What you will study

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

Core modules

• Professional and Scientific Skills for Pharmacy
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics for Science

Year 1

Year 1 introduces the scientific basis of pharmacy, including cell biology, physiology and pharmaceutical and biological chemistry (including the importance of natural products as medicines). You will study important pharmaceutical dosage forms, formulation and manufacturing processes, physicochemical aspects of drug stability and pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements. You will gain a clear understanding of the profession of pharmacy and the practical and theoretical aspects of dispensing.

Core modules

• The Human Body
• The Role of the Pharmacist
• Making Medicines
• The Science of Drugs
• Academic and Professional Portfolio

Year 2

Year 2 places more emphasis on the role of the hospital, community and industrial pharmacists. It includes the study of pharmacy law, ethics and good dispensing practice. You will integrate science with practice, learning through case studies how chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutics affect clinical practice. You will also learn about conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as depression and those that affect the cardiovascular system such as atrial fibrillation.

Core modules

• Drug Design and Medicine Development
• Pharmacy Law, Ethics and Practice
• The Central Nervous System and Mental Health
• The Cardio-respiratory System 1
• Academic and Professional Portfolio

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on body systems and disease states. Examples of study include the role of the liver in health and disease; cancer – its causes, the science behind its treatment and the clinical management of cancer patients; and diabetes – its public health impact and management. You will have opportunities to learn alongside other future healthcare professionals and talk to patients about their conditions and treatment.

Core modules

• Infection, Immunology and Cancer
• Endocrine, Reproductive and Inflammation
• The Cardio-respiratory System 2
• Gastrointestinal, Liver & Skin Disease
• Academic and Professional Portfolio

Year 4

A major element of Year 4 is the research-based project. For this, you will receive tuition for research skills. A problem-based approach is used for advanced teaching in areas such as pharmaceutical technology and biotechnology. Professional practice topics include advanced prescription analysis, risk management and drug interventions, as well as the wider role of the pharmacist in pharmaceutical care and public health. Students run themed health campaigns directly to the public and also virtually via social media. A total of 20 placement and inter-professional activity days, mostly in hospital or community pharmacies, are spread throughout the course. These serve to introduce and develop professional skills.

Core modules

• Technology to Care
• Effective Decision-Making for Pharmacy Practice
• Research Methods and Project
• Academic and Professional Portfolio

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

After you graduate

Careers and progression

You'll graduate ready for the next steps towards becoming a pharmacist in the UK. These are a year's training in an approved pharmaceutical establishment and passing the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration exam.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

• placements
• working or studying abroad
• volunteering
• peer mentoring roles
• internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at the master's level.