Queen's University of Belfast - Medical Faculty
BSc in Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyBelfast, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 25,300 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* EU and international student
Key Summary
Introduction
The UK pharmaceutical industry headquarters two of the largest global companies in pharma and employs 63,000 people, with nearly half involved in research and development (R&D). Ireland’s sector has similar success and accounts for more than 5% of global pharmaceutical production. Graduates entering this space play an important role in the development of new medicines with global employment opportunities existing at all stages of the product pipeline. Our BSc degree course in Pharmaceutical Sciences aims to create the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, able to work in all stages of the drug development process as part of a multidisciplinary team. You'll learn about drug discovery, formulation, manufacturing, and regulation with a focus on small-molecule medicines. Working with some of the world’s leading researchers, you will be exposed to cutting-edge technology that will feed into the pharmaceutical industry of the future.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Highlights
- Global Opportunities
- Industry Links
- World Class Facilities
- Internationally Renowned Experts
- Further Study Opportunities
- Student Experience
Admissions
Curriculum
Year 1
- Pharmaceutical and Applied Microbiology (20 credits)
- Properties and analysis of drug molecules (40 credits)
- Basic Skills for the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Sciences (0 credits)
- Pharmaceutical Physiology - BSc (40 credits)
- Mathematics and Statistical Skills (20 credits)
Year 2
- Biotechniques (20 credits)
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (20 credits)
- Introduction to Drug Discovery and Design (20 credits)
- Introduction to Dosage Forms and Unit Operations (20 credits)
- Pharmaceutical Analysis (20 credits)
- Foundational Pharmacology (20 credits)
- Preparing for industry (0 credits)
Year 3
- Applied Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (20 credits)
- BSc Research Project Module (40 credits)
- Microbial Biotechnology (20 credits)
- Personalised Medicine and Therapeutics (20 credits)
- Industry: Quality, Regulation and Entrepreneurship (20 credits)
Assessment
Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
How students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. Most modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end-of-semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are made available to students online.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
Studying for a BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology degree at Queen‘s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organizations, and academic institutions.
The School of Pharmacy has introduced a range of activities to support successful employability post-degree. These include industrial visits to local pharmaceutical industries, employability workshops, writing CVs and job applications, psychometric tests, and interview preparation techniques.
Graduate Opportunities
The prospects of employment for a graduate with a BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology degree in the UK are high. Graduates can pursue careers in the Pharmaceutical and Medical devices industry. Opportunities also exist in areas relating to Research and Development, Manufacturing and supply, and commercial or support functions.
Employment after the Course
The prospects of employment for a graduate with a BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) degree in the UK are high. Graduates can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Opportunities also exist in areas relating to R&D, manufacturing and supply, and commercial or support functions.
Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports, and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised by a world-leading university, but you'll also have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
Facilities
Program delivery
Contact Teaching Hours
Personal Study
- 25 (hours maximum)
- Hours quoted are per week.
Large Group Teaching
- 8 (hours maximum)
- Large Group Teaching (e.g. lectures) 6 - 8 hours per week. Please note: this is an average weekly amount across the teaching semester
Medium Group Teaching
- 8 (hours maximum)
- 4 hours practicals 2 hours workshops 2 hours tutorials (Hours quoted are on average per week across the programme) (Hours quoted are per week.)
Teaching Times
The course is taught across the week from Monday through to Friday. Wednesday afternoons are teaching free.
Learning and Teaching
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high-quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practices in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential.
The Pharmaceutical Biotechnology degree programme provides a range of learning experiences, which enable our students to engage with world-leading research experts and develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in the pharmaceutical and related industries.
During their degree programme, students will make use of advanced pharmaceutical equipment, develop knowledge of innovative drug delivery technologies and have access to a world-class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Students will also have the opportunity to engage in a range of work-related learning opportunities which will help build knowledge and understanding of industrial processes and develop an ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team.