MSci
Pharmaceutical Science with Business Management

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

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Duration

4 years

UCAS Code

B236

Academic Year

Course Overview

Pharmaceutical Science encompasses a range of scientific disciplines, introducing students to the exciting world of drug discovery, development, and management. Our aim at Lincoln is to produce passionate pharmaceutical scientists who are adept in addressing the healthcare challenges of the future and are well prepared for careers as leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, especially for students who are aiming to have an active role in the running and management of these businesses.

The MSci Pharmaceutical Science with Business Management begins by offering an insight into the structure, function, and mechanisms of drugs; how different drugs can act on the human body; and how their potentially lifesaving effects can be harnessed safely. During the programme, students will have the opportunity to lead on projects which address real-world problems currently faced by the pharmaceutical industry, alongside the chance to develop an understanding of how their decisions in the management of these projects can have business implications.

At Lincoln, our academic staff include experienced pharmaceutical and management researchers and practitioners. This innovative programme and curriculum is closely aligned with the pharmaceutical industry, and has been developed with employer input with the aim of producing high quality work-ready graduates that are actively sought by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Why Choose Lincoln

Subject area ranked 2nd for student satisfaction in the UK*

Links with hospitals, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals

Aligned with the needs of the pharmaceutical industry

Visits pharmaceutical companies to learn from industrial scientists

Take part in research alongside academics

Lectures from visiting scientists

*Guardian University Guide 2025 (out of 42 ranking institutions)

YouTube video for Why Choose Lincoln

How You Study

The first year of the programme introduces students to the core subjects that are fundamental to pharmaceutical science, such as chemistry, cell biology, human anatomy, and disease. Students can then progress to examining the analytical methods relevant to drug development, medicine delivery, immunology, pharmacology, and toxicology in the second year, where they will also explore key research techniques.

The third year introduces more advanced subjects as well as the regulatory and ethical standards that apply to industry professionals. In the final year, students will use the knowledge they have gained in the previous years to lead projects to solve problems currently experienced in the pharmaceutical industry as well as study within the Lincoln International Business School to gain insight into key management and business concepts.

There are also opportunities for students to take part in research alongside academics in order to develop their knowledge, experience, and enhance their skill set.

The course is taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory-based practical classes, and lectures from visiting scientists from the pharmaceutical industry.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Fundamental Chemistry 2025-26PHA1003MLevel 42025-26This module aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the chemistry required to understand the structure, development, and mode of action of drugs and medicines. Students can learn about functional groups, bonding, and kinetics and thermodynamics with a focus on drugs and medicines.CoreGlobal Health Challenges 2025-26PHA1004MLevel 42025-26This module aims to provide a global overview of health and disease in order to understand the opportunities and challenges from a pharmaceutical sciences perspective. Students can learn about some of the biggest health challenges as defined by the WHO by studying the prevalence, epidemiology, and aetiology of some of the top 10 causes of death by communicable and non-communicable disease. They can also learn about the environmental, cultural, and socioeconomic factors which influence mortality rates. From a pharmacological and pharmaceutical perspective students can learn what drugs are available to treat these diseases, how they work, and their method of delivery. They will also consider what opportunities and challenges there are for the development of new drugs taking into account global need, cost, and availability to all.CoreHuman Anatomy and Physiology 2025-26BMS1073MLevel 42025-26Human Anatomy and Physiology provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the human body. It is intended to explore the role of the nervous and endocrine systems in the physiology of stress its role in homeostasis. The module is also designed to enable students to identify and understand the function of human bones, muscles, and joints and provides an overview of the anatomical structure and physiology of the heart, lung, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. It is intended to explore the components of the blood and immune system and their various functions, as well as enabling students to identify the anatomy and understand the physiology of the kidney, urogenital, and digestive systems.CoreIntroduction to Life Sciences 2025-26BIO1043MLevel 42025-26Introduction to the Life Sciences is designed to provide a foundation for students to develop their knowledge and understanding of fundamental cell biology, biochemistry and genetics in the context of life sciences.CoreIntroduction to Pharmaceutical Science 2025-26PHA1001MLevel 42025-26This modules covers what makes a successful drug, the basics of drug discovery and development and utilisation. The concepts of pharmaceutical science are taught along with the types of drugs, their formulation, and delivery.CorePharmaceutical Industry Concepts 1 2025-26PHA1005MLevel 42025-26This module will aim to develop the key skills required to work in the Pharmaceutical Science industry such as, statistics, mathematics, data handling, ethics, and critical analysis. Case studies from the pharmaceutical sector will be used to highlight the key advantages of having an understanding of all the elements of the programme especially these key skills.CoreAnalytical Chemistry 2.1: Separation Techniques 2026-27FRS2022MLevel 52026-27This module is designed to provide students with the underpinning knowledge related to the analytical process, which is later applied to further modules in the programme. Secondly, it introduces the theoretical principles, instrumentation, automation, and application of the principal separation techniques. Thirdly, it presents an essential suite of analytical tools utilised for inorganic analyses and speciation.CoreAnalytical Chemistry 2.2: Structural Techniques 2026-27FRS2023MLevel 52026-27This module covers the most advanced techniques in analytical chemistry and their use, focusing on category A techniques providing structural information and as such utilised for unequivocable identification. To emphasise this analytical aspect, the module also introduces students to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development and associated experimental planning as well as advanced validation strategies. The aim of the module is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the advanced knowledge required to support level 3 modules, and to develop the practical skills and independent thinking necessary for all future practical applications.CoreDrug Design and Development 2026-27PHA2002MLevel 52026-27This module will aim to integrate the process of drug discovery and target selection in relation to therapeutic area and how drugs are formulated and delivered to the target. Learning will be in the context of examples of drugs, from discovery to their registration or attrition.CoreDrug Formulation and Delivery 2026-27PHA2001MLevel 52026-27This module aims to integrate the process of drug development in relation to the way in which a dosage forms are formulated and delivered to the target. Learning will be in the context of examples of dosage form, drug delivery route and underlying formulation, particle design, physical chemistry, and colloid science.CoreFundamentals of Pharmacology & Toxicology 2026-27BMS2010MLevel 52026-27This module is concerned with the study of the mechanisms by which drugs interact with biochemical, cellular, and physiological systems. The module aims to: - provide an introduction to key pharmacology principles - provide a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of actions of selected drugs - develop a critical appreciation of the importance and relevance of pharmacology in the treatment of diseases - develop an understanding of the principles of toxicology and drug overdoseCoreImmunology 2026-27BGY2002MLevel 52026-27This module provides an overview of the cellular and molecular basis of the immune response in health and human diseases. The structure, function and complex mechanisms of host defence by B- and T-Cells will be discussed. Students will evaluate the role of inflammatory mediators, soluble effectors, and cellular cytotoxicity in inflammation and immunity.CoreMedical Microbiology 2026-27BMS2031Level 52026-27The module provides an overview of medical microbiology including bacteria and viruses, both through study of the biology of specific microorganisms, but also through the study of diseases of a variety of body systems. The module considers the transmission of infectious disease, including a discussion regarding situations of medical environments, and control and treatment of infectious diseases.CorePharmaceutical Industry Concepts 2 2026-27PHA2005MLevel 52026-27Pharmaceutical Science is a multidisciplinary programme with many different sciences and skills pulled into one discipline and this module is designed to bring all learning together from single discipline modules and highlight the relevance to the pharmaceutical industry. This module will advance understanding and application of key skills required to work in the Pharmaceutical Science Industry such as, statistics, mathematics, data handling, ethics and critical analysis. Case studies from the pharmaceutical sector will be used to highlight the key advantages of having an understanding of all the elements of the programme especially these key skills.CorePharmaceutical Science Year in Industry 2026-27PHA2007Level 52026-27The University has a strong commitment to providing academic programmes with high vocational relevance, which is maintained through working links with local, national and international organisations and, in particular, through student work placements. The Placement Year aims to give students a continuous experience of full-time work within an organisation. It should be a three-way co-operative activity between employer, student and University from which all parties benefit. It is more than simply obtaining work during a gap in study – work placements should enable students to experience at first hand the daily workings of an organisation while setting that experience in the broader context of their studies. The Placement Year constitutes a work placement during an academic year, funded by full-time paid employment taking place between Level 2 and Level 3. The minimum duration of placement is 39 weeks. Students wishing to undertake the work placement year must successfully complete the Level 2 of their programme. All students on the Placement Year as part of their full-time undergraduate study will remain enrolled with the University during the period of placement and receive support. Students originally enrolled on 3 year programmes wishing to transfer to the 4 year programme must do so before the start of their placement, should gain the consent of their funders, where appropriate, and advise the University of their intention before the September enrolment.OptionalSchool of Pharmacy Study Abroad 2026-27PHA2006MLevel 52026-27The School believes that an option to study overseas is a valuable educational opportunity for our students. Provision of this option supports the educational aims of the School of Pharmacy and enhances the distinctiveness of its degrees at Lincoln. The optional year is intended to: - enable students to benefit from studying within a cross cultural environment; - expose students to a wider academic and cultural experience; - enhance their future employment opportunities; - by increasing their cultural and professional mobility. This module is optional for students within the School. Study Abroad is a year long module which enables students to spend a year studying abroad at one of the University’s approved partner institutions. Eligible students must have completed their second year of study to a satisfactory standard and successfully completed the application process for the year abroad. During the year spent abroad, students share classes with local students and study on a suite of locally-delivered taught modules which have been approved in advance by the University. Upon their return, as part of the assessment for this modules, students are required to critically reflect upon their experience of living and studying in a different cultural environment and the skills acquired.OptionalAdvanced drug delivery, nanomedicine and toxicology 2027-28PHA3007MLevel 62027-28This module studies the cutting-edge of advanced drug delivery and nanomedicine, an area that sits at the interface of multiple scientific disciplines. The knowledge and skills gained will be highly applicable to future employment within the pharmaceutical industry and academia. Key is the understanding of how the body interacts with drug delivery vehicles and how this anatomical knowledge can be applied to the design of new more efficient drug carriers. By understanding the immunological basis of how toxicity evolves, this further optimises understanding of safety in the structural design of these systems.CoreAdvanced Pharmacology 2027-28PHA3002MLevel 62027-28This module looks at advanced aspects of pharmacology, aiming to build an understanding of drug-target engagement in relation to therapy, as well as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics.CoreBusiness, Regulation and Ethics for the Pharmaceutical Scientist 2027-28PHA3001MLevel 62027-28This module covers the regulations that surround the pharmaceutical industry, from drug registration to laboratory, clinical, and manufacturing standardsCoreEmerging Pharmaceuticals and personalised medicine 2027-28PHA3008MLevel 62027-28This module explores novel therapies including biologics, nucleic acids, gene therapy, and personalised medicines and dissects their potential use in the future. It will also explore the part genetics can play in the clinical use of these novel medicines and the impact it can have.CoreInternational Pharmaceutical Challenges 2027-28PHA3009MLevel 62027-28Within this module students will explore the challenges that occur around the world within the pharmaceutical field and how the industry is looking to overcome these challenges. Some of the areas that will be covered include: counterfeit medicine, medicine fraud, alternative medicines, natural products, green pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and transport of medicines.CorePharmaceutical Materials Science 2027-28PHA3005MLevel 62027-28As technology evolves at a rapid pace, this module aims to cover the essentials of cutting edge methods for analysis and delivery and taking into account the problems and issues surrounding manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients.CorePharmaceutical Science Project 2027-28PHA3003MLevel 62027-28In this module students have the opportunity to undertake an independent programme of research under supervision from a member of staff. It provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate original and critical thought, as well as to build practical and project-management skills. A wide range of subject expertise exists within the School, and students are expected to select a project that is relevant to their programme of study. Under the guidance of a supervisor, students can review the literature, identify a hypothesis or hypotheses, and design a programme of research to test their hypotheses. They will be expected to manage the project, including obtaining relevant ethical approval and conducting a risk assessment. They will collect and analyse data, recording their activities in a lab notebook. Projects can be conducted in the laboratory or field, as appropriate for their field of study, use mathematical modelling or use pre-collected data to test hypotheses via meta-analysis. Students may work individually or in groups addressing similar questions, but must write up individually. The project will be written up in the format of a scientific paper following closely the style of a key journal relevant to their area of study, or as a thesis.CoreMSci Pharmaceutical Science Research Project 2028-29PHA9005MLevel 72028-29Projects present the opportunity of working towards generating a scientific article of publishable quality. This module comprises a research project for the MSci Pharmaceutical Science degrees. The project will be supervised by a member of academic staff and provide the opportunity to contribute to research across a variety of research areas. The projects will be set within one of the school's research disciplines and be offer the opportunity to work alongside researchers within the school and university.CoreProject Planning and Management 2028-29BUS9041MLevel 72028-29With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreTeams and Leadership 2028-29MGT9645MLevel 72028-29This module provides students with an understanding of how to create high-performing teams. Through a review of theories and models of leadership, team formation, motivation, communication, power, and diversity, students will gain a theoretically sound understanding of team behaviour and effectiveness. Practical class exercises will enable students to develop their skills as team leaders and members.CoreBioassay Development 2028-29PHA9002MLevel 72028-29Biological assays are one of the most important tools in preclinical research. They enable researchers to identify early in the drug discovery and development pipeline whether a test compound or biologic has the desired effect. This module has been specifically designed for you to develop a working knowledge of high throughput bioassays commonly used by the pharmaceutical industry. This will be achieved through a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, and practicals provided by both academics and industrial scientists with assay specific expertise. The module will culminate with you developing your own assay and a trip to a pharmaceutical company to see high-throughput assays work in practice.OptionalMedicine Design 2028-29PHA9006MLevel 72028-29This module is designed to allow students to explore the processes of developing a medicine and the challenges posed by this process. Students will consider how the drug can be formulated, manufactured and delivered to the target site with the correct dosage. Students will consider the differences in processes between small molecule and biologic drugs and how the challenges in each case can be potentially solved.OptionalMedicine Testing and Regulation 2028-29PHA9004MLevel 72028-29Within this module, students will explore the planning, management and analysis of the pre-clinical and clinical testing process of drug development. Students will investigate the best approaches for analysing novel pharmaceuticals and their safety, and how they are examined within the human body. Students will evaluate current approaches and discuss possible improvements or adaptions to enhance the process, reduce animal testing by use of the 3 'R'sOptionalPharmaceutical Science Placement 2028-29PHA9003MLevel 72028-29The MSci Pharmaceutical Science module placements are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their professional skills by spending time within a relevant workplace. Students will have the opportunity to work with an industrial partner on a project and gain experience in the pharmaceutical industry. This module will allow students to continue building contacts within the industry in which they wish to work.Optional

              What You Need to Know

              We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

              Industry Placements and Visits

              There may be opportunities to visit pharmaceutical companies and to learn from industrial scientists and leading experts through a programme of guest lectures. You may also have the opportunity to undertake placements. Placements can range from a few weeks to a full year if you choose to undertake an optional sandwich year in industry (where available). A Placement Year Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. Students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. You are encouraged to obtain placements in industry independently. Tutors may provide support and advice to students who require it during this process.

              Study Abroad

              An optional year abroad is available for full-time students between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Tuition Fee is payable to the University of Lincoln during this year for students joining in 2025/26 and beyond. No extra tuition fee is payable to the host university, but students are expected to cover their own travel, accommodation, and living costs. Travel grants and an overseas rate maintenance loan may be available for eligible students from Student Finance. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.

              The time I spent in the laboratory enhanced my research and manual skills in the areas of synthetic and analytical chemistry.

              Magda Krupczak

              BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science

              How you are assessed

              The way students are assessed on this course may vary for each module. Examples of assessment methods that are used include coursework, such as written assignments, reports or dissertations; practical exams, such as presentations, poster presentations, and written exams, such as formal examinations or in-class tests. The weighting given to each assessment method may vary across each academic year. The University of Lincoln aims to ensure that staff return in-course assessments to students promptly.

              What Can I Do with a Pharmaceutical Science Degree?

              This course aims to prepare graduates for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Roles exist in industrial, commercial, and academic research, and in development roles within the medical and food industries. Graduates may also opt to undertake careers in scientific sales and marketing, science journalism, or education.

              Entry Requirements 2025-26

              United Kingdom

              104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels to include 32 points from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

              BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science: Distinction, Merit, Merit.

              T Level in Science: Merit.
              (Health or Health Science not accepted).

              Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 Level 3 credits with a minimum of 104 UCAS Tariff points including 32 points from 15 credits in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

              International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include a Higher Level 4 in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

              GCSE's: Minimum of three at grade 4 or above, which must include English, Maths and Science. Equivalent Level 2 qualifications may also be considered.


              The University accepts a wide range of qualifications as the basis for entry and do accept a combination of qualifications which may include A Levels, BTECs, EPQ etc.

              We may also consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.

              International

              Non UK Qualifications:

              If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages for information on equivalent qualifications.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/

              EU and Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/

              If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills courses.

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/

              For applicants who do not meet our standard entry requirements, our Science Foundation Year can provide an alternative route of entry onto our full degree programmes:

              https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/course/sfysfyub/

              If you would like further information about entry requirements, or would like to discuss whether the qualifications you are currently studying are acceptable, please contact the Admissions team on 01522 886097, or email admissions@lincoln.ac.uk

              Contextual Offers

              At Lincoln, we recognise that not everybody has had the same advice and support to help them get to higher education. Contextual offers are one of the ways we remove the barriers to higher education, ensuring that we have fair access for all students regardless of background and personal experiences. For more information, including eligibility criteria, visit our Offer Guide pages. If you are applying to a course that has any subject specific requirements, these will still need to be achieved as part of the standard entry criteria.

              Fees and Scholarships

              Going to university is a life-changing step and it's important to understand the costs involved and the funding options available before you start. A full breakdown of the fees associated with this programme can be found on our course fees pages.

              Course Fees

              For eligible undergraduate students going to university for the first time, scholarships and bursaries are available to help cover costs. To help support students from outside of the UK, we are also delighted to offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

              Find out More by Visiting Us

              The best way to find out what it is really like to live and learn at Lincoln is to visit us in person. We offer a range of opportunities across the year to help you to get a real feel for what it might be like to study here.

              Book Your Place
              Three students walking together on campus in the sunshine

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              The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.