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In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
There is a growing need for expertise in modern drug development practices, and the Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development) program provides training in state-of-the-art techniques, approaches, and requirements for the registration of medical products.
This course is designed to introduce students to modern approaches to drug and device design and development, providing an up-to-date set of skills essential for the current industry environment.
This course is offered through our interactive online learning environment, giving you the flexibility to tailor your study schedule around your lifestyle.
All stream specific units are online. You may find however; a couple of electives do have a face-to-face component. These can be avoided depending on your individual preferences.
An industry-focused program, the Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development) has been developed in partnership and is taught by leading minds in the field – in academia, regulatory affairs, intellectual property, regulator and industry bodies and a wide array of reputable industry corporates.
The program is tailored to professionals working in the pharmaceutical and bio-pharmaceutical industry, regulatory affairs, drug product evaluation, registration, and therapeutic marketing sectors.
It is designed to meet the requirements of those who work or plan to work in different pharmaceutical and medical device development areas. This course would suit graduates of health, pharmacy, medicine, science, engineering, law, business or related disciplines.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission criteria’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Not available to student visa holders. Available by online mode to eligible international students.
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
The Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development) requires the completion of 48 credit points of units of study including:
All students in the master's program must complete compulsory units CEPI5100 Introduction to Clinical Epidemiology and the capstone unit PCOL5104 Pharm & Medical Device Development.
Stream specific units must include PCOL5101 Drugs and Devices: R and D to Registration and PCOL5102 Modern Therapeutics and Medical Devices.
If you are working full-time it is recommended you consider undertaking one or two units of study per semester. All core learning material is delivered online and some units have an intensive face-to-face teaching session.
Download our sample course diagram to learn more about what you will study as part of this degree.
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development course structure (pdf, 100KB)
The capstone unit PCOL5104 Pharm and Medical Device Development develops the critical thinking needed to transform a new therapeutic drug or a device into a commercially viable product.
Students will critically appraise scientific and clinical data and information in order to prepare a final scientific dossier that would be suitable for submission to the TGA, EMA or FDA.
Students will determine the submission strategy and solve clinical/scientific issues related to core aspects of the process i.e. chemistry, manufacturing, stability, safety, clinical trial or other suitable components of the process.
Admission to the Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development) requires a medical degree from the University of Sydney or equivalent qualification.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice.
For more information about the University’s credit policy, please see the Credit for Previous Studies page.
Students who have completed the compulsory research unit and achieved an average of at least 75% in 24 credit points of compulsory and/or stream specific units of study will be eligible to apply for the Master of Medicine (Advanced) (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development).
The program has been designed to ensure that the knowledge you gain can be applied to current industry needs and be readily integrated into your day-to-day work.
Graduates of this course will have the opportunity to move into careers in different areas of the pharmaceutical and medical device development industry including:
