PhD in Pharmacy

PhD opportunities are available in:

• Nanomedicine and biotherapeutics
• Pharmaceutical materials science and formulation
• Drug delivery and biomaterials
• Infection and antimicrobial resistance
• Healthcare delivery and medicines optimisation

Research Themes

Our research focuses on making real-world improvements for patients through our expertise in pharmaceutical science and practice. REF 2021 showed that 97% of the School’s submitted research fell within the highest quality 4* and 3* categories, with 43% classed as world-leading 4* research.

The School of Pharmacy has a long-standing track record in undertaking research which has had an impact on healthcare and well-being for the population. Our work has led to the development of a local anaesthetic cream formulation, the creation of several spin-out companies (e.g. ProAxsis, pHion Therapeutics, Re-Vana Therapeutics), devices to help prevent the spread of HIV and a new type of pharmacy-led service which improves the prescribing of medication for older people. We constantly strive to do research which will positively impact society and improve the delivery of health care. One example of our high-impact research includes the BREATH project led by Professor Lorraine Martin (https://www.breath-copd.org).

Research Projects

Materials & Advanced Technologies for Healthcare (MATCH) is an interdisciplinary research initiative comprising leading researchers from the Schools of Pharmacy, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biological Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Sciences and Nursing & Midwifery.

Our research is based on one key question: “How can we use advanced technologies to significantly improve healthcare outcomes?” We connect researchers along the development pathway and follow a unique “Molecule to Patient” approach. Currently, single-stranded strategies are applied to the development and use of new healthcare products. Without a holistic approach, medicines are wasted, patients suffer avoidable adverse effects, or go untreated. Greater interaction between those involved in identifying novel therapeutic targets, drug discovery, materials science, pharmaceutical formulation, manufacture, diagnosis, prescribing and medicines utilisation is a significant unmet need. If addressed, this stands to have a major impact on the care of all patients, but especially the very young and old, representing the populations in which medicines may present the greatest risk, but have maximum benefit. We take an innovative dual approach, firstly by developing the underpinning technologies, and secondly by exploiting the possibilities that these technologies present to maximum clinical and commercial advantage by selecting the best target areas and understanding patient factors.

Research Success

The research profile produced by the 2021 UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) showed that 97% of the research outputs with our combined Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy submission fell within the highest quality 4* and 3* categories, with 51% classed as world-leading 4* research, confirming our reputation as an internationally-leading research centre. Excellence across the School of Pharmacy is evidenced by our consistent ranking as one of the top pharmacy schools in the UK. We are very proud that in 2022 our School was ranked by the QS World Rankings in the top 15% (55th) globally for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

Assessment

Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually, termed the Annual Progress Review (APR).

APR requires students to present their work in both written and oral format to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.

Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually, termed the Annual Progress Review (APR).

APR requires students to present their work in both written and oral format to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.

The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both written and oral. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

A research degree offers students an opportunity to develop their capacity for independent research and critical thought. A PhD allows students to explore in-depth an area of interest, developing skills to solve theoretical and practical problems within the field. Undertaking a research degree will enhance a student’s written and oral communication skills, providing the essential skills required for academic and industry leadership positions.

Many of our PhD graduates have moved into academic and research roles in Higher Education while others go on to play leading roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits from facilities within the School, but also from wider University initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus, both of which bolster candidate employability.

Employment after the Course

Queen’s University offers extensive career development opportunities to PhD students.

Learning and Teaching

This is a research degree