University of Malta

What you'll study

The programme builds a core of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical science subjects and progresses to specialised topics in drug development, formulation and regulation. Early years focus on fundamental subjects such as organic chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology and mathematics for scientists, together with laboratory skills and scientific writing. Later years introduce modules in pharmaceutics and dosage form design, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, analytical chemistry and quality control methods. Applied modules cover pharmaceutical technology, formulation development, stability testing and good laboratory practice.

The course typically includes substantial practical laboratory components, training in instrumental techniques (for example chromatography and spectroscopy), computer-based data analysis and a supervised research project or dissertation in the final year. Placements or industry-linked project options are commonly offered to give real-world experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory bodies or research laboratories.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary-school leaving qualification with strong results in science subjects. Typical offers require good grades in chemistry plus another science subject such as biology, physics or mathematics. Mature applicants with relevant work experience or prior accredited study are considered on an individual basis. International applicants may be asked to demonstrate English language proficiency through an accepted qualification.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a range of roles across the pharmaceutical and life-science sectors. Common destinations include quality control and assurance, pharmaceutical manufacturing and formulation, analytical laboratory work, regulatory affairs and compliance, and roles supporting clinical trials and medical device testing. Other career paths include technical sales and product support for pharmaceutical companies, research technician positions in academic or industrial laboratories, and progression to postgraduate study (MSc/PhD) in specialised areas such as medicinal chemistry, pharmacology or pharmaceutical technology.

Why study at University of Malta

The University of Malta provides access to well-equipped teaching laboratories and research facilities and has established links with local hospitals, health services and the Maltese pharmaceutical industry, which supports practical training and project opportunities. Teaching combines theoretical lectures with hands-on laboratory sessions and supervised research, while the institution's international partnerships and mobility programmes offer opportunities for study abroad and collaboration. The university's multidisciplinary environment allows students to draw on expertise across chemistry, biology, engineering and health sciences, preparing graduates for a variety of professional and academic pathways.