Pharmaceutical Science

Pharmaceutical science is the study of how drugs are discovered, developed, manufactured, and regulated, combining chemistry, biology, physiology, and pharmacology to understand how medicines interact with the human body and how they can be produced safely and effectively. It is a field of enormous practical importance: the development of new medicines to treat disease, the optimisation of existing drug formulations, and the regulatory systems that ensure medicines are safe and effective all depend on the knowledge and skills that pharmaceutical scientists develop.

At London South Bank University, this three-year full-time programme gives you a thorough grounding in the science underpinning the pharmaceutical industry. You will study drug chemistry, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, formulation science, analytical methods, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance, developing both the theoretical understanding and the laboratory skills that pharmaceutical careers demand. The programme is taught by academics who are active researchers, meaning your lecturers are directly engaged with current developments in the field and bring up-to-date knowledge into their teaching.

The pharmaceutical science landscape changes rapidly as new drug targets are identified, new delivery systems are developed, and regulatory frameworks evolve, and the curriculum reflects this dynamism. The programme includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, giving you significant professional experience in the pharmaceutical or related industries before you graduate. This practical exposure is particularly valuable in a sector where industry connections and laboratory experience are central to employability.

You will develop strong laboratory skills, analytical competence, and the scientific literacy to engage with primary research literature and regulatory documentation.

Graduates go on to careers in the pharmaceutical industry, including research and development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, formulation, and clinical trials. Many also move into the NHS, healthcare technology companies, and contract research organisations. Postgraduate study in pharmaceutical science, drug development, or regulatory affairs is a common route for those wishing to specialise.