BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich)
About this course
BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich), an undergraduate degree focusing on drug discovery, formulation, analysis, and the development of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, Ethics & Professional Practice, and Entrepreneurship. This four-year sandwich course includes a compulsory industrial placement of at least 48 weeks between the second and final years. The first year covers the foundations through Mathematics and Statistical Skills, Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology, Basic Skills for the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, and Properties and analysis of drug molecules. The second year builds on this with Preparing for industry, Introduction to Drug Discovery and Design, Pharmaceutical Analysis, and Foundational Pharmacology. The third year consists of the Industrial Placement module. The final year involves advanced study through the BSc Research Project Module, Innovation and Commercialisation, Biologic Therapeutics: Design and Delivery, and Advanced Delivery Systems for Small Molecules.
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 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 60%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 15%
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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- 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
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Foundational Pharmacology
- Formulation for Industry
- Introduction to Dosage Forms and Unit Operations
- Pharma Lab Techniques
- Industrial Placement
- BSc Research Project Module
- Innovation and Commercialisation
- Biologic Therapeutics: Design and Delivery
- Advanced Delivery Systems for Small Molecules
- Emerging Pharmaceutical Technologies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (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 Sciences (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 Sciences (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
The typical offer is BBB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 144 UCAS points.
Does BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences (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 Sciences (Sandwich) at Queen's University Belfast?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 15% left higher education.