Program Overview

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Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSc Hons

Our pharmaceutical sciences degree covers all relevant disciplines from biology to pharmacology. It delivers theoretical knowledge plus plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience in the lab.

This degree provides a broad and in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, exploring essential areas such as biochemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, and the principles of drug design and delivery. Alongside theoretical learning, you will gain valuable practical experience through laboratory work and an independent research project, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed for a successful career in the field.

The course is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS), which means it meets the high standards set by the professional body. This accreditation ensures that the course content and student experience are aligned with industry expectations, equipping you with the knowledge and capabilities to secure relevant employment and build a rewarding career in pharmaceutical sciences.

Graduates from this programme pursue careers across a range of sectors, including the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, research and development, food production, quality control, and manufacturing. The course also serves as a pathway toward achieving Qualified Person (QP) status with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Upon graduation, you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, further enhancing your professional standing and network.

UCAS points

104 (view full requirements)

Course/institution codes

B202 M BSc/PharS

Interested in a different year?

Select your preferred year of entry to view up to date information.

Concerned about grades?

We offer an extended degree in this subject that you can access with lower entry requirements.

School

Science

Location

Medway Campus

Duration

• 3 years full-time
• 4 years sandwich
• 4 years blended learning

Start month

September

Home/international fees 2025/26

£9,535 /£17,500

What you should know about this course

• Our courses are accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, which means that our graduates are well placed to apply for membership of the Academy
• Undertake industry-oriented research projects and receive research-led teaching and expertise in a wide range of pharmaceutical science themes
• You benefit from state-of-the-art teaching and laboratory facilities with cutting-edge equipment for training (formulation and analytical)
• Our graduates have gone on to work for high-profile firms and organisations, including Pfizer, GSK, EDF, AstraZeneca and the NHS
• Study at Medway Campus, which is close to London with regular university transport to and from Greenwich Campus.

Accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences

What you will study

If you're interested in pursuing this course on a part-time or sandwich mode, please refer to the page containing detailed information about the modules.

Full time

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• ​​Exploring Pharmaceutical Science ​ (30 credits)
• ​​Concepts in Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Practical Skills for Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists​ (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills (15 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Product Development (30 credits)
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Pharmaceutics (30 credits)
• Pharmacology (15 credits)

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits)
• Drug Design and Delivery (15 credits)
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits)
• Advanced Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Science Internship Course (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)

Sandwich

Year 1

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• ​​Exploring Pharmaceutical Science ​ (30 credits)
• ​​Concepts in Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Practical Skills for Science​ (30 credits)
• ​​Skills for Tomorrow’s Scientists​ (30 credits)

Year 2

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Physiological Systems and Regulation (15 credits)
• Research and Professional Skills (15 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Product Development (30 credits)
• Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Pharmaceutics (30 credits)
• Pharmacology (15 credits)

Year 3

Students are required to study the following compulsory module.

• Work Placement Module (For students taking Sandwich Year option)

Year 4

Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.

• Project (Chemical Sciences) (30 credits)
• Drug Design and Delivery (15 credits)
• Chemometrics and Informatics (15 credits)
• Advanced Instrumental Analysis (15 credits)
• Neuropharmacology (30 credits)

Students are required to choose 15 credits from this list of options.

• Science Internship Course (15 credits)
• Personal and Professional Development (15 credits)

Entry requirements

UK citizens and permanent residents

• 104 UCAS Tariff points whichmust include one of the following:
  • A level : a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
  • BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science.
  • A level and BTEC National: Extended Certificate in Applied Science and an A Level in a relevant Science subject, such as, Biology, Chemistry or Physics, at grade C.
  • International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall including Higher Level Science at grade 5.
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma: Science.
  • T Level : Science (Laboratory Sciences) at grade Merit.

We make Contextual offers to this programme. Applicants that meet specific eligibility criteria will be made a contextual offer with a reduced tariff of up to 16 UCAS Tariff points. Other entry requirements such as GCSEs, Interview, etc., will still need to be met. For further information, please see our Contextual Admissions policy.

We also accept applications if you wish to transfer from another institution, and have already studied 1 or 2 years of a relevant course at level 4 or 5 and wish to continue your education at the University of Greenwich.

International entry requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.

Alternatively, please contact us at .

How you will learn

Learning experience

Learning takes place through a combination of timetabled learning and independent study.

You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.

Seminars and workshops enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials.

Class sizes

A typical student intake per year across our pharmaceutical courses is 30. Lectures are normally attended by 30, and seminars/tutorials by 30.

First year courses may be shared across a number of science modules, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject-specific modules tend to be smaller. A typical science intake has 30 students in a dedicated module.

Similarly, in the second and third year, some core modules taken by all students are larger, while optional modules are smaller (20-40 students per group), enabling close interaction with lecturers.

Independent learning

At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.

Overall workload

If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.

Assessment

You can view how each module is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.

Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.

Feedback summary

University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning
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Home* | £9,535 | N/A | N/A
International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A

University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.

(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).

Other costs

• Safety equipment
  Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
• Field trips
  The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
• Professional memberships
  The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
• Resources
  Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.

The Greenwich Bursary

This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.

EU Bursary

Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.

Financial support

We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Careers and placements

Will I have a work placement?

Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing (for Engineering include civil engineering and construction companies).

• Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
• IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
• We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.

How long is my placement?

Students can undertake a summer placement lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. This can be related to a credit rated course at Level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience.

Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.

What are the financial arrangements?

The faculty expects that students will be as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation.

It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company.

Students on sandwich placements pay a reduced fee to the university for their placement year.

What sort of careers do graduates pursue?

Graduates can find work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (production development, analytical science, quality assurance and information science), research and development, teaching, forensic science, environmental pollution and health and safety.

Are internships available?

Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.

Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.

Accommodation

Medway campus in Kent

Our Medway halls of residence are all located on-campus, with facilities include an on-site café, launderette and bar. And the halls are located within minutes of the historic Chatham dockyard and Chatham and Gillingham town centres.

With student-run social events, modern ensuite rooms and communal shared spaces, you’ll find that living in halls of residence will be a highlight of your University of Greenwich experience.

Rooms start at £172.06/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills and 24-hour residential support. Our Medway accommodation boasts 350 rooms with 24/7 security, and resident car parking permits are available.

Support and advice

Academic skills and study support

We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional support in mathematics is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies.

We also offer an additional course 'Learning Skills for Science' aimed at Foundation stage students. The academic support available will enhance student performance.

Support from the department

Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO). This role provides an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.

The university-wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) programme encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.

Do you provide employability services?

We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.

Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.