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 (PgD Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) is designed for pharmacists, scientists, and healthcare professionals who want to specialize in biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation. This internationally recognized postgraduate diploma in pharmaceutical biotechnology provides advanced skills, global accreditation, and career‑boosting recognition. Whether you are working in research, academia, or clinical practice, this Level 7 pharmacy qualification equips you with the expertise to excel in pharmaceutical biotechnology.
1. Practicing Pharmacists
- Pharmacists aiming to specialize in pharmaceutical biotechnology
- Professionals seeking advanced postgraduate qualifications for career progression
- Those interested in biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, and gene therapy applications
- Individuals looking for internationally recognized pharmacy diplomas
- Pharmacists wanting to enhance their clinical and research decision‑making skills
2. Hospital and Clinical Pharmacists
- Pharmacists working in hospitals managing biotechnology‑based therapies
- Professionals involved in advanced drug delivery and patient care
- Those responsible for monitoring biopharmaceutical treatments
- Clinicians seeking postgraduate training in pharmaceutical biotechnology practice
- Hospital pharmacists aiming for global recognition with a Level 7 qualification
3. Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Researchers
- Scientists focusing on drug discovery and biotechnology innovations
- Researchers aiming to publish in pharmaceutical biotechnology journals
- Professionals interested in evidence‑based pharmaceutical interventions
- Those pursuing advanced qualifications to support research funding and grants
- Individuals working in R&D departments of pharmaceutical companies
4. Academic and Teaching Professionals
- Academics seeking postgraduate diplomas for teaching and curriculum development
- Educators aiming to integrate biotechnology into pharmacy education
- Scholars interested in advancing pharmaceutical biotechnology knowledge
- Professionals developing training programs for healthcare and pharmacy students
- Faculty members requiring internationally recognized qualifications
5. Public Health and Regulatory Professionals
- Healthcare workers addressing biotechnology applications in public health
- Specialists in regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical compliance
- Professionals seeking postgraduate training in biotechnology and healthcare integration
- Those aiming to strengthen global health initiatives through biotechnology expertise
- Public health officers requiring advanced pharmaceutical biotechnology knowledge
6. Early‑Career Pharmacists and Graduates
- Recent graduates seeking specialization in pharmaceutical biotechnology
- Young professionals aiming to boost employability with postgraduate diplomas
- Those wanting to stand out in competitive healthcare and pharmaceutical job markets
- Graduates interested in advanced pharmacy training aligned with global needs
- Early‑career pharmacists seeking structured career pathways
7. Healthcare Policy Makers and Administrators
- Professionals shaping biotechnology and pharmaceutical policies
- Administrators overseeing pharmacy education and healthcare programs
- Leaders aiming to integrate biotechnology expertise into healthcare strategies
- Policy makers requiring advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical biotechnology
- Healthcare managers seeking internationally recognized postgraduate qualifications
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.
