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.
The MSci Applied Pharmaceutical Science programme 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 solving real-world problems that the pharmaceutical industry is currently facing.
At Lincoln our academic staff include experienced researchers and practitioners. This innovative programme and curriculum is closely aligned with the pharmaceutical industry and has been developed with employer input to produce high quality work-ready graduates that are actively sought by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
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)
The first year 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 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 can use the knowledge they have gained in the previous years to lead projects which aim to solve problems currently experienced in the pharmaceutical industry, and have the chance to work alongside an experienced academic on an independent research project. 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.
† 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.
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.
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.
An optional year abroad is available for full-time students. A Study Abroad Tuition 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. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
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.
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
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.
104 UCAS Tariff points from a minimum of 2 A Levels to include 32 points from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
International Baccalaureate: 28 overall including Higher Level 4 in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
BTEC Extended Diploma: Distinction, Merit, Merit in Applied Science.
T Level: Merit in Science accepted. (Health or Health Science are 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.
GCSE's: A minimum of three at grade 4 or above, to 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 will may consider applicants with extensive and relevant work experience and will give special individual consideration to those who do not meet the standard entry qualifications.
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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.
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.
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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:
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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
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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.
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.
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.
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. The University’s Global Opportunities Team can provide further support and guidance.
