Enter OTP
Queen’s University Belfast’s BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences is a three-year degree that dives into how medicines are discovered, made, tested, and regulated. It’s ideal for students who enjoy chemistry, biology (and a bit of maths) and want to play a hands-on role in improving health through science.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll begin by building a strong foundation in the core sciences. Modules like Mathematics and Statistical Skills, Pharmaceutical Physiology, Cellular Physiology, and Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology introduce you to the biological and chemical principles behind medicines. Alongside lectures, you’ll spend plenty of time in the lab, learning experimental techniques, how to analyse data, and how to communicate your findings clearly — all essential skills for a future scientist.
Year 2
In the second year, the focus shifts to more specialised pharmaceutical topics. You’ll explore modules like Pharma Lab Techniques and dive deeper into formulation science, analytical chemistry, and drug development. This stage helps you understand how molecules are transformed into effective medicines and gives you more independence in carrying out complex experiments and interpreting results.
Year 3
Your final year is where everything comes together. You’ll study advanced topics in formulation, complex pharmaceutical analysis, scale-up, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs. A major highlight of this year is the independent research project, where you’ll work closely with academic experts on a topic you’re passionate about — gaining real-world research experience that’s highly valued by employers.
Focus areas: drug discovery, formulation and delivery, analytical chemistry, regulatory science, manufacturing and scale-up
Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate able to design and evaluate drug molecules, analyse pharmaceutical systems, manage quality control and regulatory compliance, work independently in a lab, and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
Professional alignment (accreditation): While this degree is not a professional pharmacy qualification, it’s developed in close consultation with the pharmaceutical industry. The course aligns with industry standards and prepares you for roles in drug development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or further research.
Reputation (employability rankings): Queen’s University Belfast has an excellent reputation for graduate outcomes, with 93% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months. The School of Pharmacy is highly regarded globally, and the university consistently ranks among the world’s leading institutions in pharmacy and pharmacology.
This program isn’t just about lectures and textbooks—you’ll get plenty of opportunities to learn by doing. From the first year, practical lab sessions let you handle real equipment and test ideas hands-on. By Year 3, you’ll step into the industry through a full-year sandwich placement, where you’ll experience how pharmaceutical companies develop and test medicines, handle regulatory processes, and work in professional teams. In your final year, an independent research project lets you dive deep into a topic you’re passionate about, giving you real experience in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication.
Key hands-on experiences include:
Industrial Placement (Year 3): A year-long placement in a pharmaceutical or related company, giving real-world exposure to drug development, manufacturing, quality control, or regulatory affairs.
Research Project (Year 4): An independent project where you design and conduct experiments, analyze results, and produce a dissertation under academic supervision.
Laboratory Skills: Practical sessions throughout the course to master drug formulation, analysis, and testing techniques using modern facilities like the McClay Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Professional Development: Modules and workshops focusing on teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills relevant to the pharmaceutical industry.
Networking Opportunities: Seminars, industry talks, and visits to pharmaceutical companies help you build connections early.
Graduates from this program leave with a strong mix of scientific knowledge and practical skills, making them highly sought after by the pharmaceutical industry. Many step straight into roles such as drug development scientist, quality control analyst, regulatory affairs officer, or formulation scientist. The sandwich year gives you a real edge, helping you understand workplace expectations and build professional networks before you even graduate.
Here’s what this degree opens up:
University Career Services: Queen’s offers dedicated support with CV building, mock interviews, and placement networking to help you secure your first role.
Employment Stats & Salary: Graduates typically find positions in leading pharmaceutical or biotech companies in the UK and abroad, with starting salaries in line with industry standards for science graduates.
Industry Partnerships: Strong links with pharmaceutical companies provide guest lectures, workshops, and placement opportunities, giving insight into current industry practices.
Accreditation Value: Completing this degree equips you with the professional grounding recognized by employers across the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors.
Graduation Outcomes: Many graduates go on to work in industry, while others continue with postgraduate study, including MSc or PhD programs in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, or biotechnology.
Further Academic Progression:
If you choose to continue your studies, the degree provides a solid platform for postgraduate research or professional master’s programs. Graduates have pursued MSc and PhD studies in areas such as drug development, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical biotechnology, allowing for specialization and advanced career opportunities in research or academia.
BBB including Biology and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4International 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/4All applicants must have GCSE English Language grade C/4 or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each test component or an equivalent acceptableAmerican HSD: AP-4 4 4, SAT- 1290 (min 620 Maths, 650 ERW). ACT: 27Standard Indian XII (10+2) examinations from CBSE, CISCE or State Boards of Higher Secondary Education are acceptable for admission with an average mark of 70 - 85%TOEFL iBT*: 90 with minimum marks as follows: Listening - 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology IndustryInternational Healthcare Policy & NGOMédecins Sans FrontièresEU/UN Health AgenciesAcademic & Clinical ResearchRegulatory BodiesMedical Communications & Health JournalismScience Diplomacy & International RelationsTeaching & Educationand Corporate Roles
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
Queens University Belfast
