Three chemistry students working in a laboratory

BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year

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

Build a strong foundation in biological and chemical sciences with our BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year degree. Laboratory-based learning. Research-led teaching. Apply now.

This course is available as a standard course

Find out more about our standard course 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?

F155

How long will I study?

Four year, Eight year, Five year

Overview

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 pathway is recommended if you want to develop your career in biosciences but have a non-scientific background, or you don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry to an honours degree. This course may also appeal if you are returning to education or you wish to change career direction. If you successfully complete and pass the foundation year, you will automatically progress on to the full BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science honours degree.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything. At the º£½ÇÂÒÂ×, we are training the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists to meet these challenges and apply scientific knowledge to design drugs that improve life quality and tackle pandemics and diseases.

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:

  • Gain a broad, basic knowledge of chemical principles to prepare you for more advanced study
  • 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

Course accreditations

Royal Society of Biology (accredited degree) logo

This is for you if...

1.

Want an excellent route into science for those from a non-scientific background

2.

You are returning to education or seeking to develop your career in a new direction

3.

You didn't meet the entry requirements for BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

This course is available as a standard course

Find out more about our standard course 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

Assessment

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

Student in a practical session in the Bodmer Labs, º£½ÇÂÒÂ×

Employment

This 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 learnt will allow you to seek work in several areas such as research, development, quality assurance, within the government, and assisting on legal cases.

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 provides graduates of this course with some excellent prospective career paths and our programme will ensure that you are fully equipped to take advantage of them.

This degree is ideal if you are interested in a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries, as well as clinical or other biomedical areas such as analytical biochemistry. Some of our recent graduates have found employment in hospitals, CROs (working on clinical trials in the metabolism section) and 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×

Foundation year

This Foundation Year places a strong emphasis on Biology and Chemistry, providing the core scientific grounding needed for a wide range of human and natural science degrees.

The Foundation Year pathway is designed to increase your knowledge and understanding of human and natural sciences, necessary for understanding contemporary issues.

With an emphasis on both understanding and problem solving in addition to practical and communication skills, you will build knowledge across the breadth of the subject. You will also experience laboratory work, and develop your study skills.

If you successfully complete and pass your Foundation Year but you're still not sure this is the subject for you, we have an extensive suite of Human and Natural Sciences (HANS) subjects you can still progress to:

  • Biological Science
  • Human Biology and Infectious Diseases
  • Marine Biology
  • Geography
  • Environmental Management
  • Biomedical Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Zoology
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology

BSc (Hons) degree

Course delivery

Aligned with industry best-practice, the BSc 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 scientific 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 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.

Chemistry students

Industry placement

On this course, you will have the option to take an industry placement year between years two and three of the BSc degree. 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. 

Foundation year
Chemical Principles

This module will help you develop an understanding of the fundamentals of the periodic table, classification within chemistry, reaction processes and quantities, and the fundamentals of organic chemistry through lectures, laboratory workshops and independent study via an interactive learning platform.

Scientific Methods

This module will help you develop practical skills in the fields of biological, chemical and environmental science. It includes the use of glassware and instrumentation, developing data recording and analysis skills, and foundational laboratory-training. It also aims to train all students on how to write-up experimental work via an interactive learning platform, which includes pre- and post- laboratory training exercises. 

Data Handling

Develop skills for the application of statistical and mathematical methods and practise using Information Technology for effective the presentation and communication of data and ideas.

Professional Communications

This module will provide students with a structured and supportive environment in which to develop their academic practice and professionalism. This will be achieved through a series of lectures and tutor-led seminars that will equip students with the skills required for successful study in Higher Education.

Biological Principles

Explore the characteristics of plant and animal cells which are the building blocks of all life forms; their interactions with micro and macro environments, and learn about the diversity of animal and plant life in a range of ecosystems.

Science for Health

Evaluate a range of environmental and scientific factors that interact to influence health – e.g. pollution, nutrition, drug development and consider examples of environmental interventions and clinical trials.

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.

Cell Biology

This module provides a broad cell biology knowledge base, building a solid foundation of key scientific content relevant to subsequent modules within several bioscience degrees.

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. 

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
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

International applications

This course isn’t suitable for international students.

If you are an international student and interested in studying a foundation year, please visit our International Foundation Year course page.

Applicant profile

We are looking for applicants with a strong interest in how medicines work, are designed and manufactured. You should also interested in biological and chemical sciences.

English language requirement

All of our courses are taught and assessed in English. If English is not your first language, you must meet our minimum English language entry requirements. An IELTS score of 6.0 (no element below 5.5) is proof of this, and we also accept a range of equivalent qualifications.  

Read more about our English language requirements, including information about pathways that can help you gain entry on to our degree courses. 

Standard entry requirements
UCAS tariff points

64 UCAS points.

A level

64 UCAS Tariff points. At least one full A level is required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

MPP

T Level

Pass (D or E on the core) - Science only accepted subject. Must have passed all components.

Access to HE

64 UCAS Tariff points from a QAA Approved Level 3 Access to HE Diploma.

GCSE

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

Scottish Highers

64 UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level.

Irish Leaving Certificate

64 UCAS Tariff points from Higher Level.

International Baccalaureate

26 points.

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
Foundation year
£8,735 for foundation year
£9,790 for subsequent years
Part-time Part-time fees will be calculated on a pro rata basis

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

All field trips are funded by the school but you may need to consider additional costs such as food and spending money. 

International field trips that are part of core modules are also funded by the school but you will need to pay towards international field trips that are part of optional modules (although these are subsidised by the school) and you will be made aware of these costs before selecting the module. 

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

How to apply

Enrolment dates

September 2026

September 2027

Student information

Terms and conditions

UCAS information

Course ID F155

Institution S03