BSc in Pharmaceutical Science
Kingston University
Key Information
Campus location
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 6 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* UK students: £9,250 per year | international: £15,800 for the first year
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Pharmaceutical science can benefit and transform patients' lives. Spanning the worlds of chemistry and biology, it discovers, develops and analyses medicines. If you're considering a career in the pharmaceutical industry, this course will give you the knowledge and practical skills for success.
This course explores drug discovery, pharmacology, and toxicology and examines the most effective ways that medicines are manufactured, packaged, stored and administered. You'll take part in innovative research, including new methods of drug delivery and drug synthesis.
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This course is one of the first to be accredited in the UK by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS).
- This course received more than 90% overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2020).
- This course is shortlisted for the Guardian University Award for Course Design, Retention and Student Outcomes and for The Organisation for Professionals in Regulatory Affairs (TOPRA) Regulatory Excellence Award in Education.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.
Year 1
Year 1 introduces biology, chemistry, physiology, and pharmaceutical science itself. The Foundation Chemistry for Pharmaceutical Science module introduces formulation science, pharmacokinetics and molecular modelling, emphasising practical work and instrumental techniques. An academic skills module covers all the fundamental transferable skills that employers value eg. the use of IT, and problem-solving. An academic skills module covers mathematics, statistics, generic study skills and information technology, giving you skills valued by employers.
Core modules
- Introduction to Spectroscopy and Experimental Techniques
- Academic Skills for Molecular Sciences
- Foundation Chemistry
- Bioscience 1
Year 2
Year 2 places emphasis on organic and medicinal chemistry and develops practical skills, especially in pharmaceutical analysis - important in relation to the actions and characterisation of drugs. Building on the pharmaceutical chemistry learned in Year 1, you will study the properties and formulation of pharmaceuticals. You will also study the effect of drugs on living systems and the principles of the immune system. There will be an introduction to micro-organisms in relation to human disease, their control and safe working practices. Year 2 explores organic and medicinal chemistry applied to the design and synthesis of drug molecules. Year 2 also focuses on the experimental aspects of pharmaceutical science, developing skills for conducting independent laboratory investigations. There is also the opportunity to develop other transferable skills, important to your employability and career planning.
Core modules
- Organic and Medicinal Chemistry
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics
- Analytical Science
- Practical and Research Skills in Pharmaceutical Science
Optional sandwich year
An optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 provides the opportunity to gain experience in how pharmaceutical science is applied in an industrial situation. The industrial placement tutor will help you find a paid placement.
Final year
The final year exposes you to specialised areas of pharmaceutical science which includes how drugs are manufactured in industry and how they are introduced onto the shelf. You will learn about new and innovative research linked to pharmaceutical science including new methods of drug delivery. The Topics in Pharmaceutical Science module enables specialism, in particular, specialist areas of pharmaceutical science. You will also undertake a year-long research project, applying, in an experimental context, the theoretical knowledge you have gained in the previous two years. The final year has two option modules: one develops and enhances analytical skills, crucial to all aspects of the production of pharmaceuticals in the UK; the other deepens knowledge of natural product chemistry.
Core modules
- Project
- Drug Development
- Topics in Pharmaceutical Science
- Organic and Natural Product Chemistry OR Advanced Analytical Science
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
After you graduate
Many of our graduates work in the pharmaceutical industry, research or clinical laboratories, hospitals or in education. Others progress to postgraduate studies doing master's and PhD degrees.
Examples of graduate destinations
- Research scientist
- PhD student
- Drug safety associate
- Strategic alliance manager
- Research assistant
- Quality control analyst
- Clinical trial project manager
- Pharmacy technician
- Microbiologist
- Optical assistant/dispenser
- Marketing research
- Medical publisher