Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc (Hons) | University of Nottingham

International student

Course overview

Learn about the discovery and design of medicines at a world top 15 university for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World Rankings by Subject 2025). Prepare for a career where you can develop new drugs and medicines to transform people's lives.

You'll use case studies throughout the first two years. The case studies bring together the core sciences that make up pharmaceutical sciences:

Chemistry

Drug design and discovery using organic chemistry
Analytical chemistry to study the structure and purity of drug molecules

Pharmaceutics

The science of designing and formulating medicines
Understand the properties of drugs and medicines through physical chemistry

How you will learn

You will broaden and deepen your knowledge of pharmaceutical science using a wide variety of different methods of study. Pharmaceutical science has become a collaborative discipline, and our degree programme takes this into account with core modules focusing on drug discovery, bioscience and pharmaceutics.

As well as more traditional individual study methods, where you work on challenging problems, you will also collaborate with other students in group activities.

Teaching methods

Lab sessions
Lectures
Tutorials
Workshops
Problem classes
Online activities

How you will be assessed

In years one and two, you will be assessed by a combination of written and electronic exams (70%) and coursework (30%). In year three, about 50% of the assessments will be exams, and 50% coursework (depending on your optional modules).

You will be given a copy of our marking criteria which provides guidance on how your work is assessed. Your work will be marked in a timely manner and you will receive regular feedback. The pass mark for each module is 40%.

Your final degree classification will be based on marks gained for your second and subsequent years of study. Year two is worth 33% with year three worth 67%.

Assessment methods

Coursework
Lab reports
Poster presentation
Research project
Written exam

Contact time and study hours

As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. Contact time is approximately 15 to 18 hours per week with about 40% of contact time spent in lectures, 40% in labs, and 20% in workshops.

The remaining time will be spent in tutorials, doing original research and completing e-learning activities. There is also time needed for independent study.

Core modules are typically delivered by professors, assistant professors or associate professors. Occasionally, guest speakers from industry contribute to teaching. Some (lab) classes may be supported by PhD students or research staff.

Modules

6 modules

Biopharmaceutics

This module introduces the fundamental principles of biopharmaceutics — how physicochemical properties, dosage-form design and physiological barriers influence drug absorption and bioavailability.

You will study:

principles of aqueous and non-aqueous dispersed systems, suspensions and emulsions
formulation effects following major routes of drug administration
physiological barriers to absorption and mechanisms of drug transport
basic concepts of pharmacokinetics — absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME)
quantitative concepts such as half-life, clearance and volume of distribution
experimental and calculation-based approaches used to evaluate bioavailability

Cardiovascular and Haematology

Using examples from cardiovascular disease and haematology, you will be introduced to the molecules of life, cellular structure and the components of cells including lipids, carbohydrates, proteins and nucleic acids. You will be introduced to drug interactions with receptors and cellular signalling cascades.

Drug Structure

This module covers:

drug structure and bonding
valency, orbitals, electronic configurations and bond types
conjugation, aromaticity, resonance and their relevance to acid/base chemistry
nomenclature, functional groups
stereochemistry
an introduction to spectroscopy

This module introduces the basic concepts of molecular structure that underlie the physicochemical properties of drugs and their interactions with pharmacological binding partners. You will learn how to draw the chemical structures of drug molecules, name them and understand their composition, three-dimensional shape and flexibility.

Endocrine and Metabolism

This module considers:

an introduction to the human endocrine system and the body’s metabolic processes
hormonal control of metabolism
an introduction to common endocrine and metabolic diseases and their treatments
the fate of drugs within the body – specifically metabolism and the role of solute transporters in absorption and excretion

You will study human endocrinology and metabolism - processes essential for normal growth and survival. The effects of malnutrition and hormonal imbalance on health and homeostasis will be evaluated with specific referrals to metabolic and endocrine disorders. Pharmacological intervention strategies and the metabolism of therapeutics will be examined.

Synthesis and Analysis of Drug Molecules 1

This module introduces concepts of reactivity, which are rationalised in the context of the basic reactions that are used to form the bonds in organic molecules. You will acquire a mechanistic understanding of the reactions that are used to form carbon-carbon and carbon-heteroatom bonds in simple functionalised aromatic and aliphatic drug molecules.

This module covers:

basic concepts of reactivity, including collisions, valence electrons, electronegativity, charge, acid-base chemistry, orbital theory, electron flow, nucleophiles and electrophiles – and application of these concepts to nucleophilic additions to carbonyl compounds
C-heteroatom bond formation reactions, including C-N, C-halogen, C-O and C-S bond-forming reactions
structure determination of drug molecules, including spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, MS) and chromatography methods
C-C bond formation reactions, including organometallic reactions, enol and enolate chemistry
electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions

The Science of Medicines

This module covers:

a foundation on the principles that underlie the processing and manufacture of solid dosage forms
an understanding of the material science and physical chemistry of pharmaceutical powders
formulation and production of solid dosage forms (tablets and inhalation formulations)

The action and stability of drugs is influenced by the physical, chemical and biological properties of the components used in the formulation of medicines. By using tablets as an example of solid dosage forms, you will learn about the importance of crystallization and crystal forms, the stability of medicines, and the properties of powders.

6 modules

Advanced Drug Delivery

This module explores how formulation design and materials engineering can be used to control drug distribution and therapeutic performance. You will study:

novel materials for pharmaceutical formulations, including polymers and nanomaterials
bioelectronic and responsive delivery systems
controlled-release and long-acting injectable formulations
physiological and cellular barriers influencing absorption and distribution
drug-targeting approaches such as polymer–drug conjugates, antibody–drug conjugates and stealth nanoparticles
integration of formulation design with biological and clinical requirements
use of digital tools for formulation design, data analysis and presentation

Drug Design

This module considers:

key concepts in modern drug discovery, including foundations and terminology
molecular recognition; structure-activity relationships (SARs)
structure- and ligand-based design
ADME/DMPK and physicochemical optimisation
computational and biophysical methods used in drug design

The module employs case-study-led learning: the application of the above methods to real drug classes and targets to illustrate alternative routes to successful (and unsuccessful) design.

Infection and Immunity

This module provides:

an introduction in microbiology, covering bacteria and viruses
how microbial contamination during pharmaceuticals manufacture is controlled, including information on quality and sterility assurance, sterilisation techniques and sterility testing within the pharmaceutical industry
antibiotics and non-antibiotic antimicrobials and their use
an introduction to the cells, molecules and diseases of the human immune system
an introduction to recombinant DNA technology and prokaryotic and viral gene regulation

In this module, you will study microbiology, learning about pathogenic microbes including viruses, and the roles of bacteria in health and disease.

You will learn how the body generates immunity and the causes of diseases associated with faulty immune responses will be considered.

In applied microbiology you will be introduced to recombinant DNA technology.

Oncology

This module provides:

an introduction to signal transduction networks using examples related to oncology
an introduction to the process of cell division
an introduction to the Hallmarks of Cancer
an introduction to the roles of oncogenes, tumour suppressor genes and genes involved in eukaryotic gene regulation, DNA replication, recombination and repair
pharmacology of cytotoxic and molecularly targeted chemotherapy
an introduction to nanoformulations and biopharmaceuticals such as monoclonal antibodies and their use in the treatment of cancers

Using examples related to oncology, you will explore signal transduction networks, eukaryotic gene regulation, DNA replication, recombination and repair.

You will examine in detail receptor-mediated signalling, and study how drugs perturb signalling cascades.

You will also learn about processes involved in cell division and, with examples, how conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents target DNA and halt cell division.

Development of nanoformulations and production of biopharmaceutics (monoclonal antibodies) in eukaryotic cells will be considered.

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

This module introduces the science and technology underpinning biotechnology-derived medicines (“biologics”).

You will study:

manufacture of biotechnology products, from cell culture and purification to formulation
protein and nucleic-acid therapeutics, including monoclonal antibodies and RNA technologies
physicochemical properties influencing biological drug stability and degradation chemical and physical modification strategies (e.g. PEGylation, antibody drug conjugates)
formulation and delivery approaches for macromolecular therapeutics
physiological and immunological barriers to biologic delivery
laboratory methods for production of biopharmaceuticals

Synthesis and Analysis of Drug Molecules 2

This module considers:

strategies for total and semi-chemical synthesis
aromatic, heterocyclic, macrocyclic, peptide and oligonucleotide drugs with increasing structural complexity
the synthesis of diverse chemical analogues for structure-activity relationship assessments

You will learn about further synthetic methodology that is used to prepare drug molecules with increasing structural complexity.

You will gain an understanding of how structurally and functionally complex drug molecules can be assembled synthetically from simple starting materials.

4 modules

Biologics

This module covers:

advances in protein and antibody technologies
new biological entities, including RNA and cell-based therapeutics
advances in gene therapy, including genome-editing techniques
formulation of biological products
laboratory techniques for aseptic manufacture of biological products and sterility and stability testing of biological products
industry and patient views of biological products

Natural Products

Following a diminishing role in the past few decades, natural products are re-emerging as a source for drug discovery. You will focus on a topic that you find most interesting such as genomic and analytical techniques that supplement traditional methods of studying natural products, (semi)synthesis of natural products or advances in small molecule formulation.

Pharmaceutical Research Project

This module provides:

an opportunity to undertake an original research study
first-hand research experience and insights into scientific methodology, through the undertaking of a review of published work and experimental and/or computer-based work to investigate a selected topic
the opportunity to use state-of-the-art instrumentation available in the School of Pharmacy

Science and Industry

This module covers:

an overview of the pharmaceutical industry and the process of discovery and development of pharmaceutical products
principles relevant to manufacturing methods and quality assurance processes
pharmaceutical regulations and guidelines, including quality-by-design
principles relevant to manufacturing, including sustainability and life-cycle assessment
formulation and development of biopharmaceutical products
development of standard operating procedures in the laboratory

Select student type

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

A levels

ABB

30 points overall

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

ABB including chemistry and at least one further science A level from biology, maths, physics or further maths
A pass in the practical element of science subjects is required if assessed separately
The third A level can be any subject apart from our excluded subjects below

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking and citizenship

GCSEs

Maths 5 (B) or above and English 4 (C) or above

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

IB Diploma 30 points overall with 6,5, in chemistry and a second science subject in any order, or IB Higher Level Certificates 6,5,5 including chemistry and a second science subject in any order

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Consequently we treat all applicants with alternative qualifications (besides A levels and the International Baccalaureate) on an individual basis, and we gladly accept students with a whole range of less conventional qualifications including:

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

This list is not exhaustive. The entry requirements for alternative qualifications can be quite specific; for example you may need to take certain modules and achieve a specified grade in those modules. Please contact us to discuss the transferability of your qualification. Please see the alternative qualifications page for more information.

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science (Biomedical Science) DDD

Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science content has been studied. We will consider the following:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus A level grade B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus A level grades BB

The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Access to HE Diploma

Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:

Access to HE Diploma 24 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 graded Level 3 credits at Merit. 15 credits from acceptable chemistry units* must be achieved at grade Distinction.
15 credits from either maths, biology or physics units must achieved with a minimum of nine Distinctions and six Merits.

* Organic Chemistry is an essential Access to HE Diploma unit.

Contextual offers

We make contextual offers to students who may have experienced barriers that have restricted progress at school or college. Our standard contextual offer is usually one grade lower than the advertised entry requirements, and our enhanced contextual offer is usually two grades lower than the advertised entry requirements. To qualify for a contextual offer, you must have Home/UK fee status and meet specific criteria – check if you’re eligible.

Foundation progression options

If you are a Home applicant and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry to this course, you may be interested in researching our Science with Foundation Year BSc or Science with Foundation Year MSci course. Students successfully completing and meeting the specific progression requirements of the Science with a Foundation Year course are guaranteed progression on to a selection of undergraduate courses. Please note progression to some courses may require meeting additional criteria such as a successful interview.

You can view all pathways and progression criteria in our progression table.

Mature students

At the University of Nottingham, we have a valuable community of mature students and we appreciate their contribution to the wider student population. You can find lots of useful information on the mature students webpage.

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham Malaysia.

If you are successful in applying to study abroad, you will get the opportunity to broaden your horizons and enhance your CV by experiencing another culture. Teaching is typically in English, but there may be opportunities to study in another language if you are sufficiently fluent.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

In order to study abroad you will need to achieve the relevant academic requirements as set by the university and meet the selection criteria of both the university and the partner institution. The partner institution is under no obligation to accept you even if you do meet the relevant criteria.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university’s control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.

Tuition fees

2026/27 (UK undergraduate students)

This is the UK undergraduate tuition fee for the academic year 26/27. It will increase for the academic year 27/28 to £10,050.

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), please visit our fees page.

Additional costs

All students will need at least one device to approve security access requests via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). We also recommend students have a suitable laptop to work both on and off-campus. For more information, please check the equipment advice.

As a student on this course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. You should be able to access most of the books you’ll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies.

It is essential to have your own laptop or PC to have access to our virtual learning environment and complete and submit coursework.

If you study abroad, you will need to consider the costs of travel and living expenses in the country that you choose.

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships. These funds can provide you with an additional source of non-repayable financial help. For up to date information regarding tuition fees, visit our fees and finance pages.

Home students

Over one third of our UK students receive our means-tested core bursary. Full details can be found on our financial support pages.

A 'home' student is one who meets certain UK residence criteria. These are the same criteria as apply to eligibility for home funding from Student Finance.

Quick glance

All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements listed apply to 2026 entry.

30 points overall

A levels

ABB

IB requirements

IB score

30 points overall or 655 in 3 HL certificates

IB requirements

IB Diploma 30 points overall with 6,5, in chemistry and a second science subject in any order, or IB Higher Level Certificates 6,5,5 including chemistry and a second science subject in any order

A level and GCSE requirements

Required subjects

ABB including chemistry and at least one further science A level from biology, maths, physics or further maths
A pass in the practical element of science subjects is required if assessed separately
The third A level can be any subject apart from our excluded subjects below

Excluded subjects

General studies, critical thinking and citizenship

GCSEs

Maths 5 (B) or above and English 4 (C) or above

Alternative qualifications

We recognise that applicants have a wealth of different experiences and follow a variety of pathways into higher education.

Access to HE Diploma
Advanced Diploma
BTEC HND/HNC
BTEC Extended Diploma

RQF BTEC Nationals

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma Applied Science (Biomedical Science) DDD

Other applications are assessed on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science content has been studied. We will consider the following:

RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma DDD
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Diploma DD plus A level grade B
RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus A level grades BB

The required A levels for mixed BTEC and A level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Access to HE Diploma

Applications are assessed on an individual basis. Where an offer is made, our standard requirements are:

Access to HE Diploma 24 graded Level 3 credits at Distinction and 21 graded Level 3 credits at Merit. 15 credits from acceptable chemistry units* must be achieved at grade Distinction.
15 credits from either maths, biology or physics units must achieved with a minimum of nine Distinctions and six Merits.

* Organic Chemistry is an essential Access to HE Diploma unit.

IELTS/English requirements

IELTS

6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element)

English language requirements

As well as IELTS (listed above), we also accept other English language qualifications. This includes TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE, GCSE, IB and O level English. Check our English language policies and equivalencies for further details.

For presessional English or one-year foundation courses, you must take IELTS for UKVI to meet visa regulations.

If you need support to meet the required level, you may be able to attend a Presessional English for Academic Purposes (PEAP) course. Our Centre for English Language Education is accredited by the British Council for the teaching of English in the UK.

If you successfully complete your presessional course to the required level, you can then progress to your degree course. This means that you won't need to retake IELTS or equivalent.

High school qualifications

Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.

Visa restrictions

International students must have valid UK immigration permissions for any courses or study period where teaching takes place in the UK. Student route visas can be issued for eligible students studying full-time courses. The University of Nottingham does not sponsor a student visa for students studying part-time courses. The Standard Visitor visa route is not appropriate in all cases. Please contact the university’s Visa and Immigration team if you need advice about your visa options.

Foundation progression options

If you don't meet our entry requirements there is the option to study the science foundation programme. You may have the opportunity to progress onto the BSc programme, subject to your performance on the foundation programme. There is a course for UK students and one for EU/international students.

Mature students

Study abroad

On this course, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner institutions or at University of Nottingham Malaysia.

You can choose to study similar modules to your counterparts in the UK or expand your knowledge by taking other options.

The school you are joining may also have additional study abroad options available. Please visit the school website for more information.

Please note

Disclaimer

Tuition fees

If you are a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland, you may be asked to complete a fee status questionnaire and your answers will be assessed using guidance issued by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).

For full details including fees for part-time students and reduced fees during your time studying abroad or on placement (where applicable), see our fees page.

Additional costs

It is essential to have your own laptop or PC to have access to our virtual learning environment and complete and submit coursework.

If you study abroad, you will need to consider the costs of travel and living expenses in the country that you choose.

Due to our commitment to sustainability, we don’t print lecture notes but these are available digitally.

Scholarships and bursaries

International students

We offer a range of international undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars who can put their Nottingham degree to great use in their careers.

I started my course in September 2020. Some of my favourite modules are: cardiovascular and haematology; infection and immunity; and synthesis of complex drugs, because these are the ones in which I performed my best. There are also study groups which you can join that can help you in your first year. Practical classes are my forever favourite where I already feel like a scientist (decked up in a lab coat and playing with the equipment)."

Tanishka

Pharmaceutical Sciences Bsc

Careers overview

The knowledge and skills that you'll gain from this course can lead to roles working in:

drug discovery
medicines regulation
medical affairs
drug formulation
manufacturing
patenting and licencing
analytical testing

As you will study elements of chemistry, biosciences and pharmaceutics it means you will be able to explore jobs in any of these areas.

Other opportunities to help your employability

The Nottingham Internship Scheme provides a range of work experience opportunities and internships throughout the year.

The Nottingham Advantage Award is our free scheme to boost your employability. There are over 200 extracurricular activities to choose from.

Job prospects

Average starting salary and career progression

The average starting salary for pharmaceutical sciences undergraduates within 15 months of graduation was £31,126 (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22-2022/23).

Careers advice

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain's leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top 10 in The Graduate Market in 2013-2024, High Fliers Research).

Welcome to your campus

At University Park, nature, architecture and student life come together on one unforgettable campus. Explore beautiful green spaces, unwind by the lake and enjoy a vibrant sense of community. It’s the perfect setting for an extraordinary university experience where you can learn, grow and thrive.

Pharmaceutical Sciences - U6UPHSCIS

Course overview

Teaching and learning

Modules

Core modules

6 modules

Biopharmaceutics

Cardiovascular and Haematology

Drug Structure

Endocrine and Metabolism

Synthesis and Analysis of Drug Molecules 1

The Science of Medicines

Core modules

6 modules

Advanced Drug Delivery

Drug Design

Infection and Immunity

Oncology

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Synthesis and Analysis of Drug Molecules 2

Core modules

4 modules

Biologics

Natural Products

Pharmaceutical Research Project

Science and Industry

Select student type

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£9,790 per year

Entry requirements

3 years full-time

£33,000 per year

Careers

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