Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmaceutical science is the discipline that bridges chemistry and medicine, applying the principles of biochemistry, organic chemistry, and molecular biology to the understanding of how drugs are developed, manufactured, and work in the body. It covers how medicines are designed to interact with biological targets, how they are formulated for delivery, how they are manufactured and quality-assured, and how their safety and efficacy are evaluated. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most scientifically demanding and commercially significant sectors in the economy, and graduates with this kind of training are consistently in demand.
At Teesside University, this full-time, three-year degree includes a sandwich year and work placement opportunities, ensuring that substantial professional experience is built into the programme. You will study the key principles of biochemistry, including the structure of the atom, chemical bonding, molecular forces, chemical reactions, and biological pathways. You will investigate the chemistry of carbon and the complex three-dimensional molecules that make life possible, and you will study crucial groups of biological molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
This scientific foundation supports the pharmaceutical applications of the degree, connecting fundamental chemistry to the real challenges of drug development and manufacturing. The typical entry tariff is 88 UCAS points.
Graduates from pharmaceutical science programmes are sought across the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, in roles including formulation scientist, quality assurance and control, regulatory affairs, analytical scientist, and research and development. The NHS and clinical laboratories also employ pharmaceutical scientists. The sandwich year placement is a significant asset in a sector where industry experience is highly valued at the graduate entry level.
Postgraduate study in pharmaceutical science, pharmacology, or medicinal chemistry is available for those who wish to specialise further or pursue research careers.