Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons) with foundation year

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Kingston University London

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science with Foundation Year at Kingston University is perfect if you’re passionate about how medicines are made and how they work in the body, even if you need a little extra preparation before diving into the degree. You’ll gain hands-on experience in modern labs while exploring chemistry, biology, and the science behind developing and analysing medicines.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year (Year 0)

The foundation year is all about building confidence and getting you ready for university-level study. You’ll work on essential skills like scientific thinking, maths, and communication, while also exploring the basics of biology and chemistry so you’re fully prepared for the main degree.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll get to grips with the core science behind pharmaceuticals. Modules like Chemical Foundations: From Atoms to Pharmaceuticals and Introduction to Biosciences and Pharmaceutics will teach you the basics of chemistry, cell biology, and how drugs are formulated. You’ll also explore Pharmaceutical Concepts, Analysis and Ethics, learning about the industry, safety standards, and ethical considerations.

Year 2

Year 2 takes you deeper into practical science. You’ll learn advanced lab techniques in Analytical Techniques for Molecular Science, understand how drugs are designed in Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, and strengthen your experimental skills with Practical and Research Skills in Pharmaceutical Science. This year is all about connecting theory to real-world lab work and developing your independent scientific thinking.

Optional Placement Year

You can spend a year working in the pharmaceutical industry, putting your skills into practice and gaining invaluable professional experience.

Final Year (Year 3 of BSc)

Your final year is where you specialise and really show what you can do. You’ll tackle advanced topics like Drug Development and Drug Delivery, master sophisticated lab techniques in Advanced Analytical Techniques and Applications, and complete a research project that lets you explore a topic you’re passionate about.

Focus Areas

Drug development, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, analytical science, formulation, and quality control.

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate ready to design and analyse drug molecules, apply advanced lab techniques, understand pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulation, and carry out independent research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The course is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS), giving you a strong professional foundation for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Reputation & Employability

Kingston University is known for its state-of-the-art labs and hands-on learning approach. Graduates move into roles like quality control analysts, research scientists, clinical trial project managers, and drug safety associates — many with excellent prospects both in the UK and internationally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kingston, this course is all about getting hands-on with real science. You won’t just be reading about drugs — you’ll be experimenting with them in modern labs, using the same advanced equipment that professional pharmaceutical scientists rely on. From day one, you’ll develop practical skills, learn to solve problems, and work in teams, all while exploring the exciting world of drug discovery and development. Here’s how you’ll get involved:

State-of-the-Art Labs: Work in the Eadweard Muybridge building’s modern laboratories, equipped with instruments like gas and liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, X-ray diffractometers, and thermal analysis tools.
Hands-On Projects: Carry out a full-year independent research project in your final year, where you design experiments, collect data, and present your findings.
Team-Based Learning: Collaborate on case studies and design projects, like creating a new drug formulation while considering safety, sustainability, and regulation.
Placement Year: Optionally spend a year in a pharmaceutical company to experience real industry work and build professional contacts.
Specialist Software: Use tools like ChemDraw and SciFinder to model molecules, plan experiments, and analyse your results.
Future Skills Development: Build digital, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills — all applied to real pharmaceutical science challenges.
Library & Independent Study: Access Kingston’s extensive libraries and online resources to support your experiments, reports, and research.

This mix of labs, projects, placements, and software ensures that by the time you graduate, you’re confident, capable, and ready to step into the pharmaceutical industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

When you graduate from this course, you’ll be ready to step straight into the world of pharmaceuticals and life sciences. Many graduates take on roles such as quality control analyst, drug safety associate, clinical trial manager, or research scientist — all positions where your lab skills, industry knowledge, and problem-solving experience really shine. With Kingston’s strong links to industry and the chance to do a placement year, you’ll be equipped to make an impact from day one.

Here’s what helps you get there:

Careers Support: Kingston’s Careers & Employability team offers one-to-one coaching, CV and interview guidance, and access to Handshake for internships and graduate opportunities.
Employment Outcomes: A high proportion of graduates move into graduate-level roles, with many finding positions directly related to their studies.
Industry Connections: Kingston works closely with companies like Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble, the NHS, Braun Medical, Nemaura Pharma, and Quotient BioResearch, giving students insight and opportunities to connect with employers.
Professional Credibility: The course is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS), giving your degree recognition that matters in both industry and research.
Graduate Success: Kingston graduates report strong employment outcomes, with many stepping into rewarding roles in the pharmaceutical sector soon after finishing their degree.

Further Academic Progression:
Once you complete your BSc, there are plenty of ways to continue your studies. You could move on to Kingston’s MSc in Pharmaceutical Science to specialise further in drug development, regulatory affairs, or research. If research is your passion, you could also pursue a PhD, building on the skills and project experience you gained during your degree.