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Pharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons)

Undergraduate degree - single honours

  • UCAS codes: Institution B20, Course PS10 or PS11 (with professional placement year)

Award
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science
School/s
School of Sciences
Campus or location
Newton Park
Course length
Three years full time, or four years full time with professional placement year.
UCAS codes
Institution Code: B20
Course Code: PS10 or PS11 (with professional placement year)
Campus Code: A,BSU

Entry requirements

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed under 'Typical offers' in the main column below. For combined courses, please check both subjects. If your qualification is not listed, please email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk with your specific details.

Learn how to develop new drugs, and how to take them from the lab to the patient in this Pharmaceutical Science degree.

  • Discover the science behind drug discovery and development.
  • Explore the use of pharmaceuticals in healthcare.
  • Develop the knowledge and practical skills you’ll need for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Applications for this course will open in 2024 for a September 2025 start.


Pharmaceutical science is the key to the development of new drugs and treatments, from over-the-counter medications, to vaccinations, to potentially life-saving cancer therapies.

Our pharmaceutical sciences degree focuses on the science behind the design, development and use of various forms of treatments available to medical practitioners. During your studies you’ll learn about the entire process of developing a new drug for market, from the research steps involved in the discovery of a potential drug molecule - including design, development and testing, through to how to register new drug licences.

You’ll explore areas such as drug design, drug discovery and development, quality control and analysis, clinical trials and safety testing. You’ll also learn about the different regulatory authorities who ensure that the drugs are safe to use before granting the drug licence. 

You’ll graduate with an in-depth understanding of the international pharmaceutical sector and skills and knowledge to work in a wide range of scientific areas associated with the pharmaceutical industry, such as creating new drugs, medicinal chemistry, and getting new medicines to market.


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What you'll learn

Overview

This course is designed to give you a strong foundation in pharmaceutical science and provide you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sciences. 

You'll develop practical laboratory skills as well as research, communication, team working and problem-solving skills, ensuring you'll graduate ready for the workplace or further study.

Course structure

Year one
In your first year you'll be introduced to the essentials of pharmaceutical science, microbiology and bioscience/biochemistry. There will be practical sessions to reinforce theoretical knowledge in the different areas, and help you develop confidence in key practical lab skills. You'll also gain a foundation in academic writing, data collection, analysis and communication.

Year two
This year you’ll continue to develop your research skills in preparation for your final year research project, and you’ll be introduced to new techniques, which will build on your understanding of the effects of molecules on the living system.

You’ll find out more about the formulation of drugs and/or pharmaceutical products as well as developing your knowledge of the processes involved in the clinical trials that determine the safety and the efficacy of drugs. 

You’ll have the option to complete a work placement, giving you real world experience of the pharmaceutical sector.

Year three
In your final year you’ll complete a dissertation or independent research project which will allow you to explore and specialise in the specific areas of pharmaceutical science or drug registration which interests you.

We also focus on preparing you for a career in the pharmaceutical sector.

You’ll explore the practical uses of pharmaceuticals and build on your understanding of the role of pharmaceuticals in drug development. You’ll meet experts in drug registration and work on case studies in regulatory affairs, to give you the practical skills valued by employers.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll be assessed through a wide range of methods including individual and group reports, lab reports, presentations and a dissertation.

How will I be taught?

Teaching will be delivered through interactive lectures and seminars, and you'll put your knowledge into practice through workshops, practical lab sessions, supervised projects and case studies. You’ll also learn from guest speakers and lecturers who are experts and practitioners in the field. 

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Opportunities

Study abroad

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

Work placements, industry links and internships

You'll have the option to take a professional placement year between your second and final year, and shorter placements are available in the second year as part of a work placement module. These placements give you an opportunity to gain real-world experience, which is highly attractive to employers.

Careers

A degree in Pharmaceutical Science can lead to a range of careers. You could work in drug registration, drug safety, drug development, formulation, the pharmaceutical sector, or as a medical publisher. 

There are also a range of further study options available to you, including MSc courses (e.g. in Medical Biotechnology or Drug Design and Discovery) or PhD in a wide range of research topics (e.g. in the production and development of new medicines). 

Global Citizenship

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

You'll be taught at our Newton Park campus, which is located on the edge of Bath and offers a blend of modern and eighteenth-century buildings, with good access to the city while being nestled in the countryside. You’ll carry out practical sessions in our well-equipped labs, and have access to our Biology Resource Room. From your lectures, you’ll be able to visit the library, the Students’ Union, and access our student information and support teams, as well as many of our cutting edge facilities

Resources
  • Pharmaceutical Science students will carry out practical classes in our dedicated labs containing modern equipment, including high-precision instrumentation (Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer, GC, HPLC), genetic and cell culture facilities, microscopy, physiological data acquisition systems and physiology equipment.
  • Our Library offers a wealth of learning resources including books, journals, DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. Our Subject Librarian for Sciences provides subject-specific support, including help with research.
  • The Writing and Learning Centre provides support for your academic work, including feedback on written drafts and other help with academic writing.
  • Our Virtual Learning Environment provides online access to learning materials such as lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources.
  • The Careers team run networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying. When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.
  • You’ll have free access to thousands of business, design and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.
  • If English isn't your first language, our English Language Unit can help you improve your English, reach your full potential and boost your confidence.
  • Our Student Wellbeing Services are available to support you through your learning.

Professional placement year

Overview

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Preparation

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

How will I be assessed?

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

Fees

2024 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK full time £9,250

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

We're looking for motivated, committed students who wish to push the boundaries of their academic knowledge and get the best possible preparation for their future career.

You’ll be interested in all aspects of pharmaceutical science, and you’ll want to become a socially engaged global citizen, ready to make a difference.

This is a very practical course, so enjoyment of working in a laboratory setting is also key.

Typical offers

We accept a wide range of qualifications for entry to our undergraduate programmes. The main ones are listed below:

  • A Level – grades BBB-BCC including a grade B in Biology, Human Biology or Chemistry.
  • BTEC – Extended Diploma grades from Distinction Distinction Merit (DDM) to Distinction Merit Merit (DMM) in a related subject.
  • T Levels – grade Merit preferred in a relevant subject.
  • International Baccalaureate - a minimum of 32 points are required with a minimum of Grade 5 in Biology or a related subject at Higher Level.
  • Access to HE courses - typical offers for applicants with Access to HE will be the Access to HE Diploma or Access to HE Certificate (60 credits, 45 of which must be Level 3, at Merit or higher) in a science or related subject.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements above, we may be able to accept your prior learning or experience from outside of formal education. See our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) page to learn more.

English Language Requirements for International and EU Applicants

IELTS 6.5 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 6.0 in each element.

Course enquiries

For further information about the programme or entry requirements, please email us at admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Applications for this course will open in 2024 for a September 2025 start. Please contact admissions@bathspa.ac.uk for further details, or head to our how to apply pages. 

Course leader: Professor Sabbir Ahmed
Email: s.ahmed2@bathspa.ac.uk

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