Pharmaceutical Science (with Foundation Year) BSc (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Teesside University

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science (with Foundation Year) at Teesside University is designed to help you build the scientific confidence and practical skills needed to thrive in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. It’s a great fit if you’re excited by how medicines are discovered, made, and tested, and want a supportive starting point before moving into degree-level study.

Curriculum Structure

Foundation Year

Your foundation year eases you into university-level science with supportive, hands-on learning. You’ll explore chemistry, biology, and data through modules like Big Data, Chemical Science and the Environment, Experimental Methods for Life Science, Global Grand Challenges, and Life on Earth — giving you the essential grounding you need before the main degree.

Year 1

In your first full year, you start building the core chemical and biological knowledge that underpins the pharmaceutical industry. You’ll study modules such as Biochemistry and Chemical Science, Cell Biology, Chemical and Biological Reactivity, Intro to Organic Chemistry, Structure and Bonding, and Synthetic Laboratory Skills, gaining a mix of theory and real lab experience.

Year 2

Second year takes you deeper into applied pharmaceutical sciences. You’ll work with concepts central to modern drug development through modules like Bioreactors and Fermentation, Human Metabolism and Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Organic Chemistry, Structural and Molecular Biochemistry, and Structure Determination, building the specialist skills employers look for.

Optional Placement Year

You can spend a year working in industry — a chance to build your CV, gain confidence, and apply your learning in the real world.

Final Year

Your final year brings everything together through advanced modules like Advanced Organic Chemistry, Biologics and Health Product Development, Biotherapeutics, and Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery. You’ll also complete a major Science Research Project, giving you real experience of working on a scientific investigation from start to finish.

Focus Areas

Drug discovery, synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, bioprocessing, biologics development.

Learning Outcomes

A strong understanding of how medicines are designed and developed, advanced lab and analytical skills, confidence using modern scientific techniques, and the ability to think critically about health product development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This degree prepares you for scientific roles across the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. Teesside’s labs and teaching are designed around industry expectations, helping you transition smoothly into professional scientific environments.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Teesside University was named Modern University of the Year in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026. Graduate data also highlights strong outcomes, with reported salaries around a year after graduation typically in the mid-£20k range and rising after three years.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

On this course, you won’t just sit in lectures — you’ll constantly be getting hands-on experience in environments that feel close to real pharmaceutical workplaces. From day one, you’ll learn in Teesside’s cutting-edge BIOS labs and spend time at the National Horizons Centre, where industry-level equipment, specialist teaching, and real research activity come together. It’s a degree built around doing, experimenting, and building confidence through practical work.

To give you a sense of what this looks like in practice, you’ll have opportunities such as:

Working in the brand-new BIOS building, which includes high-spec laboratories and spacious super-labs designed for intensive practical science.
Using the augmented reality lab, where you can step into virtual pharmaceutical scenarios and practise skills in an immersive, safe environment.
Accessing the National Horizons Centre, a major bioscience research facility equipped for bioprocessing, biologics, cell culture, molecular techniques, and industry-focused training.
Gaining experience through lab-based modules where you’ll perform synthetic chemistry, fermentation, molecular biology, analytical testing, and real drug-development techniques.
Using digital and computer-based tools for simulations, molecular visualisation, data analysis, and bioinformatics.
Taking part in group projects, especially during workshops and modules like Global Grand Challenges, where you and your classmates work together on real-world scientific issues.
Choosing an optional industry placement year, giving you the chance to work in pharma, biotech, or research settings and apply your skills in a professional environment.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave ready to take on exciting scientific roles. Many move straight into pharmaceutical research and development, quality assurance or quality control, regulatory affairs, or clinical trials support roles. With hands-on lab experience and a solid understanding of chemistry, biochemistry, and drug development, you’ll have the confidence and skills to hit the ground running in industry or pursue higher-level opportunities.

Here’s how Teesside helps you turn your degree into a career:

Career support services: The Student Futures team offers one-on-one guidance on CVs, applications, and interviews, plus access to the Talent Pool, connecting you directly with employers.
Employment stats and salaries: Around 90–100% of graduates go on to work or continue studying within 15 months, with typical starting salaries in the £23,000–£33,000 range.
University–industry partnerships: You’ll benefit from the National Horizons Centre, a state-of-the-art biosciences research and training hub with strong links to pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Long-term value: Even though this isn’t an MPharm, your skills in research, analysis, and lab techniques are highly valued across R&D, regulatory, and manufacturing roles.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni work in pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organisations, government, and regulatory bodies, giving you a wide range of potential career paths.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to keep learning, this degree can be a springboard to postgraduate study — including an MSc in Pharmaceutical Science, a Master of Research (MRes), or even a PhD, opening doors to advanced research or specialist roles in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.