Program Overview

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Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Unlock Your Future in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Queen’s University Belfast! Are you ready to be part of one of the world’s fastest growing and most innovative industries? The BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Queen’s University Belfast equips you with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the dynamic biopharmaceutical sector. From drug discovery and development to biomanufacturing and precision medicine, you’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-leading technologies and benefit from strong links with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology highlights

• Global Opportunities: Graduates in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology from Queen’s University Belfast have career opportunities in leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, research institutions, and regulatory agencies across Europe, North America, and Asia.
• Industry Links: The School of Pharmacy has world-leading academics that are fully engaged with leading industrial partners tackling global health problems.
• World Class Facilities: The School of Pharmacy provides extensive state-of-the-art facilities for biotechnology research, supported by well-equipped cell and molecular biology, analytical, microbiological, medicinal chemistry, molecular modelling, pharmaceutical science and engineering laboratories, as well as the Advanced Imaging Core Technology Unit which provides access to cutting edge microscopy equipment and image analysis.
• Internationally Renowned Experts: The School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast is internationally recognised for its world-leading research and innovation in pharmaceutical sciences and biotechnology, consistently ranking among the top in the UK and globally.
• Further Study Opportunities: Graduates can choose from a wide range of Masters programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics for study at PhD level.

Course Structure

• Optional sandwich year: Students have the opportunity to apply for a year-long industrial placement to gain hands-on experience in the field which they can undertake between Levels 2 and 3.
• Introduction: The BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at Queen's University Belfast is a three-year programme designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills essential for careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and related industries.
• Level 1: Foundational Sciences: Introduction to pharmaceutical microbiology, covering aspects such as disinfection and sterilisation. Principles of physical and analytical chemistry relevant to pharmaceutical systems. Development of mathematical, statistical, and general skills necessary for pharmaceutical scientists and biotechnologists. Basics of physiology, including cell and systems physiology, histology, and an introduction to systematic pathophysiology.
• Level 2: Core Pharmaceutical Sciences: This year provides further development and understanding of the basic/fundamental sciences related to pharmaceutical biotechnology. Advanced topics include medicinal chemistry, analytical techniques, pharmacology and formulation. Further knowledge and practical expertise is developed across several other key subjects, including cell biology, biochemistry, immunology and molecular biology.
• Level 3: Specialisation and Research: In Level 3, there is a greater focus on specialised subjects within pharmaceutical biotechnology. Completion of a research project in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology over semester 1 and 2, provides the students with a valuable opportunity to work within one of our research laboratories, to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges.

People teaching you

• Professor David Jones: Director of Education
• Professor Lorraine Martin: Course Director, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Contact Teaching Hours

• Personal Study: 25 (hours maximum)
• Medium Group Teaching: 8 (hours maximum)
• Large Group Teaching: 8 (hours maximum)

Teaching Times

The course is a full-time course taught across the week from Monday through to Friday (between the hours of 9-5 pm). Wednesday afternoons are teaching free.

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.

Assessment

• Coursework: 40%
• Examination: 60%
• Practical: 0%

Feedback

Students receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module coordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.

Facilities

Students have access to large teaching laboratories.

Modules

Year 1

• Properties and analysis of drug molecules (40 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Physiology - BSc (40 credits)
• Basic Skills for the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences (0 credits)
• Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology (20 credits)
• Mathematics and Statistical Skills (20 credits)

Year 2

• Introduction to Dosage Forms and Unit Operations (20 credits)
• Biotechniques (20 credits)
• Foundational Pharmacology (20 credits)
• Pharmaceutical Analysis (20 credits)
• Introduction to Drug Discovery and Design (20 credits)
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (20 credits)
• Preparing for industry (0 credits)

Year 3

• Applied Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Microbial Biotechnology (20 credits)
• Industry: Quality, Regulation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
• Personalised Medicine and Therapeutics (20 credits)
• BSc Research Project Module (40 credits)

Entrance requirements

• A level requirements: BBB including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
• Irish leaving certificate requirements: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.
• Access Course: 80% average with no less than 70% in any module including sufficient relevant Level 3 modules in Biology and Chemistry (normally two Chemistry and two Biology). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and at least one of Biology (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

International Students

• English Language Requirements: An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £25,300
• International: £25,300

Additional course costs

• Year 1 students: £13 (laboratory coat)
• Students on placement year: responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Careers

• Graduate Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in the Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology and Medical Devices industries. Opportunities also exist in areas relating to research and development, manufacturing and supply, regulatory and clinical services, commercial or support functions.
• Employment after the Course: The prospects of employment for a graduate with a BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) degree from Queen’s University Belfast in the UK are high.
• Employment Links: The School of Pharmacy have also introduced a range of other activities to support successful employability post degree.
• Alumni Success: The School of Pharmacy have also introduced a range of other activities to support successful employability post degree.
• Prizes and Awards: A number of local employers and professional bodies, to include Teva NI Ltd., Almac Group and Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (NI), sponsor prizes on an annual basis for the best students in their level and module.

Degree Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

• Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
• Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Scholarships

• Information on scholarships for international students: available at [website URL]

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2025 from early September 2024.
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2025 is still to be confirmed by UCAS but is normally in late January (18:00).

Terms and Conditions

• The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study: Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

• Applying through UCAS: Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's.
• Applying direct: The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application.
• Applying through agents and partners: The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application.