Overview
Our Pharmaceutical Science course provides the knowledge and skills required for drug development, analytical testing of pharmaceuticals and regulatory conditions. The course has many distinctive features that make it a dynamic and evolving field of study, aligned closely with the needs and advancements of the Pharmaceutical, healthcare, and medical industries.
BSc. (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science provides the students with a variety of career opportunities including pharmaceutical manufacturing, quality control, research and development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, pharmaceutical marketing, and academia.
Our industry professionals’ partners provide expert advice on the design and continuous updating of the curriculum. Training and placements opportunities often help students build networks and gain insights into the real-world pharmaceutical industry. Our course covers a wide range of topics including pharmacology, pharmaceutical & medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, drug formulation, and drug delivery. This diverse curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the drug development process from the molecular level to manufacturing and regulatory considerations.
This course will give the chance to understand the regulatory aspects governing drug development, approval, and commercialization as a crucial component of the learning outcomes. It also includes topics on the ethical, legal, and regulatory frameworks of pharmaceuticals globally.
This program is accredited by The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS)
Placement
The course has the option of a placement year should a student wish to take this. Staff will support students in obtaining a placement (through industry contacts) where possible. Placement performance will be monitored via a placement handbook. The placement is not credit bearing.
Why Pharmaceutical Science at LSBU?
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- The Pharmaceutical Science course is accredited by the The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) ensuring adherence to high standards recognition within the field.
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- Our team is very diverse with backgrounds encompassing research, clinical practice, industry, and education. This diversity offers students a comprehensive range of knowledge and guidance, assisting them in making well-informed decisions about their future careers early in the course.
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- We take pride in our strong connections with diverse stakeholders, including the NHS; research, and industry. This enables us to facilitate year-long placements for students enrolled in the 4-year course (with placement) if they wish.
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- At the heart of our teaching methodology is a student-centered approach that caters to individual needs. The educational experience for our students is characterised by high interactivity, providing a personalised learning environment.
Location
London South Bank University student union is located at 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA.
If you are visiting our Southwark Campus, you may wish to use our downloadable campus map (PNG File 466 KB). For information on accessibility, see our DisabledGo access guides. See our location page for more details.
Entry Level Requirements
Want to start your course this September? call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.
A Level: BCC (104 UCAS points) to include Chemistry and a second STEM subject or;
BTEC National Diploma D*D, BTEC Extended Diploma DMM ideally with a good Chemistry profile or;
T Level in Science D with appropriate specialism (Chemistry).
Equivalent level 3 qualifications worth 104 UCAS points
Applicants must hold 5 GCSEs minimum grade 4 including Maths, Biology and English or equivalent
We welcome qualifications from around the world. If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall or Cambridge Proficiency or Advanced Grade C (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential. In addition, English language will be assessed in different modules throughout your course.
If you do not meet the entry criteria above we also review any previous skills, knowledge or experience you have gained outside of your education and are happy to talk through any extenuating circumstances you feel relevant.
Visit UCAS for guidance on the tariff.
Choose your country
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Missing English and Maths qualifications?
If you do not have the required English and Maths qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.
Advanced entry
If you have already completed some studies at another university, we may be able to consider you for advanced entry. Please see our advanced entry page for more information.
For more information, including how and when to pay, see our fees and funding section for undergraduate students.
Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a Home, EU or International student for fee-paying purposes and for our regulatory returns, by reading the UKCISA regulations.
See our Tuition Fees Regulations (PDF File 391 KB) and Refund Policy (PDF File 775 KB).
Possible fee changes
The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions.
The fees for international students are reviewed annually and the University reserves the right to increase the tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.
Scholarships
We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on our scholarships page.
International students
The course is not currently open to international students.
International (non Home) applicants should follow our international how to apply guide.
Accommodation
Once we have made you an offer, you can apply for accommodation. You can rent from LSBU and you’ll deal directly with the university, not third party providers. That means we can guarantee you options to suit all budgets, with clear tenancy agreements and all-inclusive rents that include insurance for your personal belongings, internet access in each bedroom and on-site laundry facilities.
Or, if you’d rather rent privately, we can give you a list of landlords – just ask our Accommodation Service.
Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.
Finance
You don't need to wait for a confirmed place on a course to start applying for student finance. Read how to pay your fees as an undergraduate student.
Prepare to start
Applicant events
After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course.
Enrolment
Before you start your course we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our Enrolment pages.
Foundation Year
If you would like to study one of our science degrees at LSBU but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc (Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the link for the Foundation Year.
The curriculum design has been informed by research and practice, taking into consideration the London South Bank University curriculum framework to enhance graduate outcomes, and with input from representatives of employers, to ensure that graduates have the skills required for a career in the pharmaceutical science sector. The curriculum enables students to acquire the knowledge, and skills to develop the range of technical and transferable skills required by Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) for the award of an accredited degree.
You will have the opportunity to study the following modules:
LEVEL 4:
- Biochemistry
This module will cover key chemical principles relevant to biological systems through understanding of the four main classes of biomolecules, namely, carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. It will examine the structure, types, functions, synthesis (anabolism) and degradation (catabolism) of each biomolecular class and their regulation. - Human Anatomy and Physiology
This module will develop student knowledge and understanding of the human anatomy and physiology. It will explore the structure, function, neurological and hormonal control of the human body, its component parts. Major body systems will be studied (musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, renal, urogenital, nervous, endocrine) and their relationship to each other will be investigated. - Microbiology
This module introduces the students to the microbial and immunology world, through the historical significance of microbiological discoveries, fundamental concepts of microbiology and immunology and how these are applied, especially in relation to medical microbiology. In parallel, students will undertake a series of practical activities to develop Good Laboratory Practice, Aseptic techniques, and an understanding of Standard Operating Procedures. - Cellular and molecular biology
This module explains the cellular organisation of living organisms. Focus will be on the regulation of cell division, cell cycle, cell death, cell specialisation and cooperation, stem cells and their self-renewal and differentiation. All this will be introduced in context of human health and disease. - Employability Skills for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science
This module will introduce students to disciplines, skills and reflective practice essential to prepare learners for employment and/or postgraduate studies/trainings in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science. The module is designed to develop & improve students’ employability skills for careers in the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. - Pharmaceutical Chemistry
This module introduces students to the fundamental principles of pharmaceutical chemistry. It explores the design, development, and mode of action of pharmaceutical agents, emphasizing the chemical basis of drug action.
LEVEL 5:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
This module will introduce the chemical nature, classification, and mode of actions of drugs and medicinal products. The biological aspects of drug chemical interactions with receptors of endogenous signalling pathways will be explained. The different methods for development of new drugs will be discussed. - Pharmaceutical Technology
This module introduces the different technologies and processes involved in the design, development, and manufacture of medicines. The module provides knowledge about both traditional and cutting-edge technologies of drug formulation and delivery. - Research skills in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science
This module is intended to develop students' understanding and research skills, data analysis and management of high volumes of biomedical and bioinformatics data using computational and statistical methods. The students will gain practical experience in developing a research proposal. The module will provide knowledge about main research principles and methodologies for data collection and analysis - Formulation and Materials Science
This module introduces foundational principles of materials science and formulation technology, with a focus on their application in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food production - Professional Skills in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science
This module is intended to develop students' skills for real world challenges. Students will be exposed to simulated work situations to give an overall appreciation of the total operation of the employer. - Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
This module introduces the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, essential to understand drug interaction to biological targets in human body. Students will study concepts, mechanisms of actions and therapeutic effects of drugs as well as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs in the human body. - Work Experience
This module is intended to develop students' skills for real world challenges. Students will be exposed to numerous work situations to give an overall appreciation of the total operation of the employer.
LEVEL 6:
- Research Project in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science
This module is intended to develop competencies and skill sets needed to undertake independent scientific research. The module work consists primarily of a laboratory, a meta-analysis, or a bioinformatics‐based investigation on a defined pre-selected topic. - Drug Design and Development
This module covers the principles and methodologies involved in the design and development of drugs, how drugs are sourced, developed, and manufactured, and how the quality of these drugs is assured to ensure patient safety. This will also cover the stages of drug development from target identification to preclinical and clinical applications. - Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry
Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry module at Level 6 advances students' understanding of bioactive natural substances, focusing on their application in drug design and synthesis. This course explores complex extraction methods, advanced analytical techniques, and the molecular mechanisms through which natural products act as therapeutic agents. - Therapeutics
This module discusses the principles and modes of practice of various therapeutics in pharmaceutical science. This includes clinical applications of drugs with emphasize on clinical-decision making and patient-centred care while using advanced treatment methodologies. - Medicines Regulation, Standards, and Quality Control
This module delivers deeper into the complex regulatory landscape of the pharmaceutical industry, exploring advanced topics in drug approval processes, global regulatory frameworks, and the latest methods in quality control and assurance. Emphasis is placed on the strategic and practical challenges faced by regulatory affairs professionals, including the impact of emerging technologies and international harmonization of standards.
Careers
Employability Service
At LSBU, we want to set you up for a successful career. During your studies – and for two years after you graduate – you’ll have access to our Employability Service, which includes:
- An online board where you can see a wide range of placements: part-time, full-time or voluntary. You can also drop in to see our Job Shop advisers, who are always available to help you take the next step in your search.
- Our Careers Gym offering group workshops on CVs, interview techniques and finding work experience, as well as regular presentations from employers across a range of sectors.
Our Student Enterprise team can also help you start your own business and develop valuable entrepreneurial skills.
The course content is tailored to address the specific needs of the local job market, enhancing the employability of graduates within the region.
Career development is embedded in the course through components such as employability and work experience modules, industry internships, professional development workshops, and a dedicated career advisory service.
Graduates are prepared for diverse roles in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, and research
The course is mapped to the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences standards and competency statements and therefore the content taught on the course meets the expected industry standards.
Teaching staff have industry contacts. These will be used to provide industry endorsement of the degree programme and off opportunities for student placements.
Teaching and Assessment
The teaching and learning (T&L) strategy employed in the course is designed to encourage a progressive approach towards the acquisition of subject knowledge and practical skills in a gradual manner, thus leading the students from a greater level of support provided in level 4 towards a more independent and self-directed learning at level 6.
The curriculum design has been informed by research and practice, taking into consideration the curriculum framework to enhance graduate outcome, and with input from representatives of employers, to ensure that graduates have the skills required for a career in the pharmaceutical science sector. The curriculum enables students to acquire the knowledge, and skills to develop the range of technical and transferable skills required by APS for the award of an accredited degree.
The course is delivered using a combination of scheduled classes, flipped learning, and problem-based studies, supplemented with students own independent study. Scheduled classes will include lectures, workshops and laboratories to develop key lab and data handling skills. Lectures are delivered mainly F2F but sometimes include hybrid delivery for unexpected circumstances. Although there is no formal requirement to record sessions, lecturers will aim to record sessions to support accessibility, whenever possible.
A range of digital technologies are used to enhance the students learning experience (e.g. Anatomy TV, polling software, computational tools such as R studio), and the course and each module has its own dedicated Moodle page.
Teaching and learning activities vary based on the module aims and learning outcomes. All modules offered at level 4 provide the basic background of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and Employability skills. Many of the first-year modules develop and assess practical skills for which students must demonstrate competence. The laboratory-based practical will predominantly use approaches that engage students through structured laboratory demonstrations, practical experiments, group work, and problem-based learning. Attendance/passing laboratory practical is compulsory to achieve an accredited degree.
Developing the students’ employability skills is of prime importance and these skills are introduced at L4 through the module “Employability Skills in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science and practiced at a higher level through the module “Professional skills in Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science”.
A schedule of personal tutoring monitors student progress especially during the first year. The details of this and the action taken by the student to address any weaknesses will be recorded.
Through the two employability-focused modules (at L4 and L5) we will provide the students with the opportunity to apply the intellectual (B1-6), and transferable skills (D1-6) acquired throughout the program and will prepare them for their chosen careers.
A key emphasis of the Pharmaceutical Science course is the development of the student’s practical and analytical skills through subject-specific and generic practical. Students are inducted into teamwork skills, and into health and safety regulations. Part of their assessment is to evaluate their performance and that of their group, to encourage them to be reflective about their approach, and to manage their activity to best effect.
The course will use a blend of formative and summative assessment, as well as self- and peer assessment. Formative assessment will provide structured feedback to support students in the summative task, therefore scaffolding the approach to assessment and ensuring appropriate development of critical thinking, academic writing, practical and technical comprehension, and creativity.
Students experience variety of assessment during their first and second years, including testing of their practical and analytical skills through level 4 modules’ coursework, practice tests and laboratory reports. Proficiency in Mathematics and English is assessed during the Research skills module. Knowledge is tested by unseen written examinations as well using essays, reports and problem-solving exercises across the modules.
Level 5 and 6 assessments is a combination of examination, a variety of coursework, including presentations, essays, in-class problem-solving exercises and calculations, devising of experiments, case studies and a final year project. The latter develops out of an extended literature search and initial experimental design (project proposal) submitted at level 5 within the Research skills module.