Pharmaceutical Sciences, BSc Hons
Our pharmaceutical sciences degree covers all relevant disciplines from biology to pharmacology. It delivers theoretical knowledge plus plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience in the lab.
This degree will give you a broad understanding of pharmaceutical sciences. It explores areas such as biochemistry, biology, physiology, pharmacology, and drug design and delivery. You will also get practical experience with a project and laboratory work.
Graduate careers include roles in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, research and development, food industries, quality control and manufacturing. The course is a stepping stone to qualified person status with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. You can also apply for membership of the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
UCAS points
104 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
B202 M BSc/PharS
Department
Campus
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 5 years part-time
- 4 years sandwich
Start month
September
Home/international fees
2021/2022 fees
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our pharmaceutical science course. When you join us, you'll be taught by an experienced team whose expertise and knowledge closely reflects the modules of this course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners with industry experience, lab technicians, and external experts who provide guest lectures on some modules. Our PhD researchers also offer lab support, which our undergraduate students find very useful.
Come and meet us
Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
Typical offer: 104 points
Qualifications: three A-levels / Extended Diploma / combination of A-level and Diploma / A-levels and Extended Certificate
Subjects:
- A-level: 32 Points from chemistry (or related subject)
- BTEC National: Extended Diploma in Applied Science
- A-level and BTEC National: Diploma/Extended Certificate in Applied Science and 32 Points from A-level chemistry (or related subject)
- Plus GCSEs in English language, mathematics, and one science subject at grade C / 4 or above. We also accept equivalent qualifications at Level 2, such as Functional Skills in mathematics and English.
We will also consider:
- AS-levels along with A2-levels
- Alternative qualifications at Level 3, such as OCR Cambridge Technicals, AQA Tech-level, the International Baccalaureate and Access to Science
- Appropriate qualifications such as an HNC, HND or Foundation Degree, with which you may be able to enter this degree in Year 2 or later
- Applications from mature students.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
This section helps you understand more about how you'll learn based on standard delivery of teaching and learning on campus.
However, as a response to COVID-19 we are currently operating a 'blended model' of teaching and learning (except for distance-learning courses). This means a combination of face-to-face sessions on our campuses with online lectures. There is additional support for any students who are unable to attend campus because they are ill or shielding. We'll continue to offer blended learning to all our students, in line with government guidelines, for as long as we are advised to. If government or local authority rules require it, we may be limited to offering online-only learning but will return to blended learning as soon as we are safely able to do so.
You can find out more about how we are supporting our students.
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Timetabled learning
- Independent study
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
A typical student intake per year across our pharmaceutical courses is 30. Lectures are normally attended by 30, and seminars/tutorials by 30.
First year courses may be shared across a number of science modules, resulting in large lecture groups of up to 100 students. Subject-specific modules tend to be smaller. A typical science intake has 30 students in a dedicated module.
Similarly, in the second and third year, some core modules taken by all students are larger, while optional modules are smaller (20-40 students per group), enabling close interaction with lecturers.
Independent learning
At university, you must develop the ability to work more independently than you have done before. In the early stages of the degree, you will receive a higher level of support from module leaders and personal tutors. In years 2 and 3, you will need to demonstrate an increasing ability to build upon material delivered in lectures and laboratories through independent reading. Greenwich graduates should be able to think and work independently, analytically and creatively to solve problems.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Part time courses
Whilst the university tries to ensure that part-time attendance is one day of the week only, this cannot be guaranteed for every course and subsequent years. For further information regarding part-time timetables contact fes-courseinfo@gre.ac.uk
Assessment
On this course, on average, students are assessed by:
- Examinations
- Coursework
Students are assessed through a combination of course work, exams and practical assessment where relevant. You can view more information about how each module on this course is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date. Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Full time
Part time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2021/2022 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
Fees information International fees
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Safety equipment
Science students are provided with lab coat and safety glasses free of charge. You'll be expected to pay for prescription safety glasses (approx. £90+) if you choose to purchase them.
Field trips
The cost of field trips is activity dependant. Some are free, while others may require a contribution. You are not obliged to pay for field trips in order to complete your course.
Professional memberships
The standard professional memberships attached to accredited courses are covered by your tuition fees. You are welcome to take up additional professional memberships at your own cost.
Resources
Course texts and other study resources are available from the Drill Hall Library. You may wish to purchase your own copies. You also receive an allowance for printing costs, which you can top up if required.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Students go to a range of companies and organisations of varying sizes for their placements, including large multi-national firms, government agencies, the NHS and small to medium sized companies engaged in research, analytical services and manufacturing (for Engineering include civil engineering and construction companies).
- Previous students have worked in: Eon, Dyson, ADEY, PS Analytical and E-liquids, GSK, NHS hospitals.
- IAESTE (British Council) placements to Brazil, Dubai and Poland.
- We have a dedicated team to search for and inform students about relevant opportunities and help students prepare for interviews.
How long is my placement?
Students can undertake a summer placement lasting 6 weeks to 3 months. This can be related to a credit rated course at Level 6, or can be undertaken for work experience, acknowledged by a Certificate of Industrial Experience.
Students are also encouraged to apply for sandwich placements lasting between 9-12 months which sit between the second and third year of the degree.
What are the financial arrangements?
The faculty expects that students will be as far as possible treated like other employees of the company or organisation.
It is expected that students on sandwich placements will be paid throughout their time with the company. In some cases, students on summer placements have had expenses only covered by the company.
Students on sandwich placements pay a reduced fee to the university for their placement year.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates can find work in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries (production development, analytical science, quality assurance and information science), research and development, teaching, forensic science, environmental pollution and health and safety.
Are internships available?
Interns can gain valuable employment experience within the faculty – subject to resources. Personal tutors will be able to advise students on where to access programme internships.
Do you provide employability services?
We have a team dedicated to enhancing student employment outcomes. This includes an Employer Partnerships Manager, who works with companies to provide placement and employment opportunities.
Our team will also help you understand the jobs market, produce effective CVs, and prepare for a graduate job and placement applications in your final year.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We have a Learning Skills Coordinator and a writing Fellow, both of whom support students in improving their writing skills. Additional support in mathematics is also available through the Drill Hall library. All students are allocated a personal tutor throughout the duration of their studies.
We also offer an additional course 'Learning Skills for Science' aimed at Foundation stage students. The academic support available will enhance student performance.
Support from the department
Students within the Faculty of Engineering and Science have a Retention and Success Officer (RSO). This role provides an additional layer of support for student engagement, and provision for extenuating circumstances, withdrawals and interruptions, Faculty level resit and Personal Development Planning enquiries.
The university-wide STAART (AccessAbility Retention and Transition) programme encourages and supports students with a disability, providing support for disabled students.
Accommodation information
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate prospectus or check our related courses below.
Science at the University of Greenwich
Whether you’re interested in molecules, human anatomy or forensic detail, our science degrees offer you the opportunity to acquire the skills you need in a supportive, employment-focused environment.
Visit our science subject page.
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