Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences Course Requirements at NWU
North-West University · Faculty of Health Sciences
The Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a master's Degree offered by NWU for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking Minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years from first registration. to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences at NWU
A B Pharm degree, or a BSc Honours (NQF8) in Natural or Health Sciences with a full year of Chemistry at NQF7, or an equivalent qualification, with a 65% pass in final-year first-semester modules; admission also requires approval from the PCDDP Director, and applicants must confirm supervisory capacity before applying.
About this course
A research-based master's producing advanced, applied knowledge for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries through an independent dissertation project. Students entering with a BSc Honours (rather than B Pharm) must also complete additional non-credit modules or short courses. The programme is presented in English only, based at the DSI/NWU Preclinical Drug Development Platform.
Course intelligence for Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS funding is generally limited to a student’s first undergraduate qualification, so a Master's Degree like this one doesn’t usually qualify. Postgraduate funding more often comes through NRF bursaries, university-specific scholarships, or an employer.
Admission chances
NWU’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with NWU and NSFAS.
- Applications for 2027 studies
- Open: 1 June 2026
Closing date still to be announced by NWU.
View all Courses at NWU
- Duration
- Minimum 1 year, maximum 2 years from first registration.
- NQF Level
- 9
Related courses
Source: North-West University 2026 Postgraduate Yearbook - Faculty of Health Sciences, last verified 2026-08-28. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with North-West University before applying.