The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (PgD Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) is a prestigious qualification designed for experienced professionals seeking to elevate their careers within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. This advanced programme is not intended for fresh entrants but is tailored for learners who already possess a foundational knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences and wish to enhance their expertise, broaden their professional horizons, and actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners enrolled in this postgraduate diploma will gain an in-depth understanding of cutting-edge biotechnological applications, drug development processes, regulatory frameworks, and advanced laboratory techniques. The course is structured to provide a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, ensuring that learners are equipped to contribute effectively to research, innovation, and leadership roles within the pharmaceutical industry.
LICQual ensures that all centres delivering this Level 7 qualification maintain the highest standards of education. Centres are required to have competent, qualified staff with relevant expertise, as well as access to all essential learning materials and resources. This commitment guarantees that learners receive exceptional guidance, hands-on experience, and the support needed to successfully complete the programme and achieve their professional goals.
By undertaking this advanced qualification, learners can significantly enhance their career prospects, gain recognition for their specialized knowledge, and position themselves as leaders in pharmaceutical biotechnology. The PgD Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is ideal for professionals seeking to expand their capabilities, engage with the latest industry developments, and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and the wider scientific community.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (PgD Pharmaceutical Biotechnology)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
120
GLH
600
Qualification #
LICQ2201241
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (PgD Pharmaceutical Biotechnology), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201241-1 |
Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Principles |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201241-2 |
Bioprocess Development and Manufacturing |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201241-3 |
Drug Discovery, Design, and Development |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201241-4 |
Advanced Therapeutics and Biopharmaceuticals |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201241-5 |
Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance in Biotechnology |
20 |
100 |
|
LICQ2201241-6 |
Research Methodologies and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
20 |
100 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Advanced Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Principles
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse and evaluate key molecular biology and biochemistry principles as they apply to pharmaceutical biotechnology.
- Explain genetic engineering techniques and their role in the development of biopharmaceuticals.
- Apply scientific knowledge to solve complex problems in drug discovery and biopharmaceutical production.
Unit 2: Bioprocess Development and Manufacturing
Learners will be able to:
- Design and optimise bioprocesses for pharmaceutical manufacturing, including upstream and downstream operations.
- Implement quality control and validation strategies in line with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
- Critically evaluate bioprocess efficiency and scalability for commercial production.
Unit 3: Drug Discovery, Design, and Development
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the full drug development lifecycle from target identification to clinical evaluation.
- Apply innovative drug design and high-throughput screening techniques to research projects.
- Evaluate regulatory and ethical considerations in the development of pharmaceutical products.
Unit 4: Advanced Therapeutics and Biopharmaceuticals
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse the mechanisms of action of advanced therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and gene therapies.
- Assess formulation strategies and delivery systems for biopharmaceutical products.
- Evaluate regulatory requirements and safety considerations for innovative biologics.
Unit 5: Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance in Biotechnology
Learners will be able to:
- Interpret international regulatory frameworks and their impact on pharmaceutical biotechnology.
- Develop quality assurance and risk management strategies for biopharmaceutical products.
- Critically assess pharmacovigilance and compliance processes within biotechnology organisations.
Unit 6: Research Methodologies and Innovation in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Learners will be able to:
- Design and conduct advanced research projects, including experimental planning, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and integrate findings into practical applications.
- Demonstrate innovative thinking and problem-solving skills in pharmaceutical biotechnology development.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is specifically designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers and deepen their expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. This programme is ideal for learners who wish to expand their knowledge, gain recognition for their specialised skills, and actively engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Learners who will benefit most from this course include:
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Professionals: Those working in research, drug development, regulatory affairs, or manufacturing who want to enhance their technical knowledge and career prospects.
- Laboratory Scientists and Researchers: Individuals seeking to apply advanced biotechnological techniques in practical and innovative ways within pharmaceutical settings.
- Healthcare and Clinical Practitioners: Professionals aiming to broaden their understanding of biopharmaceuticals, advanced therapeutics, and innovative drug delivery systems.
- Regulatory and Quality Assurance Specialists: Individuals responsible for compliance, pharmacovigilance, and quality management who wish to deepen their understanding of international regulatory frameworks.
- Career-Driven Professionals: Learners committed to lifelong learning, CPD, and leadership development within the pharmaceutical biotechnology industry.
By enrolling in this postgraduate diploma, learners will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to take on leadership roles, contribute to research and innovation, and make a significant impact within their organizations and the wider scientific community.
To ensure the highest quality of learning and successful outcomes for learners, centres delivering the LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology must meet strict standards in staffing, facilities, and resources. These requirements ensure that learners receive expert guidance and access to all necessary tools for advanced study.
- Qualified and Competent Staff: Centres must have experienced and appropriately qualified instructors with substantial expertise in pharmaceutical biotechnology, biopharmaceutical development, and related life sciences disciplines. Staff should be capable of delivering complex theoretical concepts and facilitating practical applications.
- Access to Learning Materials and Resources: Centres are required to provide comprehensive learning materials, including textbooks, journals, online resources, and laboratory equipment where applicable. Learners should have access to up-to-date technology and digital platforms to support research, data analysis, and collaboration.
- Laboratory and Practical Facilities: Where practical or laboratory-based components are included, centres must ensure safe, fully equipped, and well-maintained facilities that comply with relevant health, safety, and regulatory standards.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance Procedures: Centres must implement robust assessment strategies, ensuring fair, reliable, and consistent evaluation of learner performance. Quality assurance mechanisms should be in place to monitor learning outcomes and support continuous improvement.
- Support for Learners: Centres should provide academic guidance, mentoring, and support for professional development, enabling learners to achieve the programme’s learning outcomes and maximise their career potential.
By adhering to these centre requirements, LICQual ensures that learners undertaking the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology receive world-class education, practical experience, and the support necessary to succeed in the competitive pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
