in Pharmaceutical Business Management is available on both a full and part-time basis and is conducted over a 1 or 2 year period respectively. The programme develops learners’ abilities to research current trends and developments in the Pharmaceutical Business Management Industry and to develop their knowledge, skill and competencies to work in this dynamic business arena across multiple industries, whether they are service or manufacturing oriented. As a graduate of the course you will:
- Expand your knowledge of marketing, technological developments, product release and regulatory affairs in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Master business development and launching activities within an ever-expanding industry
- Become an expert in regional management, forecasting and budgeting
- Develop your interpersonal, professional and leadership skills by working independently, and as part of a team on a range of challenging projects.
- Avail of part-time learning which allows students already working in the area extra time to hone skills.
Intake Dates
- Cork - Full-Time - September 2025
- Cork - Full-Time - February 2026
What our students say
My time studying a graduate level programme at Griffith College Cork was amazing and compelling. The dynamics of the student and lecturer relationship was what I found most admirable because it made the learning very interesting. The college provided the learners with well-trained lecturers and staff who were approachable and would go the extra mile to ensure we were assisted with everything and anything we needed while we navigated around campus.
MSC IN INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Course Details
Duration: 1 Year Full-Time, 2 Years Part-Time
The Programme consists of three stages:
- Stage 1 & 2 – a two-semester taught stage leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management, for learners who wish to exit at that stage. (60 Credits)
- Stage 3 - a one semester dissertation based stage, where the learners make regular contact with their dissertation supervisor, leading cumulatively to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management. (30 Credits)
Stages 1 & 2 - 60 Credits
This module introduces and develops the concepts, perspectives, and tools associated with the discipline of strategy formulation and development. It does this firstly at a fundamental level where conceptual understanding can be provided for and then places the concepts and tools within the complexities of undertaking business in different countries and cultures. As well as providing the learner with a core body of knowledge of strategy, the module aims to go beyond the prescriptive toolbox of strategy making and instil in the learner an appreciation of the complexities, subtleties and human factors that fundamentally shape what businesses do and why. This central aim of the module is consistent with the level of a Master’s programme.
The primary purpose of the module is to explore the principles and enablers to drive continuous improvement in the global Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industry. This module aims to introduce learners to the general subject of business transformation through continuous improvement and innovation as applied in the industry.
This module aims to introduce learners to the general subjects of business transformation and continuous improvement, and to improve learner knowledge and understanding of these subjects. It examines concepts, theories, and practices around these and the application of these to real ‘life’ situations which are relevant to learners now and in their future working lives.
This module examines the role played by global leadership and management in organisations (commercial, public and voluntary) and in determining organisational culture. There are contested and competing views (both in theory and in practice) about both management and leadership: about what they are; and about how leadership affects management.
The main purpose of the module is to encourage learners to critically examine global leadership and management models with which they are familiar, or of which they have had experience; to gain knowledge and understanding of new international models; to consider how they might modify their own current or future leadership and management behaviours; and to recognise the importance of continuous development in global leadership and management roles.
This module aims to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies required to develop effective global marketing programmes. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the opportunities and challenges that both global and local markets present. This will enable learners to develop international marketing plans that are sensitive to the demands of global integration and need for market responsiveness. Learners will also develop their research and investigative skills.
The primary purpose of this module is to develop the learner’s understanding of, and competence in, how to identify and exploit opportunities to build sustainable and responsible approaches to business management.
This module aims to introduce learners to the general subjects of sustainability and responsibility, and to improve learner knowledge and understanding of these subjects. It examines concepts, theories, and practices around these and the application of these to real ‘life’ situations which are relevant to learners now and in their future working lives.
This module focuses upon the role of digital transformation in organisations, what it involves, where it can be used, the benefits and risks of adopting it, and trends towards it within relevant industries. Furthermore, it explores how digital transformation can be embedded in organisations, in manufacturing, in business processes, sales and marketing, and business models; and explores how it can be embedded in Business Strategy and translated into Business Planning.
This module aims to introduce learners to the general subject of digital transformation and to improve learner knowledge of this subject. It examines concepts, theories, and practices around digital transformation at both strategic and process levels in organisations, and the analysis of existing practices to assess and evaluate opportunities for change in real ‘life’ contexts which are relevant to learners now and in their future working lives.
This module explores the role of the change leader in organisations, and their impact on identifying, planning and implementing change, managing stakeholders, and communications. This module aims to prepare learners to successfully navigate these differences and to become true leaders of change in organisations. Theories and models of leadership relevant to managing change, in addition to key leadership skills and competencies for leading change will be examined; and learners will be facilitated in determining their own leaderships skills and capabilities, planning to develop these further and taking ownership of this cycle.
The later stages of the module explore change project planning, implementation and evaluation.
In the current information age, pharmaceutical marketing is vastly different given the increasing presence of the internet & social media, company consolidation, and regulatory changes throughout the last decade. Not only have the number of blockbuster medications produced by Pharma decreased, but so has the presence of directed sales representatives in physician offices. Therefore, pharmaceutical and health care industry marketers must work harder and smarter to maximise every product’s or service’s potential, within which this module intend on given learners an insight into developments in this area.
This module will provide learners and new industry professionals with a thorough overview of the general principles of marketing including marketing as a process, marketing effectives in the pharmaceutical environment, and coverage of marketing brand and generic drugs with special emphasis on direct-to-consumer advertising and the impact of social media and technology.
This module examines in detail the subject of how projects are managed successfully to deliver business goals. The module assesses the importance of identifying, assessing, controlling and managing projects in a business context.
Learners gain a detailed understanding of project management best practices and the relationship between project management, technology and strategy. Learners therefore learn and apply an approach and techniques to completing projects within the constraints of budget, time and specifications.
This module aims to introduce learners to the Regulatory, Financial and Commercialisation Frameworks in the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry. Success in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry requires a basic understanding of the R&D, financial and commercial launch paradigms.
This module aims to introduce learners to the quality systems and the regulatory framework that assures the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicinal products. The importance of pharmaceutical quality systems as a comprehensively designed and correctly implemented management system incorporating Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Quality Risk Management is a fundamental part of this module. The module includes a broad overview of pharmaceutical product lifecycle management in a regulatory and legal environment – from discovery through development and commercialization to patent expiry and post-market exclusivity.
This module is concerned with the application of managerial accounting techniques and procedures to the solution of managerial planning, control, and decision-making in all functional areas of business. The module covers models of costing, budgeting, and decision analysis which are instrumental to the effective use of accounting information in strategic and operational planning. By focusing on the thought process involved in analysing business situations, this module will provide learners with the ability to use accounting information to make strategic business decisions. Learners will develop modelling skills including quantitative methods of analysis while obtaining an understanding of management accounting theories, practices and their strategic application.
This module initiates the preparation of learners for their Masters dissertation. It reviews business research in general and facilitates dissertation topic selection by the learner and guides their drafting of a preliminary critical literature review and the development of a conceptual framework. This will be further developed and proofed against the demands of an appropriate research design in the iterative process of proposal development. A significant element of the module is devoted to research design issues to ensure that learners understand the significance of the process of research and its implications for how trustworthy the findings from the research can be considered. This component of the course covers research paradigms, research strategies, and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The importance of illustrating the process in reporting and presenting the research concludes the course.
Stage 3
The dissertation involves an in-depth exploration of a specialised area or issue central to pharmaceutical business management. Drawing on substantial relevant research, literature, concepts and techniques learners will seek to combine management theory and practice. Learners will be supported as they devise the research question, design and apply an appropriate methodology, critically review relevant literature and draw up the dissertation report. The Dissertation offers learners the opportunity to advance their research and business communication skills, and make a significant contribution to their chosen field through enquiry.
The dissertation involves an in-depth exploration of a specialised area or issue central to pharmaceutical business management. Drawing on substantial relevant research, literature, concepts and techniques learners will seek to combine management theory and practice to address real-world workplace research questions. These research projects will be performed on behalf of, and in conjunction with, Industry. Industry may opt to have learners complete the dissertation externally, or on an employed basis where the learner carries out the project in the workplace itself.
Learners will be supported as they devise the research question, design and apply an appropriate methodology, critically review relevant literature and draw up the dissertation report. The Dissertation offers learners the opportunity to advance their research and business communication skills, and make a significant contribution to their chosen field through enquiry.
Timetables
Full-Time
Full-time lectures take place from Monday-Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm unless otherwise stated.
Part-Time
The timetable for this course is provisional at this time and subject to change. It can be viewed here.
Per semester:
- Lectures will take place online three nights per week, three hours per night.
- There will be three modules per semester. Each module will have one tutorial per semester. These tutorials will take place on Saturdays, therefore there will be three Saturdays per semester.
Learners will complete their 30 credit Dissertation in the fourth semester.
Academic Calendar
You can download our Academic Calendar here.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
Candidates seeking access to the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management programmes are required to hold either:
A Level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in Pharmacy, Science, Business or equivalent discipline.
A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a non-business related discipline, with the following conditions:
- Candidates with significant business/management experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.
- Candidates who have no management experience will be assessed as to their prior learning. Where appropriate, candidates will be directed to take an additional module during semester one: Finance for Non-Financial Managers. This module is intended to prepare learners from non-business backgrounds to engage with the accounting learning outcomes in Module 12: Management Accounts and Control in semester two.
A level 8 Honours Degree, 2.2H or higher, in a business related non-STEM discipline, with the following conditions:
- Candidates with significant pharmaceutical experience may apply through our APEL route, in line with college policy.
- Candidates who have no pharmaceutical experience but who hold a business-related degree will be assessed as to their prior learning. Where appropriate, candidates will be directed to take an additional module during semester one: Introduction to Pharmaceutical Industry. This module is intended to prepare learners from general business backgrounds for the pharmaceutical learning outcomes during this MSc programme.
Applicants over the age of 23 may apply on the basis of previous work experience and a demonstration of commitment to further studies (Applicants under the age of 23 are required to meet the minimum entry requirements).
Each candidate’s application will be considered individually in accordance with the College’s QQI approved quality assurance procedures.
Candidates holding relevant alternative qualifications and those with related experiential learning will be considered under the College’s RPL policy.
English Language
If English is not your native language you must show that your English level is of a suitable standard, i.e a minimum of 6.5 IELTS score or equivalent.
How to Apply
Students who wish to apply for this course may apply directly to Griffith College. They should have obtained a degree at least a level 8 honours degree in pharmacy, science, business or related discipline.
When our Admissions team receive your application they will be in contact with you 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
Cork: EUR 11,150.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Cork: EUR 10,650.00
Study Mode: Full-Time
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
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.
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:
Cork
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Post: Student Fees, Griffith College, Wellington Road, Cork
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Email: studentfees.gcc@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
Academic Progression
Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management wishing to further develop their management competencies and experience will be eligible to transfer to the MBA stage of the existing suite of programmes in International Business.
Career Progression
Graduates of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Business Management are well positioned to start, or advance, a highly attractive career in an expanding pharmaceutical industry both nationally and internationally.
