Many of the students in my department were international and this gave me a good experience of being part of an intercultural community

Photo of CBE MSc student
Robert Musimbago
Current Student
MSc Pharmaceutical Engineering
2022
Robert studied n MSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering, building on his background as a pharmacist and clinical researcher in Uganda. The course gave him specialist knowledge, hands-on insights from industry experts, and the employability skills to take the next step towards a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing and research.

Before coming to Sheffield, I completed my undergraduate degree in Pharmacy at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda. After graduating, I worked as an Associate Research Pharmacist at the Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to clinical research and treatment for children affected by HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and malnutrition across Uganda. I contributed to two major studies — one on intensive treatments for HIV-infected infants and another on therapy regimens for HIV-positive pregnant women.

Although I found this work meaningful, I wanted to expand my expertise into pharmaceutical engineering and build a career in research and development within the pharmaceutical industry. The MSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering at Sheffield stood out to me because of the course content, the opportunity to learn from industrial specialists, and the way it could frame a new career path.

Studying at Sheffield was both busy and transformative. The programme was intense, but I was surprised at how much I learned in just one year. Being taught by guest lecturers from industry was a real highlight, as it gave me a practical sense of how the knowledge and skills we gained apply in the real world. It also helped me think carefully about my career direction after graduation.

The course didn’t just give me technical knowledge — it made me a competitive engineer on the global market. I feel equipped not just to secure a role in pharmaceutical manufacturing but to thrive in it. My plan is to move into the pharmaceutical industry, ideally in a research and development role where I can apply everything I’ve learned.

Outside of the course, I enjoyed life in Sheffield. It’s a great city with excellent amenities, and its hilly landscape makes every walk feel like a workout — good for both body and mind!

My advice for anyone thinking about this MSc is to be ready for a demanding but rewarding year. You’ll be amazed at how much knowledge and how many skills you can gain in a short time, and these will open the door to endless opportunities in your future career.

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