Course summary

This degree integrates the design and development of drug, cosmetic and hygiene products with emerging areas such as systems biology, pharmacogenetics and translational medicine – areas that directly address the needs of the UK pharmaceutical industry. You start by gaining a common core of chemical, biological and pharmaceutical knowledge before shifting to deeper study of areas such as medicinal chemistry; drug discovery and drug development. You also explore sector business models, exploring how science has evolved to meet pharmaceutical industry demands. Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Contemporary STEM building with high-tech labs and vibrant study spaces, providing you with a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

• Cell culture lab and specialised analytical science suite.

• HPLC, FTIR and GC-MS machines, alongside facilities for qPCR and protein purification, allowing you to carry out cutting-edge pharma and biotech experiments.

• Our Life Sciences Liaison Board works with industry professionals across the pharma-biotech, health and food sectors, including Glaxo Smith Kline, Pharmaron, NHS, Life Science Group and Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Our collaboration within the sector help you establish links and gain valuable work experience.

• Our academics are involved in real-world research, leading the way in target areas such as obesity, cancer pathways, medicines discovery and development.

• You gain experience in innovative research, including drug target, discovery and synthesis.

• Our academic staff’s active involvement in the field ensure you keep up to date with emerging practices and the latest pharmaceutical developments.

• Our staff research and professional expertise feeds directly back into their teaching, creating a vibrant, practical-oriented learning environment.

• We have strong links within the clinical and industrial sectors, making sure our courses are aligned to industry needs and offer you the opportunity for work experience.

• Take part in masterclasses by a range of experts including Rothamsted Research; MSD Merck; Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency; and the UK Health Security Agency.

• Learn from field trips to leading industry settings such as MSD Merck.

• Expand your network of professional contacts through our annual STEM Careers Expo.

• Gain additional lab-work experience via the Student Skills Lab scheme where you can try out techniques for real-world applications, under the guidance of recent graduates.