BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich)
About this course
BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich), an undergraduate degree focusing on the biological and chemical foundations of drug development, cellular systems, and biopharmaceutical production. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Project Management. The programme includes a compulsory industrial placement year of at least 48 weeks between the second and final years. The first year establishes core knowledge through Mathematics and Statistical Skills, Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology, Properties and analysis of drug molecules, Cellular Physiology, and Systems Physiology. The second year advances into specialized topics including Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Foundational Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Biotechniques, alongside pre-placement training. The third year consists of the full-time industrial placement. The final year concludes with the BSc Research Project Module, complemented by advanced study in Personalised Medicine and Therapeutics, Innovation and Commercialisation, Microbial Biotechnology, and Applied Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBB including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR BBB including Biology and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR BBB including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 IB: 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and at least one of Biology (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 OR 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and at least one of Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
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What students say
Based on about 28 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 64%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 35%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Other Health Professionals: 77%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Elementary occupations: 4%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 2%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Modules
- Mathematics and Statistical Skills
- Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology
- Basic Skills for the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences
- Properties and analysis of drug molecules
- Cellular Physiology
- Systems Physiology
- Preparing for industry
- Introduction to Drug Discovery and Design
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Foundational Pharmacology
- Introduction to Dosage Forms and Unit Operations
- Biotechniques
- Industrial Placement
- BSc Research Project Module
- Personalised Medicine and Therapeutics
- Innovation and Commercialisation
- Microbial Biotechnology
- Applied Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast earn?
The median salary is £37,000 after 15 months. After fifteen months the middle half of graduates earn between £36,000 and £40,000. The £37,000 median after fifteen months is £10,000 more than the UK median for Pharmacology.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 153 UCAS points.
Does BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.