BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

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Introduction to our Pharmaceutical Science degree

Video still of Dr Basel Arafat addressing the camera in a lab Hear from Course Leader Dr Basel Arafat

Studying Pharmaceutical Science at ARU

Explore and understand the science behind drug discovery, development and distribution, and develop essential laboratory skills, with our BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science degree.

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Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

Our Pharmaceutical Science degree course will develop your understanding of the science that underpins medicine, preparing you to translate scientific discoveries and technological advances into improved healthcare.

As part of your degree, you’ll learn all about how the human body functions, the impact diseases can have on the body and how normal function can be restored through the use of drug therapy.

Not only that, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on skills that will give you the edge in the pharmaceutical industry, including essential laboratory skills, research techniques and both inter and intraprofessional skills.

What’s the difference between pharmaceutical science and pharmacy?

Pharmaceutical science focuses on the research and development of new medical treatments. Pharmacy focuses on dispensing those treatments directly to patients.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and accreditation

Student working in ARU Chelmsford lab

Facilities and support

As part of your Pharmaceutical Science studies with ARU, you’ll be able to enhance your learning experience with:

  • our category 2 Level SuperLab in Chelmsford
  • research-active lecturers who’ll make sure you’re being taught the latest techniques, and give you the support you need to succeed.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Careers

Once you graduate, you’ll be in a strong position to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry where you could find yourself focusing on research, quality assurance or regulatory affairs. You could even utilise your new-found knowledge to give you the edge in marketing or sales.

Do you need a Pharmaceutical Science course to become a pharmacist?

No, to become a pharmacist you need a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree. However, to become a pharmacy technician there are several possible routes, including a Diploma in Pharmaceutical Science combined with a Pharmacy course.

Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us, of course. You might decide to stay at ARU and study for a Masters, such as our MSc Pharmaceutical Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

A student looking into a microscope Inside the Chelmsford SuperLabs

Teaching in the SuperLabs

Discover what teaching looks like for our Pharmaceutical Science and Medical Science students.

Apply now for BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

The Lord Ashcroft Building on ARU's Chelmsford campus

Life in Chelmsford

Chelmsford has something for everyone, and our green, modern campus is just ten minutes from the city centre.

Get to know Chelmsford

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

University students in a lecture theatre

Foundation year available

This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.

More about foundation years

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