Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of East London

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science at UEL is your chance to dive into the world of medicines — from how they’re discovered and made to how they work in the body. It’s perfect if you love science, enjoy lab work, and want a degree that could lead to an exciting career in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll explore the basics of chemistry and biology that make medicines work. Modules like Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Fundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology give you hands-on lab experience while helping you understand how drugs interact with the body.

Year 2:
Year 2 is where you get into the heart of pharmaceutical science. You’ll study Infection & Immunity, Fundamental & Experimental Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, and Drug Discovery, Development & Regulation, learning how drugs are developed, tested, and safely brought to market. A Research & Career Development module also helps you build professional skills for your future career.

Optional Placement Year:
You can take a year in industry, working in a lab or a pharmaceutical company. This gives you practical experience, boosts your CV, and helps you make connections before you graduate.

Year 3:
Your final year is about mastering advanced topics and applying what you’ve learned. Modules like Medicinal Chemistry, Natural Products and Discovery, Application of Analytical Techniques in Pharmaceutical Quality Control, Toxicology, Biopharmaceuticals, and your Research Project let you develop real research skills and specialist knowledge in drug development and analysis.

Focus Areas

Drug design and formulation, pharmacology, toxicology, analytical testing, biopharmaceuticals, natural product discovery, and regulatory science.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to develop, test, and analyse drugs; understand how medicines work and their safety profiles; carry out research projects; and communicate confidently in professional or scientific settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS), which means it meets high professional standards and gives your degree real value in the industry.

Reputation (Employability & Student Success)

UEL’s School of Health, Sport & Bioscience scores highly in the National Student Survey (NSS) for teaching and support. Graduates are highly employable, with around 83% in work or further study six months after graduating, and APS accreditation gives you an extra edge with employers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UEL, studying Pharmaceutical Science isn’t just about sitting in lectures — it’s about getting your hands on real lab work, working with others, and experiencing the kind of tools and environments used in the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll spend lots of time in modern teaching labs, using industry-standard equipment, while also benefiting from online learning tools that support your studies. From small group projects to independent research, the course is designed to help you build practical skills that employers value.

Here’s how you’ll gain experience throughout your degree:

Work in specialist laboratories, including the Analytical Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Science lab, using instruments like HPLC, UPLC, and GC‑MS to analyse real samples.
Take part in group projects and presentations, building teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills alongside your peers.
Choose to complete short work placements in Year 1 or 2, or a full sandwich placement year, gaining real-world experience in pharmaceutical companies or research labs.
Conduct your own final-year Research Project, applying techniques from quality control, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology to answer real scientific questions.
Enjoy field trips and external visits, such as exploring the Royal College of Physicians Medicinal Garden to see how many drugs originate from natural sources.
Use digital learning tools, including UEL’s Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle), Microsoft Teams, and Career Zone, to manage coursework, collaborate, and connect with industry mentors.
Access dedicated research labs, including tissue culture, pharmacology, and physiology labs, giving you a taste of real research work while studying.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with a BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science from UEL opens doors to a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Many graduates find roles as laboratory technicians, quality control analysts, pharmaceutical scientists, or dispensers in the NHS and private industry. Your degree equips you with the practical and theoretical skills that employers are looking for, giving you a real head start in the job market:

Career Support at UEL: The Career Zone helps you plan your path with one-on-one coaching, mentoring, CV support, job boards, and workshops specifically designed for science students.
Graduate Success Rates: Around 83% of UEL graduates are in work or further study within six months of finishing their degree, showing strong employability.
Industry Connections: UEL has partnerships with NHS trusts and pharmaceutical companies, meaning your learning is aligned with real-world industry needs.
Professional Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS), giving your qualification extra credibility with employers.
Career Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in labs, research centres, and pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, as lab technicians, scientific officers, or quality control analysts.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are great options at UEL:

MSc in Pharmaceutical Science (with specialisms): Deepen your expertise in drug design, pharmacology, toxicology, or biopharmaceuticals.
Research & PhD: UEL’s strong research programs in drug discovery, immunology, and clinical science give you a pathway to MRes or PhD study, if you’re interested in a career in research.