Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering

▸Degree Programme: Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering
▸Institution: Technical University of Denmark

The Master’s Programme in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark offers a comprehensive education focused on the development, design, and production of pharmaceutical products. This interdisciplinary programme combines advanced chemical engineering principles with pharmaceutical sciences to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biotech companies, and research institutions. Throughout the programme, students gain a deep understanding of drug formulation, process design, quality assurance, and regulation compliance, enabling them to develop innovative pharmaceutical solutions that meet stringent industry standards. The curriculum integrates theoretical coursework with practical laboratory work, simulations, and project-based learning, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to handle complex challenges in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Topics covered include drug delivery systems, nanotechnology in pharmaceuticals, bioprocess engineering, regulatory affairs, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The programme emphasizes sustainable and efficient processes, innovative drug delivery mechanisms, and personalized medicine, aligning with the latest advancements in the field. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborate with industry partners, providing valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities. Graduates of the programme are prepared for roles such as process engineers, formulation scientists, quality assurance specialists, and research and development managers within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. With a strong foundation in both engineering and pharmaceutical sciences, the programme aims to foster innovation and technological breakthroughs in the pharmaceutical industry, contributing to improved health outcomes worldwide. Graduates are also equipped to pursue PhD studies or entrepreneurial ventures in pharma and biotech fields. The interdisciplinary approach and industry-relevant training make this programme a leading choice for students interested in advancing healthcare through pharmaceutical innovation.

You will not find pre-defined sub programmes or specializations on the DTU Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering MSc programme.

You can choose from a range of technological specialization courses and combine with elective courses to create precisely the individual Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering profile to match your interests and background. That said, there is still a number of core mandatory courses clearly defining the Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering candidate.

These courses cover the pharmaceutical drug discovery proces as well as a number of advanced life science courses supplemented by in dephts courses on methodology and technology. For example, your profile may be chemical or it may be biological; it may be focused on discovery/methods development or on product development or production, or you may choose to concentrate on product characterization, clinical trials, handling intellectual property rights, or post-marketing surveillance—just to mention a few possibilities.

At the same time we are keen to ensure that a master in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering has a clearly recognizable profile; a broad knowledge of industrial pharma processes, and of the demands and interrelations between its different phases—with a particular focus on biopharma.

Only applicants holding either a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, a Bachelor in Engineering or a Bachelor of Natural Science degree can be admitted to a Master of Science in Engineering programme. From September 2017 the bachelor degree must be less than 10 years old.

The individual MSc Eng programme states in detail which bachelor programmes qualify and whether applicants have to complete supplementary educational activities.

Requirements for supplementary educational activities can equate to up to 30 ECTS credits and are specified in the form of a list of courses under the individual MSc Eng programmes.

The specific requirements must be met before graduating from the bachelor programme or in connection with conditional admission to a particular MSc Eng programme. The courses must be passed prior to the commencement of studies within one year from the conditional admission.

Supplementary educational activities in connection with conditional admission to an MSc Eng programme do not form part of the MSc Eng programme, and partial tuition fees are charged. If the supplementary courses have not been passed within the deadlines specified, the conditional admission to the programme is withdrawn.

The Master of Science in Engineering programmes are offered in English. Therefore applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (B-level, IELTS, TOEFL- or Pearson test).

Academic requirements for this programme

Students from DTU

The following Bachelor of Science in Engineering programmes at DTU entitle students to admission to the MSc Eng programme in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering

• Biotechnology
• Human Life Science Engineering

The following Bachelor of Engineering programmes at DTU have admission to be admitted to the MSc Eng programme in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering

• Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
• Chemistry and Business Economy

subject to having passed the following course:

Students from other universities

BSc Eng and BSc (Natural Science) students with relevant background such as 

• Biotechnology
• Biochemistry

may have access to admission subject to an individual assesment. The applicants should have a strong working knowledge of natural sciences.

The MSc Eng programme builds on a bachelor curriculum comprising the following DTU courses or other university natural sciences courses corresponding to these:

The required level will be evaluated by comparison with the contents of the corresponding DTU courses and the courses must be passed with good marks.

Prospective applicants with other backgrounds than the above should contact the Head of Study (Peter Heegaard) before applying.

For applicants with a non-Danish bachelor or other relevant international academic background, all steps in the admission procedure are handled through DTU’s office of International Affairs where to inquiries about formalities should be directed. Questions about academic qualifications and program content should be directed to the study leader.

Admission will be decided on basis of relevance and quality of the applicant’s educational background. 

The financing options for the Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering Master’s program at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) encompass several pathways to support students financially throughout their studies. As an international and Danish student, applicants may explore various scholarships, grants, and funding opportunities available through DTU and external sources. DTU offers a range of scholarships specifically aimed at talented students, including those from abroad, which can cover tuition fees either partially or in full. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic merit and may include the DTU International Student https://euddtu.azurewebsites.net/scholarships/ and other institutional scholarships.

For students residing in Denmark or the European Union, there are also government-funded financial support options such as student grants and loans provided by the Danish government, which can cover living expenses and, in some cases, tuition fees. Non-EU international students are usually responsible for paying tuition fees, and the availability of financial aid is limited to scholarships and external funding sources. Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities from their home countries, including national scholarships, university grants, and private foundations that support studies abroad.

Additionally, some students may consider part-time employment opportunities during their studies, subject to visa regulations and work-hour restrictions for international students. Danish labor market policies provide some possibilities for students to work alongside their studies, which can help fund living costs. It is also important for students to plan their finances carefully, considering expenses such as accommodation, health insurance, textbooks, and daily living costs during their stay in Denmark.

In summary, financing the Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering program at DTU involves a combination of scholarships, governmental support, external funding, and potential part-time work. Prospective students should regularly check DTU’s official scholarship portal and the Danish government’s educational support services for the most current and detailed information on available funding opportunities.

The Master’s programme in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark is a specialized interdisciplinary programme focused on the development, design, and engineering of pharmaceutical products and processes. It aims to prepare students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, and related fields by combining fundamental knowledge of chemistry, biology, chemical engineering, and pharmaceutical sciences. The programme emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and the application of advanced technological solutions in drug development and manufacturing.

Throughout the coursework, students acquire in-depth understanding of drug formulation, delivery systems, process engineering, and quality control. They are trained to optimize manufacturing processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and develop sustainable solutions for pharmaceutical production. The curriculum typically includes core courses in pharmaceutical sciences, chemical process design, bioprocess engineering, and materials science, complemented by electives tailored to specific interests such as nanotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, or regulatory affairs.

The programme often involves practical training through laboratory work, projects, and collaborations with industry partners. Students participate in design projects that simulate real-world challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies, fostering practical skills and innovative thinking. The program also stresses the importance of teamwork, communication, and project management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in multidisciplinary environments.

Graduates of the programme are equipped with the skills necessary to contribute to the development of safe, effective, and innovative pharmaceutical products. They can work in various sectors including research and development, manufacturing, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, and consultancy. The programme’s strong links with the pharmaceutical industry and research institutions provide valuable networking opportunities and facilitate internships, collaborative projects, and employment prospects after graduation.

The language of instruction is primarily English, making it accessible to international students. The programme duration is typically two years, culminating in a Master of Science (MSc) degree. Graduates may choose to pursue further research opportunities or doctoral studies, leveraging the advanced knowledge and skills gained during their education. Overall, the Master’s in Pharmaceutical Design and Engineering offers a comprehensive education that combines scientific principles with practical applications, aiming to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector globally.