Dayo

Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science MSc (part-time)

I’d recommend this course to anyone already working within industry wanting to gain further knowledge and experience in Chemistry. Returning to study whilst working full-time might seem daunting, but this course is flexible enough for you to focus on study, manage your workload and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Dayo MSc Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science student

I graduated from Nottingham Trent University in Forensic Science including a placement as a Ballistics Research Project Assistant. Following this, I became a Lab Assistant at Loughborough University but felt I needed more opportunities to gain hands-on experience with Analytical Instrumentation. Therefore, I chose to study MSc Analytical and Pharmaceutical Science at Loughborough University as it was the best option for me to study part-time whilst continuing my career in industry as well as the pharmaceutical science modules presenting a new challenge.

I opted to spread 180 credits across 4 years by completing 2 modules each year. This was the best option to manage the workload alongside working as when the lectures, labs and exam timetables were published, I could share this with my employer and ensure I was available to focus solely on my course accordingly. This allowed me to become more confident in my abilities as an analytical chemist, as I have been able to progress to my current role as an Research Analytical Technician within the University of Nottingham Business Partnership Unit where I utilise the knowledge and expertise gained from this course.

 

Throughout the course, I have been supported to continue with my studies both academically and by my employers. From previously working within the department, I knew the staff on the course were welcoming and the facilities were excellent. I’ve found the lecturers to be very supportive on all the modules. When I needed help with module content, coursework queries or career advice, they’ve always been available to help. In combination with the University of Nottingham, I have been able to complete my research project over my final year with approved ‘in-house’ research that will incorporate the knowledge I have gained thus far yet provide a new challenge.

 

I have covered Research Methods, Separation Techniques, Pharmacokinetics & Drug Metabolism, Mass Spectrometry & Associated Techniques, Spectroscopy and Structural Analysis, and Innovations in Analytical Science. My final year consists of the Professional Skills & Dissertation and the Research Project modules.

I have enjoyed the Separation Techniques, Innovations in Analytical Science & Research Methods modules as I enhanced previous knowledge of chromatographic techniques, developed my critical evaluation skills of published literature and gained an understanding of novel developing fields within analytical science. The combination of these modules provided me with a range of transferable skills that led to my current role in research & development.

I will be starting my research project this year on the quantification of restricted manufacturing substances in Azo Pigments and Dyes via GCMS. This will be based under my employer at the University of Nottingham under the supervision of Dr Matthew Turner. I am looking forward to the opportunity to explore a completely different area of interest and develop a method directly related to an emerging concern within the dye industry.

I’d recommend this course to anyone already working within industry wanting to gain further knowledge and experience in Chemistry. Returning to study whilst working full-time might seem daunting, but this course is flexible enough for you to focus on study, manage your workload and maintain a healthy lifestyle.