BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

Key information

Typical offer:
Entry requirements
Fees: See below
Full details
UCAS code: B202
Institute code: H36
Study abroad option
Work placement option
Find out more

The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

UCAS points	A Level	BTEC	Accepted T Levels	Access Course Tariff	IB Requirement
112–120	BBC–BBB Required subjects: Chemistry (C); and another science-based subject (C).	DMM–DDM Required subjects: BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science to include a minimum of 12 chemistry-titled units at merit or above.	None	Access to Science Diploma with a merit profile in 45 credits at Level 3, 12 of which must be in Chemistry titled modules with a minimum of merit grade.	112–120 UCAS points from a minimum of two HL subjects at H4 or above to include Biology or Chemistry and one other science (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).

Additional requirements

GCSE: Grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics and Double Science.

All students from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band or equivalent.

If you do not have the required IELTS or equivalent for direct entry on to your degree programme, our Pre-sessional English and International Foundation courses can help you to achieve this level.

For more details on the University of Hertfordshire's entry requirements, please visit our Undergraduate Entry Requirements page.

Find out more about International Entry Requirements.

Why choose this course?

4th in the UK for pharmacology (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025)
98% satisfaction for learning opportunities (NSS, 2024, based on the average of Q5-9)
1st in the East of England for medical technology and bioengineering (CUG, 2025)

Want to get hands-on? You’re in the right place. Because at Hertfordshire, that’s exactly what you’ll do. We teach pharmaceutical science in small, supportive groups, based in real labs, equipped with outstanding industry technology. Every step of the way you’ll build the skills today’s employers really need. We know, because we asked them. In fact, we designed our entire course in collaboration with the biotech and pharmaceutical industries.

Our inventive, inspiring teaching team has an outstanding reputation and a strong research ethos, pouring their internationally acclaimed discoveries straight into your learning. So, whether you want to design new drugs, bring brilliant discoveries into the real world or champion patient safety, you’ll be studying as part of a vibrant, supportive scientific community.

In your first couple of years you can take advantage of peer-to-peer mentoring from final-year students, and throughout the course you’ll get the chance to go to eye-opening events and gain career insights from visiting experts and inspiring alumni. Fancy some phenomenal transferrable skills? You’ll get those too – from making presentations and working with others, to brilliantly managing your time.

What are the facilities like?

Outstanding. This course is based in our modern, fully-equipped science building, where you’ll get hands-on in specialist labs and suites dedicated to making medicines including working in pharmacology, cell biology, synthetic chemistry, analytical chemistry, formulation development and sterile manufacturing.

We continually invest in industry-standard equipment and you’ll have access to the latest software, clinical journals, dedicated learning spaces and the University’s 24/7 Learning Resource Centres. During your second-year studies, you’ll get to use Oculus Quest VR headsets which enhance your learning through 3D experiences. You’ll be able to use the headsets to ‘walk inside’ a protein to learn and see how drug molecules behave in the protein, how they can bind to a receptor, and how they can be manipulated to make changes. The headsets are a fun and interactive way of learning, which will help you get to grips with the biomechanical process of how drugs work, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of using such innovative technology within our teaching environment.

Like to pave the way for powerful new treatments? Want to help patients lead better lives? We’ve got everything you need right here at Herts.

What's the course about?

Your first year gives you a solid grounding in pharmaceutical science. You’ll find your feet in the lab and the library – learning experimental techniques, getting to grips with powerful data and analytical tools. Together, we’ll explore human physiology and biology, biology and biochemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry and the fundamentals of analytical chemistry. Together, these subjects will help you understand how to make medicines, how they work in the body and how to ensure they’re safe.

In your second year, you’ll put that learning into practice. It’s your chance to explore drug discovery and formulation, make medicines and natural products and design advanced treatments using artificial intelligence. You’ll also study lab practices, how to make sure drugs are safe and viable, and how they metabolise in people’s bodies.

By the end of the year, you’ll have the scientific know-how, lab skills and analytical abilities to secure a powerful placement year. This option is a great way to pack your CV with practical experience and insights before coming back for your final year with us.

Study abroad/work placement option: Recent students have taken placements in research institutions, healthcare companies, agrochemical organisations, environmental agencies, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Like to join them? We’ll help you find a great opportunity. Want to study abroad instead? We can open exciting doors, all over the world, with recent students going to the US, Mexico and Spain.

You’ll spend the first 12 weeks of your final year in the lab full time, working on a real-life research problem that will help you hone your lab and research skills. Finally, you’ll spend your last semester studying a simulated regulatory science module, examining how medicines are translated from the laboratory to the clinic and specialising in either medicine design or formulation development.

Find out about our Pharmaceutical Science staff

Your main campus is College Lane  

This is where the creative arts, science and health-related subjects are based. This means you’ll share the campus with future nurses, scientists, artists and more. You can use the common rooms to relax with friends, work out in the 24-hour gym or have a drink in our on-campus pub or cafes. We also have restaurants for you to eat in or grab something on the go. Our Learning Resources Centres are open 24/7, which means you can study whenever suits you best. Want to pop over to the other campus? You can take the free shuttle bus or walk there in just 15 minutes.   

What will I study?

Degree programmes are structured into levels, 4, 5 and 6. These correspond to your first, second and third/final year of study.  Below you can see what modules you’ll be studying in each.  

Level 4

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Human Physiology with Pharmacology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module has been designed to provide students with an understanding of human physiology, enabling them to describe physiological processes at cell, tissue, organ and organism levels. Topics covered will include: Homeostasis and control mechanisms Cell differentiation, basic tissues and musculature Nervous system (electrical signalling, autonomic nervous system and central nervous system) Cardiovascular system and blood Respiratory system Digestive system Renal system Endocrine system and reproduction Immune system Integrative physiology Basic pharmacology including receptor theory and pharmacokinetics to show how medicines may be effectively used to treat disease. Drug discovery, design and the process of drug development. The importance of clinical trials
Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module covers the fundamentals of analytical chemistry with respect to theory, essential tools and calculations; the principles of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The module provides the basics of analytical chemistry, presented in a contextualised manner, necessary to support other modules studied on the programme.
Foundations of Pharmaceutical Chemistry	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will cover essential areas of nomenclature, and physical, structural and organic chemistry. Topics covered include a study of the key organic functional groups, basic kinetics and thermodynamics, and an introduction to fundamental concepts in pharmaceutics. The module provides the underpinning pharmaceutical chemistry, presented in a contextualised manner, necessary to support other modules studied on the programme.
Biology and Biochemistry	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module provides the students with a contextualised introduction to the fundamentals of biochemistry, molecular and cell biology and how knowledge of these sciences is implicit in the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences. The module introduces students to the fundamental structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and explores how cell structure and organisation relates to cell function. Topics covered include: Structure of cells and their components; membrane organisation and transport; DNA organisation, replication, mitosis and cell division; gene organisation, transcription and translation; protein structure and localisation; enzyme kinetics; cell signalling; cell biochemistry and metabolism; an introduction to microbiology and the key features of microbes in relation to disease; eukaryotic genetics including chromosome analysis, Mendelian inheritance, pedigree and linkage analysis; an introduction to differentiation/development; and basic molecular biological techniques.

Level 5

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Dosage, Form, Design and Manufacture	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will introduce students to the pharmaceutical properties of drugs and the important considerations to be made during product design, development and manufacture. The anatomical and physiological barriers which drug products encounter will be emphasised to enable students to develop an understanding of the requirements for pharmaceuticals. This knowledge will be developed in parallel with an understanding of pharmaceutical materials including the physicochemical properties of drug molecules and particles and how these influence bioavailability and drug disposition. The methods used to characterise these properties will be discussed and developed as practical skills. The module will also cover the manufacture of formulations into products.
Pharmacology	30 Credits	Compulsory
This module will describe the analysis of drug actions at receptors. Specifically, terms such as affinity, potency and efficacy will be discussed through drug interactions with known receptors. Receptor signalling pathways will be explored and the role of targeting receptors in disease states will be described. The fate of drugs in the body (pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism) will also be considered because of their importance to the success of current therapeutics, and their influence on novel drug development. Drug treatment for specific diseases of the cardiovascular system, autonomic and central nervous system, and gastrointestinal system will be described. The chemotherapeutics of cancers and infectious diseases will also be studied as well as the physiological process and pharmacological treatment of pain. Limitations of existing therapies will be highlighted and new targets for drug development will be discussed in terms of the present understanding of the pathology and genetic basis of disease.
Advanced Analytical Techniques and Quality Assurance	30 Credits	Compulsory
The module covers the fundamentals and applications of the various separation techniques, spectroscopies and solid state analyses in pharmaceutical discovery and development. The process of an analysis from instrument calibration, sample preparation to data acquisition and interpretation will be covered and the additional challenges of analysing formulated materials rather than drug substances considered. The importance and applications of the analytical procedures to ensure the quality of pharmaceutical products are addressed. Students will gain an understanding of quality assurance in the pharmaceutical industry.
Methods in Drug Design	30 Credits	Compulsory
Lectures and workshops cover therapeutic targets, the sources of drugs and the use and application of modern approaches such as combinatorial and computational chemistry to identify lead compounds. The use of case studies in lectures and workshops assists in the achievement of these learning outcomes and enables the students to contextualise their understanding and knowledge. Students will undertake a practical programme which will include the development and analysis of a pharmaceutical agent.

Level 6

Module	Credits	Compulsory/optional
Year Abroad: Bioscience	0 Credits	Optional
Learning and teaching methods may include taught course, a research project, field study or a mixture of these components. The year abroad will be for two academic semesters or their equivalent. The students will therefore follow a programme negotiated but the Associate Head of school or nominee and an equivalent representative of the host institution. Prior to commencement of the Year Abroad, the student, the programme officers from the University of Hertfordshire and from the host institution will agree a learning agreement and mode of attendance
Applied and Integrated Pharmacological Science	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module focuses on the manner in which clinical research and basic research impact each other particularly in pharmaceutical development i.e. 'bench to bedside'. An advanced understanding of clinical trial design, safety testing and toxicology and pharmacogenomics will be related to the testing of medicines in human clinical trials and the area of pharmacovigilance. Ethical questions arising from clinical trials design will be addressed. The influence of regulatory requirements on the pharmaceutical industry will also be highlighted. Students will apply problem based learning approaches to interpret data from clinical studies in case studies of drug development. They will also gain an appreciation of the factors leading to the withdrawal of a drug from the market. Role play scenarios will be provided relevant to drug discovery and development where students will engage in group work.
Project	60 Credits	Compulsory
This module will cover reviewing literature, appropriate research design, ethics, data analysis including statistical analysis and preparation of the research report. Students will be supported through lectures, workshops (including statistical training), tutorials, one to one session with their supervisor and a range of formative assessments including a literature review, journal club presentation and draft dissertation. Students will be given an independent research topic with the expectation that they produce a dissertation that critically assesses their findings. Students will also gain experience in disseminating their research by producing a scientific poster and learn how to defend the research project they have produced.
Pharmaceutical Industry Practice	15 Credits	Compulsory
This module examines the practical environment and constraints in which pharmaceutical products are developed and marketed. The module will include an introduction to regulatory affairs concepts (global regulatory systems, international guidelines and quality management systems including GMP, GLP and GCP, safety and environment). Current economic models will be discussed including biotech, innovator, generic pharma and the impact of regulatory and intellectual property constraints on product development will be considered. Finally students will prepare for multidisciplinary project-based working through study of project management; team profiling and team work; business planning and pitching; presentation skills. As a component of the module, students will develop and display entrepreneurship and team-working skills by preparing a project development plan for an innovative product.
Topics in Medicine Design	30 Credits	Optional
This module option examines the processes and steps involved in the design of synthetic pathways for pharmaceuticals. The module will provide a brief introduction in the application of protecting groups in multistep synthesis; asymmetric synthesis, chemical approaches to stereoselective synthesis; strategies for the synthesis of carbocyclic and heterocyclic compounds; and retrosynthetic analysis. The application of the principles and concepts outlined above will be illustrated by examination of synthetic examples of drugs used in different therapeutic classes. Different formulation strategies for the synthesised drugs will be reviewed. The clinical applications of the synthesised drugs will be examined briefly.
Advances in Pharmaceutical Formulation and Drug Delivery	30 Credits	Optional
This module provides students with a comprehensive and critical understanding of current and emerging research trends in the development and application of the novel drug delivery systems. Fundamental concepts and strategies involved in design, development and application of drug delivery via oral, pulmonary, mucosal, transdermal, topical and ophthalmic routes will be explored. Critical understanding of existing testing techniques and its bio-relevance and evolution of novel in vitro and in vivo testing techniques to evaluate performance of novel drug delivery system will be covered. The module will also explore pre-formulation strategies employed to enable formulation e.g., to address the challenges in development of formulation for poorly soluble drugs. Topics such as absorption number, dose number, dissolution number and the Biopharmaceutics Classification System and its relation to design of formulation and biowaiver will be covered. Novel approaches and the role of chronopharmaceutics in medicines design will be covered.

Study abroad

An opportunity for an amazing experience, which will help make you stand out from the crowd. With more and more companies working internationally, experience of living in another country can make a great impression on future employers.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a sandwich year abroad. The University has partnerships with over 150 universities around the world, including the USA, Canada, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and closer to home in Europe.

If you study abroad between your second and third year of study, you’ll pay no tuition fee to the partner university and no tuition fee to us either. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about Study abroad opportunities

Please note Erasmus+ funding is only available until May 2023. For students starting their course in September 2022 and wishing to study abroad in 2023-24 or 2024-25, please refer to the Turing Scheme.
Work placement
Graduate with invaluable work experience alongside your degree and stand out from the crowd.

This course offers you the opportunity to enhance your study and CV with a work placement sandwich year. It’s a chance to explore career possibilities, make valuable contacts and gain sought after professional skills.

Our dedicated Careers and Employment team are here to help guide you through the process. You can also choose to gain an extra qualification – the Licentiateship of the City and Guilds Institute. This will greatly enhance your employability and your performance in your final year. Current employers are listed below:
- GlaxoSmithKline: Data Management - Uxbridge,
- Guy's Hospital: Drug Research Unit - London,
- Imperial College: Toxicology Unit, Faculty of Medicine - London,
- Medical Research Council - Mill Hill,
- Medifix Adhesive Products - Luton.
If you take up a work placement between your second and third year of study, at the University of Hertfordshire you’ll pay no tuition fee for this year. We’ll ask you to make your decision in your second year, so there is plenty of time to think about it.

Find out more about work placements
What if I need support?

We’re here for you. We keep our teaching groups small so everyone can get individual support, and you’ll build strong relationships with tutors and other students. If you ever have questions or worries, our open-door policy means you’re always welcome to pop in, talk things through and get the help you need.
You’ll have a personal tutor, and our programme leads and student experience team are always happy to help. If you’re finding things tough, we also have an academic support unit, and can help you tap into the University’s counselling services.

What's next for my career?

This BSc Pharmaceutical Science course has been designed with input from potential employers such as the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory bodies to provide students with highly marketable knowledge and skills for a variety of different career options.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have a huge amount of lab experience, strong transferable skills and the ability to research and document your discoveries. It’s a winning formula that helps our graduates land great jobs.

For example, you could work in formulation science, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry or regulatory affairs. Or move into food and drink, cosmetics, agrochemicals, biotechnology or research. And if you want to keep studying? Stick around. We’ve got a whole range of exciting taught MScs, an MSC by research and PhD programmes.

Graduates of the course will be fully equipped to enter the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors in a variety of disciplines, including formulation science, analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry and regulatory affairs. The course will also provide a platform for postgraduate study for those students interested in pursuing higher degrees such as MSc and PhD.
Key staff

Dr Michelle Botha
Admissions Tutor
Find out more about Dr Michelle Botha

Course fact sheets
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science	Download
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science	Download

Programme specifications
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science	Download
BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science	Download

Additional information
Sandwich placement or study abroad year	Optional
Applications open to international and EU students	Yes
Course length	Full Time, 3 Years Sandwich, 4 Years
Location	University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Apply through our international/EU application portal

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

Apply using the links below:

2025

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2025	22/06/2026	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2025	27/05/2026	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
26/09/2025	26/05/2026	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

2026

Start Date	End Date	Year	Location	Link
25/09/2026	22/06/2027	3	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time)
28/09/2026	27/05/2027	1	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)
26/09/2026	26/05/2027	2	UH Hatfield Campus	Apply online (Full Time/Sandwich)

Fees and funding
Fees 2024
UK Students
Full time
- £9250 for the 2024/2025 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15500 for the 2024/2025 academic year
Fees 2025
UK Students
Full time
- £9535 for the 2025/2026 academic year
EU Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
International Students
Full time
- £15965 for the 2025/2026 academic year
Additional costs include:
- £30 deposit for a chemistry locker – refundable
- £5 for 2 lab books – non-refundable
- £35 deposit for EVS system – refundable after year 4 of study
- For those students who wear a hijab or head cover there is a laboratory flame-proof Hijab or other head cover for £10 – non-refundable
*Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only. Fees may be higher in future years, for both new and continuing students. Please see the University’s Fees and Finance Policy (and in particular the section headed “When tuition fees change”), for further information about when and by how much the University may increase its fees for future years.

View detailed information about tuition fees

Read more about additional fees in the course fact sheet

Other financial support

Find out more about other financial support available to UK and EU students

Living costs / accommodation

The University of Hertfordshire offers a great choice of student accommodation, on campus or nearby in the local area, to suit every student budget.

View detailed information about our accommodation

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BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

Key information

Typical offer:

Fees: See below

UCAS code: B202

Institute code: H36

Study abroad option

Work placement option

Additional requirements

Why choose this course?

What are the facilities like?

What's the course about?

Your main campus is College Lane

What will I study?

International/EU applicants without pre-settled status in the UK

Home and EU applicants with pre-settled/settled status in the UK

2025

2026

Fees 2024

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Fees 2025

UK Students

Full time

EU Students

Full time

International Students

Full time

Other financial support

Living costs / accommodation

Your main campus is College Lane  