Program structure

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Ghent University is structured to provide both a theoretical and practical understanding of pharmaceutical processes and technologies. Below is an overview of the program structure:

Duration:

• Two years full-time, equivalent to 120 ECTS credits.

Year 1:

• Core Courses:

  • In the first year, students take foundational courses in:
    • Chemical Engineering Principles: Focusing on the application of chemical engineering concepts to pharmaceutical processes.
    • Pharmaceutical Sciences: Covering drug formulation, biopharmaceuticals, and the pharmaceutical lifecycle.
    • Process Engineering: Introducing process design, optimization, and control in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

• Elective Courses:

  • Students can choose from a selection of electives to specialize in areas such as biotechnology, drug delivery systems, or nanotechnology.

• Lab Work and Practical Sessions:

  • Hands-on laboratory training is an essential part of the curriculum, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world pharmaceutical engineering scenarios.

Year 2:

• Advanced Courses:

  • The second year focuses on advanced topics such as:
    • Biopharmaceutical Engineering: Studying the development and production of biopharmaceuticals.
    • Pharmaceutical Process Design: Exploring the design and optimization of manufacturing processes for drug production.
    • Regulatory Affairs: Understanding the regulatory environment for pharmaceutical production, including quality assurance and compliance.

• Master’s Thesis:

  • A major component of the second year is the Master’s thesis, where students conduct independent research on a topic related to pharmaceutical engineering. This could involve designing or optimizing a pharmaceutical process, developing new drug delivery systems, or researching advanced manufacturing techniques.

• Internships and Industry Collaborations:

  • The program offers opportunities for internships and collaborations with industry partners, providing practical experience and exposure to pharmaceutical production environments.

Additional Learning Opportunities:

• Seminars and Workshops: Students participate in industry-led seminars and workshops to stay updated on the latest trends and innovations in pharmaceutical engineering.

For more detailed information, visit the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Engineering program page.

Fees and Funding

Scholarship Guidance

Program Scholarships:

The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Ghent University offers several scholarship options for students:

1. Ghent University Top-Up Grants:

   • These grants are available to international students from low- and middle-income countries. The grant covers part of the tuition fees and provides a monthly stipend for living expenses.

2. VLIR-UOS Scholarships:

   • This scholarship is offered to students from eligible developing countries and covers full tuition, living expenses, insurance, and travel costs.

3. Erasmus+ Mobility Grants:

   • Available for students participating in exchange programs within the European Union, covering travel and living expenses during their mobility period.

4. External Scholarships:

   • Students are encouraged to seek scholarships from government agencies, private foundations, or international organizations.

For more details, visit the Ghent University funding page.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Ghent University are as follows:

1. Academic Qualifications:

• Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• The degree must be from a recognized institution, and applicants should have a solid foundation in subjects such as chemical engineering, process engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences.

2. English Language Proficiency:

• If English is not the applicant’s first language, they must demonstrate proficiency in English through one of the following:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).
  • An English proficiency certificate may be accepted if previous education was conducted in English.

3. Supporting Documents:

• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Proof of a relevant Bachelor’s degree.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous academic studies.
• Motivation Letter: A personal statement outlining your academic background, reasons for pursuing the program, and career aspirations.
• CV/Resume: A detailed CV that includes academic achievements, relevant research, and professional experience.
• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.

4. Additional Requirements:

• An interview may be required as part of the admissions process, depending on the selection criteria.

For more detailed information, visit the admission requirements page.

Application Procedure

To apply for the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Ghent University, follow these steps:

1. Submit Online Application:

• Complete the application via the Ghent University application portal: Ghent University Admissions.

2. Required Documents:

• Bachelor’s Degree Certificate: Proof of a relevant Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or related fields.
• Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from previous academic institutions.
• Motivation Letter: A personal statement outlining your academic background and career goals.
• CV/Resume: A detailed CV including relevant research, academic achievements, and professional experience.
• Recommendation Letters: Two letters of recommendation.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency: Required for non-native English speakers (TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent).

3. Language Proficiency:

• If English is not your native language, submit proof of proficiency through:
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 80 (internet-based).
  • IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (with no section below 6.0).

4. Application Fee:

• Pay the non-refundable application fee during submission.

For more details, visit the Ghent University Admissions page.