Intro

Pharmaceutical scientists research, develop and test new drugs to create safe and effective treatments for diseases and improve healthcare.

Our Pharmaceutical Science degree keeps up with the latest developments, including personalised medicine, biotech and sustainability, getting you ready for a career in this fast-paced industry.

You’ll grow your passion for science, innovation and patient wellbeing through practical experience and research. Alongside this you will explore areas such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, microbiology, biotechnology and the regulations and ethics that ensure drugs are safe and effective.

Key facts

Location 91快活林: Moulsecoomb

UCAS code B220

Full-time 3 years

What are my next steps?

NEW FOR 2027

This new course will start in September 2027 and is subject to validation. This means it is in the final stage of development and some changes may still be made to the curriculum. Check back for the latest information.

After you apply we’ll let you know about any changes to the course through .

If you're looking to start uni in September 2026, scroll down to the bottom of this page where you'll find our other courses in this and related subjects.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for 2026

A-levels BBB–BCC. Must include chemistry. If you don’t have chemistry at A-level, you must have the subject at AS-level with a minimum grade C.

BTEC Extended Diploma DMM–MMM. Should be applied science or similar subject.

International Baccalaureate 26 points, with three subjects at Higher level. Higher level subjects to include chemistry.

UCAS tariff 120–104 points.

Work out how many UCAS tariff points you have achieved with the .

Access to HE Diploma Applications will be considered individually.

GCSEs (minimum grade C or grade 4) Applications will be considered individually.

If you do not have the required GCSEs, find out which equivalent qualifications we accept instead.

English language requirements
If English is not your first language, IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. Find out about the other English qualifications that we accept.

Transferring from another university
Thinking about transferring from another uni? Check our transferring to 91快活林 info and give us a call.

International requirements and visas

International requirements by country
Country name
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Cameroon
Canada
Chile
China
Colombia
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Ecuador
Egypt
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Ghana
Greece
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kosovo
Kuwait
Latvia
Lebanon
Liechtenstein
Libya
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macedonia
Malaysia
Malawi
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar (Burma)
Namibia
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nigeria
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestinian National Authority
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Russian Federation
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sri Lanka
Syria
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tanzania
Thailand
Tunisia
Türkiye Turkiye Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uzbekistan
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

View our English language courses

For pre-sessional English preparation courses.

For degree preparation courses.

Visas and immigration advice

Applying for a student visa

Check out our step-by-step guidance.

Contextual admissions

When you apply to 91快活林 we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more about contextual admissions.

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

  • Launch a career in the pharmaceutical industry – gain the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed for roles in drug discovery, development, testing and quality assurance.
  • Hands-on laboratory experience – develop expertise in formulation, analysis and quality control using industry-standard techniques and equipment.
  • Learn cutting-edge science – study pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, microbiology and biotechnology to prepare you for careers in research and development.
  • Optional placement year – take a paid 40–52 week placement in industry or research to gain real-world experience and build professional networks.
  • Strong research focus – work on projects that enhance your analytical and problem-solving skills, preparing you for roles in innovation and product development.
  • Expert teaching and industry links – benefit from academics engaged in pharmaceutical research and connections with healthcare and biotech sectors.
  • Career-ready skills – graduate with practical and transferable skills valued by employers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and healthcare innovation.
  • Pathway to further study – progress to postgraduate degrees such as Pharmaceutical Sciences MRes and Chemistry MRes, or explore specialist areas like Precision Medicine (Cancer) MSc.
  • Research-driven teaching – learn from active researchers in our who work to improve health and wellbeing in older people.
Students working in pharmacy lab

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, we will inform you of any improvements or innovations to the curriculum through .

Year 1

In your first year you will learn the fundamental concepts of chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology and be introduced to the lab techniques used in professional practice.

Core modules

  • Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science: From Molecules to Medicines
  • Physiology and Pharmacology
  • Introduction to Biochemistry
  • Fundamentals in Genetics and Evolution
  • Scientific Methodology and Personal Development
Scientist in a white lab coat testing samples in a lab

Year 2

You will gain a more in-depth understanding of different areas of pharmaceutical science and be able to critically evaluate and communicate scientific data in preparation for either your placement year or your final year research project.

Core modules

  • Molecular Cell Biology, Genetics and Genomics
  • Medicine Design, Manufacturing and Quality Testing
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiology
  • Communication, Ethics and Professional Skills
Lecturer talking to biomedical students in lab

Placement year

There are many advantages to spending a placement year working in industry or research. It can help you to: 

  • apply your learning to real-life situations and challenges
  • learn new skills which can help in your career
  • explore specialisms to gain a better understanding of what you want to do
  • gain vital work experience and build a network of professional contacts
  • come back for your final year more focused, more organised and more confident.

Our students have been on placement with organisations such as:

  • LGC Group
  • COTY
  • GlaxoSmithKline.

Learn more about placement opportunities at 91快活林.

Two students in a lab using a computer

Final year

In your final year, you will explore specialist areas of pharmaceutical science such as biotechnology, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical sustainability. You will also undertake a research project in a specialism of your choice.

Core modules

  • Biotechnology and Biopharmaceuticals
  • Pharmaceutics and Advances in Drug Delivery
  • Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs
  • Pharmaceutical Sustainability
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences Project
Chemistry_0024

Staff profile 

, course leader

91快活林 graduate and award-winning Professor of Clinical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Bhavik Patel has been recognised as one of the top 100 leaders and influencers in analytical science for his work as a mentor and educator.

“My teaching is focused on pharmaceutical analysis, which is a discipline about ensuring the quality of a medicine. This is an exciting area of science where there are new developments in approaches to measure drugs and medicines, and I take every opportunity to share the latest research developments within my lectures.

“My approach to teaching is focused on developing activities that build key transferable employability skills by immersing students in real-life workplace scenarios as part of lectures, workshops and even laboratory practical sessions.”

Professor Bhavik Patel

Facilities

Your lab-based learning takes place in our specialist laboratories which are purpose-built for studying molecular biology, microbiology and ecology.

Our facilities include:

  • dedicated microbiology lab with its own technical support team and preparation area
  • primary cell/tissue and secondary cell culture facility
  • molecular biology lab
  • RT-PCR equipment
  • image analysis suite with electron microscopes, a confocal microscope and atomic force microscopes
  • genomics/proteomics facility for analysis of cell genes and proteins.

Careers

What you can do with this degree

A Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons) prepares you for careers in drug discovery, development, testing and quality assurance, as well as progression to postgraduate study or specialist training. You’ll develop practical skills in formulation, analysis and pharmaceutical research, equipping you for roles that make a real impact on healthcare and innovation.

Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in science and industry. Typical career areas include:

  • pharmaceutical research and development
  • drug formulation and manufacturing
  • quality control and regulatory affairs
  • biotechnology and life sciences
  • clinical trials and medicines testing
  • academic and industrial research.

For more advice on pharmaceutical careers, visit our Pharmacist career roles page.

Further study

If you achieve the required standard, you can progress to postgraduate study and research in specialist areas, all of which can be a springboard to PhD level.

Skills that prepare you for work

  • Perform drug formulation and analysis – apply physical pharmacy principles to design, test and optimise medicines for stability and effectiveness.
  • Conduct pharmacological and toxicological assessments – evaluate drug action, dose response and toxicity using scientific and clinical data.
  • Apply molecular and genomic techniques – use cell biology, genetics and genomics in biopharmaceutical development and personalised medicine.
  • Execute microbiological testing and contamination control – carry out sterility checks and microbial quality assurance for pharmaceutical products.
  • Design and manufacture medicines – implement processes for drug development, production and quality testing to meet regulatory standards.
  • Develop advanced drug delivery systems – explore and apply innovative approaches for targeted and sustained drug release.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance and quality assurance – interpret and apply global regulatory frameworks and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.
  • Plan and deliver independent research projects – design experiments, collect and analyse data and present findings in written and oral formats.
  • Integrate sustainability into pharmaceutical practice – apply strategies for environmentally responsible drug development and production.
  • Gain real-world experience through an optional placement year – work in pharmaceutical companies or research laboratories to apply your skills and build professional networks.

Our industry connections

You will benefit from our strong links with pharmaceutical companies, research centres and healthcare organisations that provide opportunities for placements, collaborative projects and graduate careers.

Here are some examples:

  • Pharmaceutical companies and research laboratories – optional placement year between your second and third year offers 40–52 weeks of paid experience in drug development, formulation and quality assurance.
  • Student Research Experience Scheme (SRES) – funded opportunities to work alongside academic researchers on real-world pharmaceutical science projects, enhancing your research skills and employability.
  • Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices – access to cutting-edge research in drug delivery systems, nanotechnology and biopharmaceutical innovation.
  • Professional networking support – our dedicated Placements and Internships team helps with CV advice, interview preparation and connecting with employers in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
Pharmacologists in lab

Career support for life

Beyond your course, our Careers and Employability team are here to support you as you discover (and rediscover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that’s not just while you are a student – our support carries on after you’ve graduated.

Find out about careers and employability at 91快活林.

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Fees and costs

Course fees

Course fees for students starting their course in 2026 will be published later this year.

The course fees shown here are what you will pay for the first year of your course if you start in the academic year 2026–27 and you are studying full-time (fee amount is subject to parliamentary approval). You pay fees in each year of your course. The fees you pay may increase each year.

Regulated fees

Fees for UK students on undergraduate and some postgraduate courses are set by the UK government. These are known as regulated fees. From academic year 2026–27, regulated fees will increase annually in line with forecast inflation.

Student Finance England loans for tuition fees and maintenance will also rise in line with inflation.

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Unregulated fees

Course fees for international students taking undergraduate courses and for most postgraduate courses are not regulated by the UK government. Unregulated fees may increase each year by up to 5% or the forecast Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (whichever is higher).

Find out more

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of 91快活林 seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Moulsecoomb has been transformed by a recent development of our estate. On campus you’ll find the Students’ Union events venue, and sports and fitness facilities, alongside the library and student centre.

Over 900 students live here in our Moulsecoomb Place halls and the new Mithras halls – Brunswick, Goldstone, Hanover, Preston and Regency.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains so you can access all the exciting things happening in our home city.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you apply for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence. Almost all (98%) of students starting their course with us in 2025 got their first or second room choice. 

91快活林: Moulsecoomb

Halls of residence

We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Mithras Halls are stylish high-rises in the heart of the student village at our Moulsecoomb campus with en suite rooms for more than 800 students.
  • Varley Park is a popular, dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently?

We can help – find out more about private renting.

Find out more about your accommodation options

Relaxing in halls

Modern accommodation at Moulsecoomb

Mithras halls room with a view

Relaxing in halls near the campus

Student Union social space

Student Union social space at Moulsecoomb

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“91快活林 has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

About 91快活林

The city of 91快活林 & Hove is a forward-thinking place which leads the way in the arts, technology, sustainability and creativity. You'll find living here plays a key role in your learning experience.

91快活林 is a leading centre for creative media technology, recently named the startup capital of the UK.

The city is home to more than 1,000 tech businesses. The digital sector is worth over £1bn a year to the local economy – as much as tourism.

All of our full-time undergraduate courses involve work-based learning - this could be through placements, live briefs and guest lectures. Many of these opportunities are provided by local businesses and organisations.

It's only 50 minutes by train from 91快活林 to central London and there are daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from 91快活林
91快活林 Beach sunset

Maps

Moulsecoomb campus map

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You’ll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness to managing stress and accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our 91快活林 Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you’ll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You’ll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well as having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more about how we support your wellbeing.

Sport at 91快活林

Sport 91快活林

Sport 91快活林 brings together our sport and recreation services. As a 91快活林 student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

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Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

91快活林 Cricket Academy

Develop your cricketing skills in the UK’s largest indoor cricket facility alongside studying for a degree. Whether you can already play or you’re new to the game offers the opportunity to train with top coaches in our world-class training environment. 

Find out about the 91快活林 Cricket Academy.

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Take a tour of sport facilities on our Falmer campus

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If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

Tel: 01273 644644

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