Pharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)

Why choose this course?

Pharmaceutical science can benefit and transform patients' lives. Spanning the worlds of chemistry and biology, it discovers, develops and analyses medicines. If you're considering a career in the pharmaceutical industry, this course will give you the knowledge and practical skills for success.

This course explores drug discovery, pharmacology, toxicology and examines the most effective ways that medicines are manufactured, packaged, stored and administered. You'll take part in innovative research, including new methods of drug delivery and drug synthesis.

Attendance UCAS code/apply Year of entry
3 years full time BB22 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including sandwich year BBG2 2023 (Clearing)
2024
4 years full time including foundation year B208 2024
6 years part time Apply direct to the University 2023 (Clearing)
2024

B208 is now full for 2023 entry – please apply for 2024 entry.

For 2024 entry, please submit your application before the UCAS deadline as this course may not be in a position to consider applications submitted after this date.

Location Penrhyn Road

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course is one of the first to be accredited by the UK by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS).
  • You'll gain extensive practical experience in new laboratories after a £6.8 million investment.
  • There is an optional sandwich year, which gives you the opportunity to gain experience of how pharmaceutical science is applied in an industrial situation.
  • 95.7% of students were satisfied with the IT resources and facilities on this course (NSS 2023).

What you will study

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Optional sandwich year

Final year

Year 1 introduces biology, chemistry, and physiology, and pharmaceutical science itself. The Foundation Chemistry for Pharmaceutical Science module introduces formulation science, pharmacokinetics and molecular modelling, emphasising practical work and instrumental techniques. An academic skills module covers all the fundamental transferable skills that employers value eg. use of IT, problem-solving. An academic skills module covers mathematics, statistics, generic study skills and information technology, giving you skills valued by employers.

Core modules

Introduction to Spectroscopy and Experimental Techniques

30 credits

This module provides an introduction to basic laboratory techniques and procedures such as weighing and volumetry, proceeding to descriptions of laboratory manipulations, elemental analysis and general practical knowledge. There is included an introduction to spectroscopic techniques in terms of simple theory, as well as a practical introduction to the identification of simple organic compounds. These compounds will sometimes be synthesised in the course of the practical element of the module, which will also serve to demonstrate laboratory techniques of preparation and purification of these organic materials.

Academic Skills for Molecular Sciences

30 credits

This is a core module for all chemistry and pharmaceutical science programmes. The module aims to give you a thorough grounding in mathematics, statistics, key and transferable skills (e.g. exam strategy, effective use of calculators, library and referencing, avoiding plagiarism, problem-solving and personal development planning etc.) and IT skills.

Foundation Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module for Pharmaceutical Science degree courses. The module revises some content taught at A-Level before expanding on this content to give foundation knowledge of the core chemistry concepts required for progress within the field of pharmaceutical science.

Bioscience 1

30 credits

This module introduces the fundamental principles of the biochemical processes that occur within the cell. The module deals with prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, basic tissue types, microbial entities and organisms that include; viruses, bacteria and fungi. In addition, It is designed to introduce cell biology and microbiology, particularly with reference to human physiology and the pathological microorganisms affecting it. The module progresses from the subcellular through to the cellular and then to tissues and a few selected organ systems; examining the mechanisms that maintain homeostatic balance.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Describe the major cell components of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, their chemical metabolites and macromolecular components, together with the structure and composition of cellular entities including; chromosomes, genes, membranes and organelles.
  • Describe the variety of organisms studied in the discipline of microbiology and the fundamental aspects of disease caused by microbial organisms.
  • Explain the common metabolic pathways involved in the anabolism and catabolism of simple and complex molecules and their control and regulation.
  • Describe information storage and utilisation within cells.
  • Discuss the structural and functional characteristics of major tissue types of the human body and relate the importance of the variety of organ systems in the body to homeostatic mechanisms.

Year 2 places emphasis on organic and medicinal chemistry and develops practical skills, especially in pharmaceutical analysis - important in relation to the actions and characterisation of drugs. Building on the pharmaceutical chemistry learned in Year 1, you will study the properties and formulation of pharmaceuticals. You will also study the effect of drugs in living systems and the principles of the immune system. There will be an introduction to micro-organisms in relation to human disease, their control and safe working practices. Year 2 explores organic and medicinal chemistry applied to the design and synthesis of drug molecules. Year 2 also focuses on the experimental aspects of pharmaceutical science, developing skills for conducting independent laboratory investigations. There is also the opportunity to develop other transferable skills, important to your employability and career planning.

Core modules

Organic and Medicinal Chemistry

30 credits

This is a core module Level 5 module for the Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science fields.

The module seeks to develop and expand your knowledge of both Organic Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry subject areas and introduces important principles, reactions and mechanisms in organic chemical reactivity as well as basic mechanisms of drug action. It develops your understanding of the methodology of organic synthesis following concepts introduced at level 4 and includes important organic chemistry topics such as carbanion reactivity of carbonyl compounds, the reactions of aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds, stereochemistry, asymmetric synthesis and retrosynthesis

It also introduces the specific reasons why a small amount of a drug molecule can exert a complex biological response. It uses examples from a range of medicinal areas in order to illustrate these key processes as well as giving an introduction on the ideas of drug design and the role this plays in the modern pharmaceutical industry.

This module also gives you experience of using spectroscopic techniques for chemical structure elucidation. Lectures and workshops are designed to develop your problem-solving and team-working skills. Practical skills will also be developed during two 3-hour laboratory experiments from weeks 9 to 12 of teaching block 1. These experiments will reinforce the concepts of enolate and aromatic chemistry taught during teaching block 1. In teaching block 2, you will present a poster concerning a medicinal natural product, to integrate organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry in a real-world context. This module is essential for those wishing to take the more advanced Level 6 Organic Chemistry modules.

Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics

30 credits

This module incorporates elements of pharmacology, toxicology, immunology and pharmaceutics (including formulation science). The module gives a grounding in the processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion which underlies many of the toxicological and pharmacological effects of biological agents. In addition, how drug formulation affects the bioavailability of a drug and how the physiology of the human system affects these processes will be discussed. The module includes an introduction to immunology which is considered important as recent developments in drug development involve antibodies as therapeutic agents. Major factors involved in the effective and safe delivery of therapeutic agents to human populations will be reviewed.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate how different formulations of a medicinal product affect pharmacodynamics (how drugs cause change in the body) and pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion).
  • Outline the concepts of both the innate and adaptive immune system.
  • Examine the effects and response to environmental, chemical and microbial toxins.
  • Discuss the various types of dosage form design and explain the relevant physico-chemical principles involved in the choice of dosage form.
Analytical Science

30 credits

This module is a core requirement in the Pharmaceutical Science, Forensic science and Biochemistry fields. The module introduces students to the applications of analytical science within analytical biochemistry, clinical chemistry, forensic analysis and the pharmaceutical sciences. It allows you to build your knowledge, practical skills and interpretation skills whilst implementing the analytical process model using scenario-based learning.

Practical and Research Skills in Pharmaceutical Science

30 credits

This module deals with new laboratory techniques to enable development of practical skills and data interpretation through a range of experiments that encompass organic synthesis, drug formulation and pharmacology/immunology. The module aims to provide the skills and methodologies to partake in a research programme, such as literature searching, data analysis and producing a short critical analysis of a research article.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Employ a variety of practical techniques to prepare isolate, purify and identify synthesised compounds and/or drugs/metabolites.
  • Use appropriate computer-aided resources to complete assignments, draw chemical structures; to retrieve information from databases and analysis of data and/or research paper.
  • Demonstrate an awareness for research planning and execution.
  • Produce a short critical analysis of a current/topical research journal article.
  • Carry out research on potential careers open to pharmaceutical science graduates and to present and explain findings to peer group.
  • Plan and report practical work in a manner appropriate to the pharmaceutical industry.

An optional sandwich year between Years 2 and 3 provides the opportunity to gain experience of how pharmaceutical science is applied in an industrial situation. The industrial placement tutor will help you find a paid placement.

Final year exposes you to specialised areas of pharmaceutical science which includes how drugs are manufactured in industry and how they are introduced onto the shelf. You will learn about new and innovative research linked to pharmaceutical science including new methods of drug delivery. The Topics in Pharmaceutical Science module enables specialism in particular, specialist areas of pharmaceutical science. You will also undertake a year-long research project, applying, in an experimental context, the theoretical knowledge you have gained in the previous two years. Final year has two option modules: one develops and enhances analytical skills, crucial to all aspects of the production of pharmaceuticals in the UK; the other deepens knowledge of natural product chemistry.

Core modules

Project

30 credits

This module is a core module for Level 6 Pharmaceutical Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences top up and Pharmaceutical Studies students and an option module for Forensic Science students. The module provides you with an opportunity to undertake a scientific project and develop skills required to plan a project, develop a methodology, analyse the data and disseminate the results. Two types of projects are offered to you: an experimental or a non-experimental project. The end point is the same in both cases: review and critical evaluation of data generated from laboratory experiments or collected from published works.

Drug Development

30 credits

This module deals with the pharmacology involved in the treatment of various disease types and details the synthetic chemistry behind the development of drug molecules and evaluates the structure activity effects from pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic perspectives. The module also outlines the process for intellectual property protection and exploitation, toxicological events that might affect the body and the body's immunological response to toxic insult or disease.

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the mode of action of a range of modern drugs against a number of disease states.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in drug synthesis and spectroscopic characterisation.
  • Critically evaluate the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of changes to the structure of certain drugs and suggest appropriate synthetic methodology to accomplish this.
  • Describe a range of toxins and their effects on the body and how the body may respond.
  • Explain the process for patent protection and the steps involved in bringing a drug from bench to market.
Topics in Pharmaceutical Science

30 credits

This module is a core module for the Pharmaceutical Science BSc and Integrated Masters courses. This module aims to address the need for a synoptic/capstone module which draws the whole course together.  It introduces various aspects of chemical and pharmaceutical industry pertinent to their future career and aims to cover a wide range of topics covering Drug Delivery, Polymers and Biomaterials, patents, intellectual property, health and safety, and legislation.  Many of the descriptive parts of the module are reinforced by workshops and group debate to develop their communication, teamwork and independent learning skills. There are also lectures, workshops and practical sessions to demonstrate and reinforce the concept learnt.

Organic and Natural Product Chemistry OR Advanced Analytical Science

30 credits

Choose one of the following:

Organic and Natural Product Chemistry

The module builds upon, and develops further, topics introduced in Year 2, such as stereoselective synthesis and retrosynthetic analysis. In addition, new topics are introduced such as pharmacognosy, combinatorial chemistry, photochemistry, free radical chemistry and pericyclic reactions. The lectures and associated workshops will encourage the development of problem solving and team working skills, in order to prepare students for their future careers. These skills will be practised during laboratory-based exercises, where students will participate in group "mini-projects" which will be assessed using a range of methodologies that include oral presentations, report writing and poster presentations.

Advanced Analytical Science

This module takes forward the themes of spectroscopy that were introduced in the previous modules and develops a more rigorous theoretical footing and advanced applications. In parallel to this, analytical themes are introduced covering radiochemical analysis, electroanalysis and thermal analysis.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Pharmaceutical Science at Kingston University

Pharmaceutical Science student Sonia talks about her experience studying at Kingston University:

Entry requirements

If you would like to join us through Clearing 2023, please call our Clearing hotline on 0800 0483 334 (or +44 020 8328 1149 if you are calling from outside the UK) and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable hotliners who will be able to provide information on available courses and will guide you through your options.

Please note the entry requirements listed below are for 2024 entry only.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-levels to include minimum grade C in A-level Chemistry and one other science subject (second science can be Biology, Physics or Mathematics). General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Chemistry) only must have merits in the following units:

  • Unit 1 : "Principles and Applications in Science 1"
  • Unit 5: "Principles and Applications in Science 2"
  • Unit 13: "Applications of Inorganic Chemistry"
  • Unit 14: "Applications of Organic Chemistry"

T-Level:

  • Merit in T-Level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Typical offer 2023

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 32 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-levels to include minimum grade C in A-level Chemistry and one other science subject (second science can be Biology, Physics or Mathematics). General Studies and Critical Thinking not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Diploma/Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Chemistry) only must have merits in the following units:

  • Unit 1 : "Principles and Applications in Science 1"
  • Unit 5: "Principles and Applications in Science 2"
  • Unit 13: "Applications of Inorganic Chemistry"
  • Unit 14: "Applications of Organic Chemistry"

T-Level:

  • Merit in T-Level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Science subject (Applied Science or Chemistry) which has been passed with 112 UCAS points including 15 L3 credits in Chemistry with minimum of 9 L3 credits at Distinction and 6 L3 credits at Merit; 15 L3 credits in Biology at minimum of Merit grade.

Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. View our standard entry requirements from your country.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching include lectures, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 345 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 699 hours
Year 2
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 386 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 724 hours
Year 3
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 348 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 552 hours

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 1
  • Coursework: 45%
  • Exams: 55%
Year 2
  • Coursework: 21%
  • Practical: 15%
  • Exams: 64%
Year 3
  • Coursework: 57%
  • Practical: 7%
  • Exams: 36%

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 85 students and lecture sizes are normally 85­-130­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course?

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories;
  • specialist equipment, such as:
    • gas and liquid chromatography;
    • electron and confocal microscopy;
    • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
    • nuclear science equipment;
    • thermal analysis;
    • x-ray diffractometers; and
    • electrochemical analysis;
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

What our students say

The first time I came to this university all the lecturers looked very friendly and they were happy to help me, explain everything to me and even check my essays and reports before submission. The workshops were also very useful, they taught us how to prepare for exam questions. Also my course mates in Kingston were very friendly as well. The English department I used to improve my English was very good. I really liked it.

I remembered that the first time I came to Kingston, Dr Freestone and Dr Ho were the first lecturers that wished me Happy Chinese New Year. This really impressed me, because that was the first time I heard someone wish me this in the UK.

Huiwoon Yeo – Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons)

Kingston University has taught me a great deal about the ways to learn, how to compromise in group projects, taught me patience while working with people with strong opinions but mostly showed me the wide range of good people and personalities that on paper shouldn't work but in reality do. Out of all I've learnt I can say Kingston University has proved that sometimes you should expect the unexpected and have fun along the way.

I'd like to thank Dr Bal Ghatora for everything. For her support and open door policy – which I used frequently. She understood our position and helped whether it related to the module she taught us or not. Nobody else could have been there for me like she was.

Debbie Boateng – Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons)

Course fees and funding

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500
Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200
Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2023/24 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2023/24 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250*
Foundation Year: £9,250
International

Year 1 (2023/24): £15,800
Year 2 (2024/25): £16,200
Year 3 (2025/26): £16,600
Year 4 (2026/27): £17,000

For courses with a sandwich year, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has recently announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

After you graduate

Many of our graduates work in the pharmaceutical industry, research or clinical laboratories, hospitals and in education.

Examples of graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Research scientist
  • PhD student
  • Drug safety associate
  • Strategic alliance manager
  • Research assistant
  • Quality control analyst
  • Clinical trial project manager
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Optical assistant/dispenser
  • Marketing research
  • Medical publisher

Employers

  • Parallel Drug Imports
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Braun Medical
  • St George's Hospital
  • EH Lilly
  • NHS
  • King Opticians
  • ALcontrol Lab
  • Nemaura Pharma Ltd
  • Quotient BioResearch
  • Syngenta
  • Medtrack

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements
  • working or studying abroad
  • volunteering
  • peer mentoring roles
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

 

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10 per cent discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni.

What our graduates say

I wanted to study in London and after seeing the fantastic NSS scores for the pharmaceutical science programme at Kingston, it seemed like the best option in the area. The town was also attractive as it seemed like there was a lot to do along with the excellent connections to central London.

A typical day on the Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons) course would consist of lectures, workshops and laboratory sessions between 9.00am and 6.00pm. Not all days were this long, however it is fairly common. Workshops were a chance to practice questions eg. past exam questions with an academic present; these sessions were a good chance to reflect on the material from lectures and work with your classmates to solve problems and engage in academic discussion. Practical sessions ranged between 2 and 3 hours in length and  involved a variety of experiments - such as synthesising different therapeutic compounds, carrying out analysis on samples to become familiar with analytical instrumentation and lots more.

Personally, the most interesting module was Drug Development in the third year of the course. This particular module covered such a broad range of topics, it was difficult not to enjoy it. We studied cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases to understand the mechanisms by which the disease occurs and subsequently, how drugs can be designed to treat them and the specifics of their modes of action. This module is definitely one to look forward to.

Not only did the variety of laboratory sessions prepare the students to go into industry, but the variety of academic material also prepared us to go into areas of intellectual property and more office-based jobs. For me personally, the research project undertaken in my third year has most prepared me for when I graduate as I will be going on to begin a masters and PhD,  therefore this research experience was excellent for my academic confidence and research skills.

The best thing about studying at Kingston has been the staff.  They have been so welcoming and supportive throughout my three years, as well as providing the best teaching I could have hoped for.

Be sure to read through the module descriptors on the course page on the University website so you fully understand what the course entails. If you are interested in how therapeutic compounds work and how they are synthesised, then this course is perfect for you. This course opens so many doors career-wise within the pharmaceutical industry, so with this degree behind you, it's your choice.

Felix Sheffield – Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons) Graduated July 2018

Previously, I completed two years in another UK university offering pharmaceutical science. I made the decision to transfer to Kingston University for a better academic experience. Personally, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The support and guidance that I received from staff and the access to ultra-modern facilities at Kingston University enabled me to reach my full potential.

Almost all the lecturers have an open door policy which has had a great impact on my learning as it gave me the opportunity to be even more inquisitive as a scientist. Kingston allowed me to be a confident, proactive student with no limit to my progression. During my final year, I worked on a project titled: 'Inverse agonism in hypertrophied cardiac cells. 'My supervisor gave me a huge amount of support and constantly believed in me so that I performed particularly well in this module which really made me feel like a skilled and competent laboratory scientist.

The course layout is extremely well structured and accessible for all. Having experience in two universities, I feel that Kingston knew how to get the best out of me and all the other students enrolled on the pharmaceutical science degree. The coursework that I did throughout the years helped me develop many skills. I learnt to be innovative during a business pitch assessment. I learnt how to manage and lead group projects, as well as how to be independent and lead projects independently as I did in my project.

I was also a taekwondo athlete for the University, competing at several student and national competitions. The sports programme at Kingston helped me financially which allowed me to juggle my commitments so that I could still compete at a high level. There is a great gym on campus which again allowed me to keep a healthy balance as a student and an athlete.

The staff will push you to the maximum so that you make the most of your abilities and talents, which is the best thing as a young, keen student. If you are willing, they will be there to get you through to reach your goal. I am pleased to say I graduated with a first-class honours in Pharmaceutical Science BSc in July 2018. Two months later, I have landed my first role in an energy and chemical consultancy company in Oxford.

Kiran Gabbi – Graduated 2018

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

  • provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
  • improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
  • enhance your CV
  • lead to a graduate job
  • enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
  • help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employersConstruction-based placement roles 
RG Group
Multiplex
Costain
Willmott Dixon
Fluor
Assistant site manager
Assistant trades package manager
Assistant logistics manager
Health and safety officer
Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser
GSK
Drug Control Centre
Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd
Various local and international hospitals
Bioanalytical sciences
Lab assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus
BAM Nuttall
Nissan
Bosch
Wozair
Analysis of aircraft structure
Construction resources specialist
Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employersComputing and IS-based placement roles
Disney
Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe
IBM
McKinsey
Intel
Database coordinator
Software developer
Website developer
App developer
Mathematics-based placement employersMathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group
AXA
Allianz
PAU Education, Spain
Analyst
Investment solutions
Research analyst
Accounts assistant

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.