
This Master of Science in Industrial Pharmacy program equips you with practical, research-based knowledge in pharmaceutical production and quality control. You will gain expertise in areas such as drug manufacturing, the development of dosage forms, product registration, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. The program prepares you for responsible roles in production, analysis, drug release, or new product registration within the pharmaceutical industry. This is an inter-university program, with lectures offered at KU Leuven (Leuven), the University of Antwerp (UA), the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), and Ghent University (UGent). You will enroll at one university but attend lectures at the various locations where they are given. The master's thesis can offer the opportunity to conduct your research project partially or entirely in a foreign company.
The program consists of 60 study points. The curriculum is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills relevant to the pharmaceutical industry. A significant part of the program involves a master's thesis, which is a research assignment offering deeper insight into research processes and developing critical scientific thinking.
Upon graduation, you will be equipped to function effectively in scientific or commercial roles within the pharmaceutical industry. You will be able to professionally communicate about drug properties, usage, and production. With an additional six-month internship in a pharmaceutical manufacturing and analysis company, you can be recognized by authorities as a 'qualified person' ('bevoegd persoon'), enabling you to act as the responsible person for production, analysis, drug release, or new drug registration. Graduates can also pursue roles such as product manager, sales manager, clinical associate, medical writer, or in advertising and information departments.
Applicants are exempt from submitting an English proficiency test if they have obtained a previous diploma in a program taught in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States of America. Specific programs may require a higher score or specific subscores. Check the admission requirements for your specific program.
Tuition fees are calculated based on the type of contract and the number of study points. Payment is due within two weeks of receiving the invoice. Cash or credit card payments are not accepted.
Applicants generally need an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall, a TOEFL iBT score of 79 overall, or an equivalent Cambridge English qualification (CAE C1 or CPE C2). Waivers are available for those who completed a prior degree taught in English in specific native English-speaking countries.
Tuition fees vary based on the contract type and number of study points. Exact amounts can be determined using the tuition fee tool. Payment is due within two weeks of invoice receipt, and cash or credit card payments are not accepted.
The program consists of 60 study points. The curriculum includes a significant portion dedicated to a Master's Thesis Research Assignment.
The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year opens on October 16, 2025. For non-EEA citizens, the deadline is March 1, 2026. For EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens residing in Belgium, the deadline is June 1, 2026.
Graduates are prepared for roles in the pharmaceutical industry such as scientific or commercial positions, including 'qualified person' responsibilities with an additional internship. Other roles include product manager, sales manager, clinical associate, and medical writer.
No, this is an inter-university program with lectures offered at KU Leuven, the University of Antwerp, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and Ghent University. You will enroll at one university but attend lectures at various locations.