Pharmaceutical Engineering Advanced Training (PEAT): The University of Manchester

Course description

This is a joint programme between the Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences and the School of Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering.

PEAT is a text-based distributed learning programme in pharmaceutical engineering. This programme offers flexible learning to suit all timetables and abilities.

By providing opportunities to gain a whole range of qualifications at a pace to fit with busy work schedules PEAT is a must for those looking to enhance skills and secure an accredited qualification from one of the country's foremost educational establishments.

It has been developed between the disciplines of Civil and Construction Engineering and Pharmacy at the University of Manchester, in co-operation with the pharmaceutical industry and with support from the BBSRC. The programme addresses the design, construction and operation of pharmaceutical technology and microbiology and is suitable for pharmaceutical engineers looking to combine work and study while gaining an accredited industry recognised qualification.

Module details

The programme consists of 13 modules:

• Safety, health and environment
• Pharmaceutical technology and microbiology: introduction
• Quality assurance and regulatory issues
• Buildings: foundations to finishes
• Environmental systems: HVAC, effluent and containment
• Services and utilities: steam, water and gases
• Liquid products, parenterals and sterilisation
• Solid oral dosage forms
• Packaging: design and operations
• Manufacturing operations and improvement
• Process control, automation and data management
• Plant process and computer systems validation
• Biopharmaceutical engineering

Modules can be studied individually to gain module credits. Alternatively, six module credits gains a Certificate of Advanced Studies and 12 module credits leads to a Postgraduate Diploma. Collecting 12 module credits at a high enough pass mark permits you to proceed to the dissertation stage. Successful submission of a dissertation leads to the award of Master of Science.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: A good first degree in an engineering or science subject, or a combination of educational and professional qualifications plus relevant experience.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 575 paper based or 230 computer based.

Other international entry requirements: We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

Professional entry qualification: A combination of educational and professional qualifications plus relevant experience is required. For Individual course units, there are no special requirements.

Other entry requirements: Access to the PEAT programme is open to all those in relevant employment within the pharmaceutical sector and its associated support sectors eg consultants, contractors and equipment manufacturers.

MSc entry

Applicants should normally hold a UK first degree (or overseas equivalent) in science, engineering or technology at lower second class honours level or better. Work experience may be taken into account.

Postgraduate Diploma entry

A minimum of a third class Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) is normally required. Work experience may be taken into account.

Certificate of Advanced Studies module purchase

Registration is open to those fulfilling the employment criterion set out above. This provides an entry point to PEAT for candidates who either have significant work experience but no Honours degree or who wish to buy modules for CPD purposes. Good academic performance will eventually permit transfer to Diploma or MSc. Those not holding an Honours degree are recommended to contact the Programme Director in order to discuss their individual circumstances.