Masters of Pharmacy in Pharmacognosy
Duration2 Years
The Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) in Pharmacognosy is a two-year postgraduate programme emphasizes the scientific study of medicinal agents derived from natural sources such as plants, animals, marine organisms, and microbes.
The programme equips students with knowledge of phytochemistry, standardization, quality control, and extraction techniques. The students also gain hands-on experience in identifying, analyzing, and validating bioactive compounds, with a focus on safety, efficacy, and quality of herbal formulations. The programme prepares students for careers in herbal drug research, phytopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, regulatory affairs, and drug discovery.
Programme Specific Outcomes (PSO)
PSO 01
Graduates will acquire the knowledge of natural resources involving cultivation for the production of phytopharmaceuticals & nutraceuticals, design & development of herbal cosmetics, biosynthetic process, finger printing analysis and biotechnology including regulatory requirements.
PSO 02
Graduates will apply its natural product knowledge in cultivation, biotechnology-based product, standardization of phytoconstituents their quality assurance & trading.
PSO 03
Graduate will indulge in higher research & education to develop new techniques of phytoconstituents extraction, production through cell culture techniques for economic viability and maintain the natural ecosystem.
Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)
Natural Product Expertise
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of medicinal plants, phytochemistry, and herbal drug formulation for therapeutic use.
Research & Innovation
Conduct research on bioactive compounds, apply modern extraction and analytical techniques, and contribute to the development of herbal and natural medicines.
Quality & Standardization
Apply principles of quality control, standardization, and regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines.
Leadership & Professional Collaboration
Lead and collaborate in academic, industrial, and research settings to advance pharmacognosy and natural product sciences.
Ethics & Lifelong Learning
Uphold ethical practices in natural product research and continue professional development to stay abreast of global trends in pharmacognosy.
Programme Outcomes (PO)
Apply the advance & recent knowledge acquired through experiential learning of pharmaceutical sciences to create newer technology and skills of drug development, clinical evaluation & regulation.
Able to plan the research methodologies, optimize the experimental techniques and resources to make evidence based recommendations.
Able to identify gaps in drug therapy and analyzing it critically for innovative drug development.
Develop the research capability to design patient specific and targeted drug therapy.
Demonstrate the skills to lead interdisciplinary team and collaborate to implement patient centred healthcare.
Applying the knowledge of ethical practices and human values as professional pharmacist in hospital, industrial or institutional setups.
Able to deliver successful demonstrations, documentation, advice, and counselling by effectively & empathetically communicating to pharmaceutical community and society.
Demonstrate the ability to identify ethical issues & resolving the conflicts with sound decisions & human values.
Able to learn, select, apply and create advance techniques like high throughput screening, computational modelling, bioinformatics (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) for drug design & optimization.
Understand and apply the principal of environment protection and sustainability in pharmaceutical production, and drug disposal.
Understand the need to enhance the knowledge & skills to engage in life long learnings and applying it for advanced pharma therapy.
Curriculum Details
| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Credit Points | Hrs./w | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG101T | Modern Pharmaceutical Analytical Techniques | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG102T | Advanced Pharmacognosy-1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG103T | Phytochemistry | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG104T | Industrial Pharmacognostical Technology | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG105P | Pharmacognosy Practical I | 12 | 6 | 12 | 150 |
| Seminar/Assignment | 7 | 4 | 7 | 100 | |
| Total | 35 | 26 | 35 | 650 |
| Course Code | Course | Credit Hours | Credit Points | Hrs./w | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MPG201T | Medicinal Plant Biotechnology | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG102T | Advanced Pharmacognosy-II | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG203T | Indian System of Medicine | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG204T | Herbal Cosmetics | 4 | 4 | 4 | 100 |
| MPG205P | Pharmacognosy Practical II | 12 | 6 | 12 | 150 |
| Seminar/Assignment | 7 | 4 | 7 | 100 | |
| Total | 35 | 26 | 35 | 650 |
| Course Code | Name of the Course | Credit Hours | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRM 301T | Research Methodology and Biostatistics* | 4 | 4 |
| - | Journal Club | 1 | 1 |
| - | Discussion / Presentation (Proposal Presentation) | 2 | 2 |
| - | Research Work | 28 | 14 |
| Total | 35 | 21 |
| Course Code | Name of the Course | Credit Hours | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | Journal Club | 1 | 1 |
| - | Research Work | 31 | 16 |
| - | Discussion / Final Presentation | 3 | 3 |
| Total | 35 | 20 |
Career Path
Pharmaceutical & Herbal Industry
- Phytochemist / Natural Product Scientist – Isolation, purification, and characterization of bioactive compounds.
- Herbal Drug Development Scientist – Formulation and standardization of herbal/ayurvedic medicines.
- Nutraceutical & Dietary Supplement Industry – Development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and herbal supplements.
- Quality Control (QC) & Quality Assurance (QA) – Standardization, authentication, and quality testing of herbal raw materials and formulations.
- R&D in Cosmetics (Cosmeceuticals) – Herbal cosmetics and skincare formulations.
- Regulatory Affairs (Herbal & Traditional Medicines) – Ensuring compliance with AYUSH, WHO, USFDA, EMA regulations.
Contract Research & Allied Sectors
- Natural Product Research in CROs – Screening plants for pharmacological activity.
- Bioprospecting & Biotechnological Applications – Plant tissue culture, secondary metabolite production.
- Analytical Scientist – Using HPTLC, HPLC, LC-MS, NMR for phytochemical analysis.
Academia & Research
- Teaching Faculty – Lecturer/Assistant Professor in pharmacy, ayurvedic, or allied sciences colleges.
- Ph.D. in Pharmacognosy / Phytochemistry / Natural Products – Leading to scientist and academician roles.
- Postdoctoral Research (India/Abroad) – In natural products, ethnopharmacology, marine pharmacognosy, or drug discovery from plants.
- Research Scientist – In CSIR, CDRI, NIPER, ICMR, DRDO, AYUSH research councils.
Government & Regulatory Bodies
- Drug Inspector / Analyst (Ayush/Herbal Division) – Ensuring quality of herbal drugs.
- Research Scientist in AYUSH, CCRAS, CSIR, ICMR, DBT projects – Focusing on herbal medicines.
- Pharmacognosy Expert in Regulatory Agencies (AYUSH, WHO, Pharmacopeial bodies) – Involved in pharmacopeial monograph development and standardization.
Entrepreneurship & Start-ups
- Herbal Drug Manufacturing Unit – Own production of ayurvedic, siddha, or herbal formulations.
- Nutraceuticals & Wellness Products – Development of supplements, herbal teas, health drinks.
- Herbal Cosmetics Business – Natural skincare, haircare, and cosmeceuticals.
- Medicinal Plant Cultivation & Supply Chain – Commercial cultivation, authentication, and raw material supply.
- Consultancy in Herbal Standardization & Quality Control – Helping companies meet regulatory standards.
Global Career Opportunities
- Herbal Drug Research & Development – In USA, Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia (high demand for natural products).
- International Regulations & Compliance – Opportunities in herbal regulatory affairs (FDA, EMA, TGA, Health Canada).
- Collaborative Research in Ethnopharmacology – Universities and industries abroad exploring plant-based drug leads.
Emerging & High-Demand Fields
- Ethnopharmacology & Traditional Medicine Research – Validating traditional knowledge scientifically.
- Marine Pharmacognosy – Bioactive compounds from marine sources.
- Biotechnology in Pharmacognosy – Plant tissue culture, metabolic engineering, DNA barcoding for authentication.
- Pharmacovigilance for Herbal Medicines – Monitoring safety and efficacy.
- Integrative & Complementary Medicine – Role in global acceptance of Ayurveda, TCM, and herbal therapies.
Fee Structure
Course fee
| Programmes | Duration | Annual Fee | Admission Charges | Security Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Pharmacy in Pharmacognosy | ₹2 Years | ₹1,05,000 | ₹20,000 | ₹15,000 |
University
GD Goenka University offers M.Pharmacy programs in Pharmacognocy. The following are the eligibility criteria, admission process, and other requirements for admission into these programs:
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidate must have passed B.Pharmacy from an institution approved by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
- A minimum aggregate of 55% marks in B.Pharmacy is required (50% for reserved categories as per UGC norms).
- Candidates awaiting final year results may also apply, provided they meet eligibility before admission confirmation.
Admission Process
- Application must be submitted online through GD Goenka University’s official admission portal.
- Candidates are shortlisted based on academic performance and/or entrance examination (if applicable).
- Personal Interview or counseling may be conducted by the University.
- Final selection is based on merit and fulfillment of eligibility criteria.
Documents Required
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets & Certificates
- B.Pharmacy Mark Sheets (all semesters)
- B.Pharmacy Degree/Provisional Certificate
- Transfer Certificate / Migration Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Recent Passport-size Photographs
- ID Proof (Aadhar Card/Passport/PAN Card)
Program Duration and Specialization
- Duration: 2 Years (4 Semesters)
- Specializations Offered: Pharmacognocy.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a postgraduate program focusing on medicinal plants, natural products, and phytochemistry.
It is a postgraduate program focusing on medicinal plants, natural products, and phytochemistry.
It is a postgraduate program focusing on medicinal plants, natural products, and phytochemistry.
A B-Pharmacy degree with required aggregate marks.
Phytochemistry, herbal drug standardization, natural product chemistry, and traditional medicine.
Isolation of bioactive compounds, herbal drug validation, and ethnopharmacology.
Isolation of bioactive compounds, herbal drug validation, and ethnopharmacology.
Yes, extensive lab work is included for extraction and isolation of natural products.
Yes, they are highly suitable for nutraceutical and herbal industries
Yes, graduates can go for PhD in pharmacognosy, natural products, or related fields.
Salaries range from INR 3–6 LPA depending on job role and sector.
About Us