Pharmaceutical Science

Please note: this course is subject to approval

Medicines have the power to transform lives — but behind every tablet, vaccine or treatment is a team of scientists who understand exactly how and why it works. By studying Pharmaceutical Science at the University of Leicester, you will gain this crucial knowledge, combining rigorous scientific training with the practical skills you need to help shape the future of healthcare.

You’ll explore the entire journey of a medicine, from initial discovery to large-scale manufacture. In synthetic chemistry, you’ll learn how to design and build new drug molecules, while spectroscopy will equip you with the analytical techniques to confirm their identity and purity. Drug discovery modules introduce the strategies and technologies used to find promising therapeutic compounds, and in pharmaceutics you’ll investigate how to turn those compounds into safe, effective dosage forms.

Understanding the human body is at the heart of good pharmaceutical design. Through anatomy and pharmacology, you’ll discover how medicines interact with biological systems, targeting disease at the molecular, cellular and organ levels. You’ll study drug dosage to understand how medicines are absorbed, distributed, metabolised and excreted, ensuring they deliver the right effect at the right time. In drug manufacture, you’ll see how cutting-edge technologies scale up production while meeting strict quality and safety regulations.

This course also covers major therapeutic areas such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, infectious disease and neurological disorders, helping you link scientific concepts to real-world health challenges. In biotechnology, you’ll learn how advances like recombinant DNA technology and biologics are opening new frontiers in treatment.

Throughout your degree, you’ll gain extensive laboratory experience, working with modern instrumentation and collaborating in a supportive, research active environment. Problem‑solving, critical thinking and data analysis are built into every module, so you graduate with not only technical expertise but also the transferable skills valued across scientific and healthcare sectors.

If you want to, you can spend your third year working in an industrial placement (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2). Alternatively, you can opt to continue studying at the University and complete your degree in three years.

By the time you complete your BSc, you’ll be ready for a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, healthcare research, regulatory affairs or further postgraduate study. Whether you dream of developing the next blockbuster drug, improving manufacturing efficiency or advancing personalised medicine, this programme will give you the foundations — and the inspiration — to make a meaningful impact.

Leicester isn't just a top 25 UK university (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026), that's rated top 10 for student experience, twice (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and The Daily Mail University Guide 2026). It's cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, an incredible network of expert teaching staff, a warm campus community, and a place to call home.

What's more, all Clearing applicants are guaranteed a place in Leicester's accommodation! Expect modern furnishings, speedy Wi-Fi and cosy lounge areas - all at a range of costs and sizes. To secure a spot, make sure you've completed your application before 1st September.

With a student body made up of Midlanders, Brits, and people from across the world, you're bound to make friends for life at Leicester. Whatever you're passionate about, there are plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people, with over 150 societies including, Debating, Art, Bollywood, Archery & Tennis. Leicester is is also a student-friendly city. You've got music venues, bars, pubs & clubs all on your doorstep.