Post Grad Skills Shortage Prompts Response

A ‘learn while you earn’ approach has been adopted by the University of Hertfordshire in efforts to address the intensifying skills shortage faced by UK pharmaceutical companies. The University is collaborating with leading life science company Melbourn Scientific to develop a new part-time MSc degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences that reflects the needs of industry.

A shortage of suitable applicants was first highlighted by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry in 2008. Part of the problem is that science courses with an intensive practical component are resource-hungry for academic institutions and the number of applicants has fallen in recent years.

Dr Darragh Murnane, Associate Dean of the School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, with the support of Melbourn Scientific, has developed the new MSc degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences which can be completed while the student works part-time. The course is heavily practical-based allowing for specialisation in product formulation and development as well as pharmaceutical analysis. Applications are open for 2013.
 

“By partnering with local companies, we feel we can provide currency of knowledge to our students and really prepare them for the workplace. Additionally, we can play a part in supporting the pharmaceutical industry develop its workforce,” Dr Murnane said.

Derek Solomon, Operations Director at Melbourn Scientific comments: “It’s important for companies to be involved in postgraduate education and we’re delighted to begin this partnership. We are going to host the MSc class here at Melbourn Scientific for practical teaching around Good Manufacturing Practice, as well as regulatory developments. We feel the University of Hertfordshire’s approach to postgraduate teaching suits our company.”