Two chemistry students working on an experiment

BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

Course type
Undergraduate
Course qualification
BSc (Hons)
Subject area
Biomedical and Chemical Sciences
Delivery mode
Full-time
Part-time
With placement
Course length
Three year
Six year
Four year

Learn to apply scientific knowledge and design drugs that save and improve lives with our Pharmaceutical Science degree. Research-led teaching. Apply now.

This course is available with a foundation year

Find out more about our foundation year option

Course summary

What is the fee?

For all course options, see fees and funding

Where will I study?

School of Science, Engineering and Environment

What is the UCAS code?

F151

How long will I study?

Three year, Six year, Four year

Overview

Medical breakthroughs such as the Human Genome Project have made it possible to identify the genes associated with many cancers and inherited disorders. With our Pharmaceutical Science degree, you can join the next generation of scientists applying new knowledge to create new treatments and interventions.

Accredited by the , the course is perfect if you would like to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. With its combination of research-focused learning and laboratory-based delivery, the Pharmaceutical Science course is recommended if you want a career in research, teaching and related professional fields such as animal health, food science, cosmetic science, in medical laboratories, technical sales, patent law and scientific journalism. 

Pharmaceutical science is at the cutting-edge of research and is an exceptionally versatile scientific discipline with opportunities in the field continuing to grow and develop.  

This programme includes an optional placement year approved by an academic placement coordinator, which offers you the chance to put your studies to use in a real working environment.

Start your study journey 

Register for our next Open Day to learn more about studying pharmaceutical science, explore our facilities and meet the course team 

You will:

  • Have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through a placement year
  • Develop skills to meet the challenges created by the completion of the Human Genome Project
  • Apply scientific knowledge to design drugs that improve the quality of people's lives

BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science is RSB-accredited. BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Placement has RSB Advanced Accreditation status.

RSB (Accredited Degree) logo
RSB (Advanced Accredited Degree) logo

This is for you if...

1.

You have a strong interest in how medicines work, are designed and manufactured

2.

You are highly skilled and motivated in biological and chemical sciences

3.

You want a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries

This course is available with a foundation year

Find out more about our foundation year option

How you'll learn

What will I be doing?

Teaching

There are a variety of approaches to teaching, learning and assessment are combined to fit with the intended learning outcomes and level of study, including:

  • Extended projects
  • Workshops
  • Seminars
  • Group activities
  • Contributions from industrial partners and experts
  • Poster presentations
  • Lectures
  • Small group tutorials

Assessments

Assessment throughout the course is by a combination of different forms of coursework and examination with coursework accounting for around 65% throughout the course. Assessment types include:

  • Research projects
  • Laboratory reports
  • Essays
  • Data analysis
  • Presentations
  • Literature reviews
  • Exams (both closed and open book)

Future careers

Pharmaceutical Science graduate using equipment

Employment

This pharmaceutical science course will provide you with specialist and transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers from different sectors, including Contract Research Organisations (CROs), small and large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The transferable skills you will develop can be applied in research, development, quality assurance, within the government, and assisting on legal cases. 

This pharmaceutical science degree is ideal if you want a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, as well as clinical or other biomedical areas, such as analytical biochemistry.  Recent course graduates have secured roles working with the NHS in hospitals and laboratories, at research institutes working on clinical trials, and on graduate schemes with large pharmaceutical companies. 

Further study

You might find you want to learn more about biosciences. Building on our scientific expertise, we offer a range of postgraduate courses that can take your interests and career opportunities further. º£½ÇÂÒÂ× graduates and alumni also receive a generous fees discount.  

Pharmaceutical science graduates can also choose to follow a research programme with our Biomedical Research Centre to further their knowledge in topics such as microbiology, parasitology, medicinal chemistry, cancer and cell biology. Learn more about postgraduate research opportunities available through our Doctoral School.

A taste of what you could become

an analytical chemist

a clinical research associate

a forensic scientist

a pharmacologist

a toxicologist

And more...

Modules

 

A group of Chemistry students in lab coats and safety goggles enjoying a practical experiment in the Bodmer labs at the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×

Course delivery

Aligned with industry best-practice, the Pharmaceutical Science course is carefully-designed to balance academic study with the application of professional laboratory skills and competencies, mirroring the skills needed to succeed in the Pharmaceutical Science community.  

Across the three years you will build in-depth knowledge of genomics, drug discovery and pharmacology, while building your practical laboratory skills. In your final year, you will complete your degree with a supervised research project in a subject of your choice 

Learn more about the core and optional course modules in the section below.

Learning experience  

With a focus on practical learning, throughout the pharmaceutical science degree you will learn about cutting edge scientific knowledge and techniques. For example, medical breakthroughs have made it possible to identify the genes associated with many cancers and inherited disorders. In your second year of study, you'll have the option to study a module focused on genomics to build an understanding of inter-relationship between genes and their influence on the human body and diseases. 

Pharmaceutical Science students in lab

Industry placements

On this pharmaceutical science course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three. Although you'll be responsible for securing your placement, a tutor will support you, monitor your progress and assess your final placement report. 

If you successfully complete a placement year as part of your studies, your degree will attain  '' by the Royal Society of Biology.  

Recent Pharmaceutical Science students have been offered placements at Pfizer in Kent, the Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, and the Cancer Research UK Manchester institute.  

Year one
Genetics

Genetics has become a central topic not only in biological science, but also for topics such as data science, art and culture. Genetics is revolutionising all spheres of life at an unprecedented speed. It is central to all areas of biology, from cellular development and reproduction to conservation and biodiversity. In this core module, we will provide you with the framework of this diverse area, covering areas from DNA fingerprinting and DNA/RNA editing, to ethics and conservation biology. We will expose you to the latest research in the area of molecular genetics and provide the foundation for your future. 

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

The aim of this module is to introduce organic chemistry through structure and mechanism. You will study organic reactions of key functional groups such as alkenes, carbonyl and aromatic compounds.

Introductory Biochemistry

The aim of this module is to introduce principles of biochemistry. You will study biochemical pathways and organelles, relevant to cell biology.

Biological Chemistry

This module will help you understand key concepts in biological chemistry, including spectroscopy and spectrometry techniques for identifying small organic molecules; chemical reactivity and molecular interactions; chromatography; and kinetics and thermodynamics.

Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Skills

This is a practical laboratory based module aiming to develop practical skills in the areas of biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and general chemistry. The students will be involved in hands-on laboratory work covering a range of essential techniques used in academia and industry. Students will be given feedback on their work during the classes. 

Cell biology

This module provides a broad knowledge base in cell biology that acts as a foundation for content covered in other areas of the programme. The syllabus primarily focuses on mammalian cell biology and includes key content on the structure, function, cell cycle and techniques used in visualising healthy and diseased cells. The content also focuses on cellular processes and mechanism that occur during growth and death, you will learn about cell signalling and finally the metabolic processes that occur at a cellular level that are essential for life.

Year two
Clinical and Molecular Genetics

Clinical and Molecular Genetics will enable students to gain practical skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics, through linked laboratory and computer sessions. The lecture programme is delivered by three academics, each an expert in their specific area of clinical and molecular genetics. Topics covered include, current molecular biology and bioinformatics techniques, the control of bacterial and eukaryotic gene expression and the effect of mutations on gene expression and how this can lead to human genetic diseases.

Chemical and Biochemical Research Skills

This module will help you develop your scientific writing and communication skills, and understand key statistical methods that may be applied to the chemical and biochemical sciences.

Drug Discovery and Medicinal Chemistry

This module will provide students with the opportunity to critically evaluate and understand advanced concepts in drug discovery, practical methodologies in drug synthesis, and to use a range of primary and secondary information sources.

Pharmacology

This module aims to introduce you to the general properties of pharmacologically active ingredients and their effect upon the major organ systems. You will develop an understanding of techniques applicable to research and industry in the field of pharmacology.

Human Physiology

Investigate the function of major organ systems and how they regulate homeostasis. Using cutting-edge lab equipment, you will develop practical skills to analyse physiological adaptations as true physiologists do in the world sport and exercise science.

Genomics and Proteomics

This module provides an appreciation of topics in biochemistry with an emphasis on genomics, proteomics, structural biology and their application in research and industry.

Year three
Applied Pharmacology

This module will enhance your understanding of pharmaceutical analysis and other aspects of drug development including pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Biochemistry of Drugs and Disease

This module will provide a contemporary overview of some important disease processes and associated drug intervention mechanisms.

Final Year Project and Professional Skills

This dissertation module allows you to develop independent research skills, including both data collection/generation (for example, via lab-based research or fieldwork) and analysis, while conducting research on a topic in an area relevant to your programme of study. You will also develop your professional skills, with a focus on employability. 

Science and Industry

This module will help you develop the understanding of the fundamentals of sustainability and greenness and recovery from a post-pandemic landscape featuring skills sets of biochemistry, chemistry, biomedical, pharmaceutical and personal health care from the laboratory to gaining understanding of the workings of industry. The material issued as lecture notes and support guides will be all released pre-module and each lecture session will ‘flip-learning’ to ‘workshop’ through the academic staff and invited industry speakers for ‘real world’ experience

Choose one option from the following:
Advances In Pathophysiology

This highly interactive optional final year module allows students to explore methods used in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of cardiovascular and respiratory (thoracic) diseases. Assessment of the module uses real case studies to enable students to develop both their analytical and critical narrative skills. Students will learn mechanisms of disease, how these relate to clinical outcomes, how patient care plans are developed, and the future approaches of thoracic medicine. Special features of the module include full CPET testing in the Health School human performance lab and the opportunity to visit to the North West Lung Centre to engage with clinical pulmonary testing.  

Frontiers in Medicine Design

This module will introduce you to the latest technologies and techniques used in modern medicine design. A major component of the module will focus on computational techniques used in the drug development process and computer lab classes will provide you with the opportunity to use industry standard software. In addition, you will also learn about the latest developments in 'wet' laboratory techniques that are assisting in the development of treatments for conditions such as HIV and SARS-COV-2. 

We take a flexible approach to our course delivery that promotes diversity and inclusivity and provides a blended learning experience, which will vary to meet specific programme requirements. This learning time includes formal lectures and interactive activities such as seminars, tutorials, practical sessions, laboratory and studio learning. Smaller classes may be used to support collaborative activities such as project and group work and presentations. A range of different assessments and feedback is offered to meet the needs of both our diverse student body and specific subject needs.

Our undergraduate courses are normally made up of 20 credit modules which are equal to 200 hours of learning time. A three-year degree qualification typically comprises a total of 360 credits (120 credits per year).

Please note that exact modules and content offered may vary in order to keep content current and, for courses that offer optional modules, may depend on the number of students selecting particular options. When accepting your offer of a place to study on a programme with optional modules, you should be aware that optional modules may not all run each year. Your tutor will be able to advise you as to the available options on or before the start of the programme. Whilst the University tries to ensure that you can undertake your preferred options, it cannot guarantee this.

Entry requirements

Applicant profile

We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in how modern medicines work, from their initial design to final manufacture. You will be motivated to study biological and chemical sciences with an interest in developing advanced laboratory skills. 

English language requirements

If you are an international student and not from a majority English speaking country, you will need IELTS 6.0 with no element below 5.5. We also accept a range of other English language qualifications. If you do not have the English language requirements, you could take the Pre-Sessional English course, or the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree. 

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the , which means that it meets their requirements for receiving up-to-date knowledge in the right learning, support and teaching environment. Studying an accredited course is one way of showing employers you have the knowledge and skills that they are looking for in graduates and has the potential benefits of greater employability prospects and enhanced competitiveness in a crowded global jobs market.

Standard entry requirements
UCAS tariff points

104-112 UCAS points.

A level

Two full A-levels required as a minimum, including Grade C in Chemistry or Biology.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Grade DMM required from Applied Science, or other Science-based BTEC including Chemistry or Biology units. We can accept BTEC Subsidiary Diplomas in combination, where we would ask for a Merit grade.

T Level

Overall M required from a Science subject. Must have passed all components.

Scottish Highers

Two Scottish Higher Levels required, including Chemistry or Biology.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Two Higher Levels required, including Chemistry or Biology.

International Baccalaureate

30 points overall, including Grade 4 in Higher Level Chemistry or Biology. Must have passed the full International Baccalaureate to be considered.

Access to HE

104-112 UCAS points from a QAA Approved Level 3 Access to HE Diploma in a suitable Science subject, including Chemistry or Biology content.

GCSE

In addition to Level 3 requirements, you must have evidence of Level 2 GCSE English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.

International Students

We accept qualifications from all around the world. Find your country to see a full list of entry requirements. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you could take the International Foundation Year to gain entry onto this degree.

Alternative entry requirements
º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)

We welcome applications from students who may not meet the stated entry criteria but who can demonstrate their ability to pursue the course successfully. Once we have received your application we will assess it and recommend it for SAES if you are an eligible candidate.

There are two different routes through the º£½ÇÂÒÂ× Alternative Entry Scheme and applicants will be directed to the one appropriate for their course. Assessment will either be through a review of prior learning or through a formal test.

Fees and funding

See fees below

2026/27

Type of study Fees
Full-time £9,790 per year
Part-time Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

2026/27

Type of study Fees
Full-time £18,120 per year

The tuition fees shown are for the first year only. If your course lasts longer than one year, fees may increase each year in line with inflation, up to the maximum limits set by the UK Government.

Additional costs

You should consider further costs, which may include books, stationery, printing, binding and general subsistence on trips and visits.

Scholarships for international students

If you are a high-achieving international student, you may be eligible for one of our scholarships to study pharmaceutical science. Explore our international scholarships.

How to apply

Enrolment dates

September 2026

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions

UCAS information

Course ID F151

Institution S03