BSc Hons Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science with Foundation Year

This degree starts with a Foundation Year for students who don’t yet meet the qualifications for the honours degree, then progresses through the core Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Science curriculum. It suits you if you like chemistry, biology and lab-work, and want to understand how medicines and cosmetics are formulated, analysed and regulated in real-industrial settings. 

Curriculum Structure

Here’s how the learning builds over time, including some module names so you can see exactly what you’ll study. 

Foundation Year (Year 0 / Level 3)
You start with the basics: human anatomy & physiology, cell biology & genetics, fundamental chemistry (physical, inorganic, organic), and general bioscience. Modules like Introduction to Chemistry, Introduction to Molecular Biology and Genetics, Fundamental Science Skills, Human Anatomy and Physiology give you the scientific building blocks, lab skills and study skills you need. This year is all about giving you confidence and grounding so you can succeed in the honours years. 

Year 1 (Level 4 Honours)
You move into subject-specific modules: Physical Properties, Organic Chemistry, Principles of Human Biology and Disease, Formulation Science, Analytical Chemistry, Biologically Active Molecules. You’ll deepen your understanding of chemical structure, human biology, and how substances act and can be measured and formulated. Laboratory work becomes more frequent. 

Year 2 (Level 5 Honours)
This year focuses more on core pharmaceutical & cosmetic topics: Pharmaceutical Formulation, Synthetic and Natural Drugs, Principles of Pharmacology, Sterile Pharmaceutical Products, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Principles of Cosmetic Products. You’ll explore how drugs and cosmetic products are made, tested for safety and efficacy, and meet regulatory standards. Practical labs and case studies are central. 

Year 3 / Final Year (Level 6 Honours)
In your final year you pull things together with advanced topics: Research Methods and Project, Industrial Product Development, Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis, Advanced Delivery Systems, Safety Assessment of Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics. You’ll plan and execute a major project, examine complex delivery systems, learn about safety assessment and regulatory controls, and see directly how industry would expect scientific work to be done. Optional placement (sandwich year) or study abroad can add extra experience. 

Focus areas

Chemistry & Analysis; Formulation & Production; Physiology & Biological Activity. 

Learning outcomes

You’ll be ready to understand drug and cosmetic product chemistry & biology; apply lab and analytical techniques; design and evaluate formulations; assess safety, regulation and delivery; do independent research and handle real-industry challenges. 

Professional alignment (accreditation)

While I didn’t find a specific external accreditation (e.g. RSC) explicitly named for the foundation-year version, the course is built around professional and industry relevance: it includes industrial placements, real formulation & analysis labs, regulatory & safety modules, and LJMU’s curriculum is structured to meet industry expectations. 

Reputation (employability rankings)

• Students say the course is intellectually stimulating: 100% in NSS 2024 for that item.

• Earnings after graduation for this field trend around £21,500 for first year, rising to ~£28,700 within five years. 

• Entry requirement is moderate (UCAS points ~88 under the CCD-CCC bracket), so accessible.