Program Overview

BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with Foundation Year

Why study this course with LJMU?

• A degree leading to a higher than average salary
• Graduates highly sought after in the UK's fastest growing manufacturing industries
• Option to undertake a 12-month industrial placement (placement is not guaranteed)
• Support from a personal tutor for the duration of your course
• Wide range of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, chemical, biotechnological, food, healthcare and related industries
• 100% of students surveyed said this course was intellectually stimulating (NSS 2024)
• International Foundation Year course available offering direct progression onto this degree programme

About your course

Completing the BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with Foundation Year degree programme at Liverpool John Moores University will help you enjoy excellent career prospects and earning potential in a variety of sectors after you graduate.

About the Foundation Year

The Foundation Year is ideal if you have the ability to study for a degree but do not have the qualifications to enter directly onto the Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science honours degree programme.

Once you pass the Foundation Year, you will progress directly onto the first year of the honours degree. If you are a full-time UK student, you will qualify for student financial support for the full duration of your course (subject to eligibility criteria).

About BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science

On this BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science programme you will learn about the science of medicines, from the identification and isolation of biologically active compounds through to the analysis and formulation into medicines for clinical use.

The aim of this degree course is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of core subject matter and first-hand experience of relevant laboratory techniques to enable you to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industries or progress to further study. The programme has been designed to give you a solid foundation in the subjects that underpin Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science and then to explore how research and development procedures are applied in the industry.

The course will not only give you technological know-how, but also the transferable key skills to give you that competitive edge when it comes to climbing the career ladder. We encourage you take advantage of the opportunity to complete a one year placement after Level 5 as it will give direct experience of working in the industry, helping you identify career options and adding real value to your CV after graduation.

There are three main themes embedded throughout the programme: Chemistry and Analysis; Formulation and Production; and Physiology and Biological Activity. During level 3, students will develop knowledge, understanding and practical skills associated with the study of biology, chemistry and general science. Core modules have been designed to provide basic understanding and knowledge of general scientific principles and methodologies. These are supported with training in laboratory methods as well as other practical and key skills.

In levels 4 and 5, the subjects that underpin Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science are explored in depth and then in level 6 the focus is on more advanced principles and techniques and how the research and development procedures are applied in the industry.

Course modules

What you will study on this degree

Foundation Year

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (20 credits)
• Fundamental Science Skills (20 credits)
• Introduction to Chemistry (20 credits)
• Introduction to Biochemistry and Cell Biology (20 credits)
• Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics (20 credits)
• Further Chemistry (20 credits)

Year 1

• Physical Properties (20 credits)
• Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
• Principles of Human Biology and Disease (20 credits)
• Formulation Science (20 credits)
• Analytical Chemistry (20 credits)
• Biologically Active Molecules (20 credits)

Year 2

• Pharmaceutical Formulation (20 credits)
• Synthetic and Natural Drugs (20 credits)
• Principles of Pharmacology (20 credits)
• Sterile Pharmaceutical Products (20 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Analysis (20 credits)
• Principles of Cosmetic Products (20 credits)

Year 3

• Research Methods and Project (40 credits)
• Industrial Product Development (20 credits)
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis (20 credits)
• Advanced Delivery Systems (20 credits)
• Safety Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics (20 credits)

Your Learning Experience

• Teaching: 12 hours
• Support: 4 hours
• Assessment: 4 hours
• Independent study: 180 hours

Assessment

Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.

There are a number of different assessment styles used at each level of the programme including laboratory reports, essays, presentations and online exercises. Some modules also incorporate formative assessments, particularly at lower levels. Most modules comprise an assessment weighting of 60% Exam: 40% coursework. Examinations comprise multiple-choice questions, written answers or problem-based questions and sample questions are made available to aid student preparation and revision.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Foundation first year: £9,535
• Second and subsequent years: £9,535
• Placement year: £1,905

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250
• Placement year: £3,910

Entry requirements

• Grades/points required from qualifications: CCD (88)
• GCSEs and equivalents: Grade 4 or grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics/Numeracy
• A levels: CCD
• BTECs: Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
• Access awards: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• OCR Cambridge Technical: Extended Diploma: MMM (96)
• Irish awards: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
• T levels: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component below 5.5, taken within two years of the course start date.

Career paths

Successful graduates can enjoy above average salaries in these fast-growing sectors.

The pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries continue to be strong in terms of turnover and employment and consequently there is a high demand for graduates in these scientific disciplines. This degree programme is the ideal platform from which to launch your career as it is designed to meet the high demand for highly skilled and technology literate people to help these industries continue to be innovative and compete on a global scale. As a Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science graduate you can expect a career in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, biotechnological, food, healthcare and related industries, in fields such as research and development, formulation science, quality control, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, clinical trial management, process development or product registration.

Graduates can also choose to continue their studies at LJMU by undertaking one of the many postgraduate masters courses available, such as MSc Drug Discovery, Development and Delivery, MSc Industrial Biotechnology or MSc Cosmetic Science.