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MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Offered by the Department of Chemistry

Registration for 2026 Intake: Exact dates will be notified in due course.

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The MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences programme is designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in key areas of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields. The programme combines a strong theoretical foundation with hands-on laboratory training in pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, medicinal chemistry, biotechnology, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical management. Initially, students develop essential scientific and technical competencies through structured coursework and practical sessions. This is followed by a supervised research project, where students undertake an independent study under the guidance of an academic staff member. The research component enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to design and execute scientific investigations.

The aim of the programme is to produce highly skilled graduates capable of addressing challenges in drug development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. Graduates are well prepared for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, research institutions, regulatory bodies, academia, and entrepreneurship, as well as for further doctoral studies.

Programme E-Brochure

Eligibility

  1. A Bachelor’s degree including 30 credits in subject areas of Pharmacy /  Chemistry / Biology /  Biochemistry / Biotechnology, or 
  2. A qualification of SLQF level 6 or above in the areas of Pharmacy / Chemistry / Biology / Biochemistry / Biotechnology of study, or 
  3. A professional qualification equivalent to SLQF level 6 or above, or 
  4. Completion of NVQ level 7 with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 0-4, as determined by the academic authority of HEI, may be considered for admission in that field of specialization.

Course Fees

MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences

LKR 500,000/- 

*Payable at the initial registration.

M.Sc. (Research) in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Part III)

Only the students who successfully complete Parts I and II will be eligible to proceed to Part III (research project) leading to the M.Sc. (Res.) degree program. Students who wish to proceed to Part III should make an additional payment of Rs. 200,000/- (subject to change) at the time of enrolment for Part III.

*Please note that fees paid are not refundable unless otherwise mentioned and can be subjected to revisions from time to time.

Registration for 2026 intake

  • Call for Applications: 1st  April  2026
  • Application Deadline : 30th April 2026
  • Tentative date of commencement: August 2026

Exact dates will be notified in due course

How to Apply

Complete the online application form and submit with a paying-in-voucher for Rs. 2500/- paid to the credit of the University of Colombo, (314026200008) at the Thimbirigasyaya Branch of the People’s Bank (payment can be made at any branch).

Course duration

Part I & Part II: 18 – 24 months

Part III: 1 year as a full-time student. The duration for part-time students is longer, depending on the time they devote to research.

A candidate’s studentship will expire at the end of 48 months from the date of registration.

Course Structure

Course structure is designed according to the guidelines issued by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC, SL to fulfil criteria of M.Sc. programs, SLQL 8, 9 & 10.

M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program consists of 3 parts.

Part I: Lectures and Laboratory sessions (25 credits)

Successful completion of Part I with a GPA of 3.00 is required to proceed to Part II. Candidates who maintain a GPA of greater than 2.70 but less than 3.00 have the option of being awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Sciences (SLQL 8).

Part II: Research project of three months duration (full time) (5 credits)

Successful completion of Part II with a GPA of 3.00 or above have the option being awarded M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences by Course Work (SLQL 9).

Candidates who maintain an overall GPA of 3.00 or greater have the option to proceed to Part III.

Part III: Research project of one year duration (full time) (30 credits)

Students who obtain a GPA of 3.00 or above for Part III of the programme is eligible for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Research) (SLQL10).

Mode of Learning

Part I consists of theory modules and practical modules conducted on Friday evenings (5–7 pm onsite or 7–9 pm online) and Saturdays (8 am to 6 pm onsite). The duration of part I is for two semesters (each having 20 weeks). Students who have achieved the minimum requirements in the part I will be allowed to proceed to part II. This consists of a full-time guided study of 3-month duration. The duration for part-time students is longer, depending on the time they devote for research.

Course Evaluation

Part I

The theory module will be tested by a written examination at the end of each semester. Students will also be assessed both on a continuous basis as well as by periodical tests on the laboratory work carried out during the course. Candidates will be eligible to proceed to Part II when he/ she has obtained a minimum GPA of 3.00. A minimum GPA of 2.70 is required for the award of post-graduate diploma where applicable, and upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.

Part II

The report addressing a Pharmaceutical Sciences-related mini-project submitted by the candidate at the end of the study will be evaluated and an oral examination will be held. The candidate will be eligible to proceed to part III when she/he has obtained a minimum GPA of 3.00. A minimum GPA of 2.70 is required for part II for the award of M.Sc. by course work provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.

Part III

The research dissertation submitted by the candidate at the end of the research project will be evaluated. Presentation and oral examination will be held on the submitted dissertation. A minimum GPA of 3.00 is required for the award of M.Sc. with research upon request, provided the student fulfills other requirements as prescribed by the By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of the University of Colombo.

Course modules

Please refer the E-brochure for details.

Programme E-Brochure

Part II & Part III:

Candidate has the option to carry out a research project under the supervision of a staff member of the Department of Chemistry or an industrial research problem that is related to Pharmaceutical Sciences from elsewhere under the guidance of an External Supervisor having educational qualification equivalent or above the Masters Degree and an internal supervisor assigned by the Department.

MPS 5001 – Chemistry for pharmacy

MPS 5002 – Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality Control

MPS 5003 – Pharmaceutics I

MPS 5004 – Pharmaceutical Laboratory

MPS 5005 – Pharmaceutics I

MPS 5006 – Medicinal Chemistry

MPS 5007 – Natural medicines and cosmeceuticals

MPS 5008 – Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

MPS 5009 – Pharmacy Law and Ethics

MPS 5010 – Pharmaceutical management and marketing

MPS 5011 – Pharmacoeconomics and Entrepreneurship

MPS 5012 – Mini research project in Pharmaceutical Sciences

MPS 5013 – Research project

Further Information

Further information regarding the MSc Program can be obtained by contacting the program coordinator:

NameEmailPhone
Dr. V. Umayangana Godakandamsc.pharmaceuticalsciences@chem.cmb.ac.lk+94 11-250 3367