Pharmaceutical Science MSci/BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
Degree with foundation year

women doing lab work wearing white coat, goggles, and gloves

Develop practical and theoretical expertise in drug design, molecular modelling, analytical techniques and biopharmaceutical production, with opportunities for hands-on experience throughout the course.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2026-27 2027-28

Location

CU Coventry (Coventry) and
Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

BSc:
4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

B1DF

Start date

September 2027
November 2027
January 2028
March 2028
May 2028
July 2028

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Your UCAS Guide

Course overview

Develop knowledge and skills relevant to drug discovery, design and development, pharmacology, pharmaceutics and drug regulatory affairs. This course is designed for those with a strong interest in chemistry, biology and the development of new medicines.

The degree with foundation year is only available for the BSc option.

Examine the science behind drug discovery and development and develop scientific knowledge and practical skills.
Explore molecular modelling, drug design, advanced analytics and biopharmaceutical production.
Opportunities for hands-on lab experience and studying real-world applications should help prepare you to address global health challenges.⁴

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

4th Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2027

Why you should study this course

Develop hands-on skills in labs: gain practical, in-demand skills by working with the latest pharmaceutical technology in our advanced labs, ensuring you're not just learning theory but also mastering the techniques that drive modern drug development.⁴
Industry-relevant curriculum and career prospects: study a course that is designed in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies, and graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to launch a successful career in a rapidly expanding field.
Focus on emerging and globally relevant pharmaceutical science: learn how to address health challenges by studying areas, such as personalised medicine and antimicrobial resistance.

What you'll study

Develop scientific knowledge and technical skills to prepare for roles in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology or healthcare. Study how medicines interact with the human body, explore drug discovery methods, and develop expertise in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics and computational biology. Learn through hands-on experience with modern techniques like qPCR, flow cytometry and tableting while using simulation spaces and bioinformatics tools.

Modules

Fundamental Pharmaceutical Science – 30 credits

Build the essential knowledge you need for your pharmaceutical science journey. Explore the chemical and biological principles behind how drugs are discovered, developed and used. Learn how drug molecules are structured, how they work in the body and how they're made and delivered. Grasp key ideas like how drugs act, how they move through the body (pharmacokinetics) and how to understand their safety (toxicology).

Compulsory

Cells to Systems – 30 credits

Investigate the physiology of the human body, beginning with cellular organisation and signalling, all the way through to organ systems, their control and pathophysiology. Learn the process of human embryonic development to understand how distinct physiological systems develop.

Build your knowledge of how the main systems in the human body are developed, structured and organised, such as the nervous, muscular, skeletal, hormonal, heart, lung, reproductive, digestive and kidney systems. Learn how these systems work together to keep the body in balance (homeostasis). This module also covers how cells interact and communicate through cell signalling. You will be introduced to key concepts in how drugs work in the body (pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics), as well as how new medicines are developed.

Compulsory

Microbiology and Immunology – 30 credits

Learn about the different types of microorganisms with a detailed focus on bacteria and viruses. The structure, growth characteristics, laboratory cultivation and enumeration of bacteria and viruses will be considered. Explore the role of microorganisms in both human health and disease, as well as control strategies for microorganisms, including sterilisation, disinfection, antimicrobial agents and vaccines. This module will also introduce how mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance develop and work.

Learn how the body defends itself against infections through both the innate and adaptive immune response. Understand how lymphocytes develop and how the immune system tells the difference between the body's own cells and foreign cells and molecules, including how it responds to tissue transplants.

Compulsory

Genetics and Molecular Biology – 30 credits

Learn the principles of inheritance, human genetics, population genetics and evolution. You will be introduced to the discovery and structure of DNA and study how traits are passed down, including human blood groups and mitochondrial inheritance.

Discover how DNA is used to make RNA and proteins (transcription and translation) and learn how to analyse genetic sequences using bioinformatics tools and analytical software. Explore the ethical issues around access to genetic data and how historical events and research projects have shaped the field.

Compulsory

Modules

Drug Analysis, Development and Formulation – 30 credits

Learn the lab techniques and drug development processes used in modern pharmacology and pharmaceutical science. Develop practical skills by measuring drug levels, identifying contaminants and studying how drugs behave in the body. Explore how drug discovery has evolved, from early methods to today's advanced technologies, and follow each stage of development, from identifying targets to clinical trials. Look at how drugs are formulated, regulated and manufactured, including GMP and quality control.

Compulsory

Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry – 30 credits

Explore how modern medicines are designed, made and tested. Learn how a drug's chemical structure affects its activity and how it's absorbed, processed and delivered in the body. Study different drug delivery systems and discover how formulation impacts safety and effectiveness. Look into drug design, structure-activity relationships and synthesis, while developing your skills in analytical techniques used for quality control. Finally, connect it all by exploring how active ingredients are formulated for real-world use.

Compulsory

Pharmaceutical Technology – 30 credits

Examine how drug molecules are turned into real medicines on a large scale. Learn how formulations are developed, tested and manufactured, and discover the key technologies behind tablets, capsules and injections. Explore cutting-edge topics like vaccine tagging and targeted drug delivery and get hands-on experience with pharmaceutical production methods. Study how medicines are quality-checked, regulated and approved, and understand how global healthcare systems impact how drugs are made and delivered around the world.

Compulsory

Computational Biology – 30 credits

Learn the key principles and applications of computational biology, integrating theoretical concepts with practical computational techniques. Gain an interdisciplinary approach to understanding biological processes through bioinformatics, biostatistics, and systems biology. Explore key topics such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, sequence analysis and molecular modelling, with a strong emphasis on computational tools used in modern biological research and drug discovery.

Compulsory

A placement year² provides optional first-hand industry experience and helps you discover where your skills and interests truly lie. Taken between your second and final years, it allows you to step into a professional environment, apply your learning and gain valuable insight into your chosen sector.

By spending an extended period in industry, you should develop confidence, build professional networks and strengthen the transferable skills that employers value most. This experience offers a powerful way to explore career paths and return to your final year with real -world expertise and a clearer sense of direction.

Key opportunities

Complete an approved work placement: gain practical experience aligned with your course and career ambitions, typically lasting at least 26 weeks.
Reflect on professional development: recognise and document the specific skills, knowledge and experience you gain during your time in industry.
Broaden your global perspective: optionally undertake an international work or study placement to experience a different professional or cultural context.

While this optional year is non-credit-bearing, successful completion ensures your experience is formally recognised on your final degree certificate to showcase your expertise to future employers.

Students sponsored by the University who opt for an international work placement must ensure they comply with the UKVI immigration regulations and should contact us for further guidance.

Modules

Advanced Pharmacology and Drug Discovery – 30 credits

Delve into the complexities of modern drug development, combining foundational principles and modern applications. Refine your understanding of advanced laboratory techniques, drug discovery processes and the intricacies of bringing novel therapeutics to market. You will focus on critical analysis of research methodologies, ethical considerations and the evolving landscape of pharmaceutical innovation. Building upon prior knowledge in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and molecular biology, you'll have the opportunity to explore contemporary approaches in drug design, target validation and personalised medicine.

Compulsory

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Global Drug Applications – 30 credits

Get a clear understanding of how advanced medicines are developed, made and brought to global markets. Explore techniques like gene therapy, vaccine development and recombinant protein production, while understanding how they are applied in real-world drug manufacturing. Explore the science and logistics behind preclinical and clinical trials, including key ethical and legal issues. By the end, build strong problem-solving skills to help tackle real challenges in global biopharmaceutical development.

Compulsory

The Regulatory Landscape – 30 credits

Learn how laws and regulations shape the pharmaceutical industry and keep patients safe. Explore the legal and ethical rules that control how medicines are developed, tested, made and sold. Examine key standards like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and how safety is monitored after drugs are released.

Discover how patents protect new drug ideas and why intellectual property matters. Through real case studies, learn how companies stay compliant by managing risk, training staff, setting policies, auditing and reporting. Look at what happens when companies get it wrong, from fines to product recalls and lost public trust.

Compulsory

Research Project – 30 credits

This capstone module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent research project within your discipline/area of interest. You will engage in all stages of the research process, from project design and ethical approval to data collection, analysis, and presentation. Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced scientific communication skills, culminating in a conference-style poster presentation and defence of findings.

Compulsory

The integrated MSci year is designed to help you deepen your knowledge and learn how to design the next generation of medicines (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Modules

Frontiers in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design – 30 credits

Advance and build upon fundamental chemical and biological principles to explore the complexities of drug development. Discover key concepts including structure-activity relationships, drug target identification, rational drug design and modern synthetic strategies. Investigate pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism and toxicology alongside emerging trends in the field, such as targeted drug delivery.

Compulsory

Biopharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing – 30 credits

Build advanced knowledge of how biopharmaceuticals are made, from cell line engineering and genetic modification to large-scale production and quality control. Explore how to optimise and scale up processes, design and run bioreactors and use advanced tools to check the quality and safety of complex biologic drugs. Examine exciting new therapies like gene and cell therapies and the manufacturing and regulation challenges they bring. Learn how automation and data are shaping the future of biopharma production.

Compulsory

Advanced Topics in Drug Metabolism and Toxicology – 30 credits

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the complex processes governing drug metabolism and the principles of toxicology. Learn about the enzymes involved in drug metabolism, how drugs are broken down and their importance. Study the mechanisms of toxicity at the molecular and cellular level, including risks like cancer or genetic damage. Through real-world examples, see how this knowledge is used in drug development, safety testing and clinical practice.

Compulsory

Therapeutic Natural Products and Drug Discovery – 30 credits

Dive into the world of natural medicines and their impact on drug discovery. Explore how plants, microbes and marine life provide chemical compounds used in modern medicines. Learn how scientists isolate, study and improve these natural products using advanced lab techniques and tools. Discover how modern methods, like genetic engineering and high-throughput screening help find and develop new drugs from nature.

Compulsory

This year introduces you to your chosen subject while building essential skills.

Explore everything from cell biology and chemistry to anatomy, physiology, and human disease, giving you a solid understanding of the subject before you progress.
Perfect the research and writing styles you’ll need to ace your degree-level assignments.
Learn core principles so you feel completely prepared when you start Year 1 of your degree.

On successful completion of this foundation year, you will be able to progress to year 1 of the degree.

Modules

Introduction to Cell Biology – 30 credits

Equip yourself with the foundational cell biology knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to degree-level study in bioscience.

Examine the fundamental principles and concepts of cell biology, including the molecular components of cells and the specific functions of organelles and genetics. Develop your ability to apply this knowledge in both familiar and unfamiliar situations, while investigating scientific methods and modern technological advances to evaluate their impact on society.

Compulsory

Foundations of Chemistry – 30 credits

Gain the chemistry knowledge and skills required for a successful transition to degree-level study in bioscience disciplines. Module content covers the main branches of chemistry, including organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. Examine major aspects of chemical terminology through both theory and experiment, then integrate your knowledge to explore how different areas of chemistry relate to one another and the wider biosciences field.

Compulsory

Foundations of Anatomy and Physiology – 30 credits

Gain a comprehensive introduction to how the body functions across all levels of organisation, from molecular and cellular systems to complete organs and homeostatic control mechanisms. Explore the vital relationship between structure and function within each body system and examine how these systems work together to maintain internal balance.

You will investigate the key internal and external factors that influence physiological health. Systems of study include the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, urinary, digestive, musculoskeletal, immune and reproductive systems. You should develop a firm foundation of human physiology, preparing you for the clinical and scientific demands of your degree programme.

Compulsory

Introduction to Health and Disease – 30 credits

Understand how ill health and disease develop, including the impact of lifestyle on health. Explore key pathophysiological changes to body functions from the chemical and molecular level through to cellular systems, organs and full body systems. You will also examine the impact of these changes on homeostatic control mechanisms.

Consider the relationship between pathophysiological changes and the most common causes of morbidity, mortality and sickness absence. Study the inter-relationships between specific health issues and how they disrupt homeostatic control to cause key signs and symptoms. Explore musculoskeletal problems and mental health conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety.

The curriculum also covers epidemiology, risk factors, treatment, and preventive strategies. You will focus on understanding the key pathophysiological changes accompanying specific diseases, alongside the physiological and biochemical basis of current and future therapies.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to keep it relevant and current for our students. Consequently, we may update modules to reflect the latest industry standards.

How you'll learn

Forget stressful end-of-year exams. We focus on applied learning using a mix of lectures, tutorials and online study to get you ready for the real world. Instead of one big test, we assess your progress through coursework and phase tests. This better reflects the way you’ll likely work in your future career.

Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 30-credit module requires 300 hours of study. Study hours are made up of teaching contact hours and guided and independent study.

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 10 and 12 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You will be digging deeper into topics, reviewing what you’ve learnt and completing assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress to the end of your studies, you’ll spend more time on independent learning.

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods may include:

short writing exercises such as abstracts
opinion pieces and precis
extended writing exercises such as essays
reports
research papers
group and individual presentations
posters and infographics
problem-solving scenarios such as assessments.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the intended learning outcomes.

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
case studies
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops
hands-on laboratories.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours

Teaching hours may vary, depending on where you are in your studies, but on average, you will have between 12 and 15 teaching and learning hours each week. You will also have the option to attend additional sessions, including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study

Online learning

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods, including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

Assessment methods may include:

presentations
group projects
tests
laboratory reports
laboratory competency tests
case study reports
group projects
vodcasts and multimedia
conference posters
grant proposals
individual research projects.

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

64 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require GCSE maths and English at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification. For T levels: overall grade of Pass (D or E on the Core) in the T level qualification in any subject.

Other qualifications and experience

Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, each with a unique story. We recognise a breadth of qualifications. If your qualifications differ from the above, contact our Admissions Team who will be happy to discuss your qualifications and routes into your chosen course.

Contextual/Fair Access Offers

If you meet the criteria for our Fair Access Offer, you could automatically receive a contextual offer which is 16 UCAS points lower than our standard entry requirements. View the criteria for our Fair Access Offer.

Got higher grades? Have you considered direct entry to the degree without foundation year?

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2027/28 fees TBC 2026/27 fees: £9,790 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Foundation year funding

To secure funding for a degree with a foundation year, you must complete the full four-year programme. If you do not finish the entire course, including the integrated foundation year, you may have to pay the foundation year fees yourself. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This degree with foundation year is not currently available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We assess your fee status using the information in your application. This status determines your tuition fees and the scholarships or financial support you can get. The Department for Education sets the rules for who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees in England.

The regulations list which students can pay the home fee rate. Because these rules are complex, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides fee status guidance to help you find the right category. If you meet all the criteria for one category, your institution must charge you the home rate.

Facilities

You’ll spend your foundation year at our CU Coventry Mile Lane building, just a short walk from Coventry city centre. You can still make the most of all the facilities at the main Coventry University campus whenever you like.

Once you successfully complete your foundation year, you’ll move over to the Coventry University campus to study your degree.

You’ll use facilities through timetabled teaching, practical activities and relevant independent study. Access may vary by module, activity, capacity, supervision or safety requirements. Access may change or be limited where the University needs to follow public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

SuperLab

Our SuperLab has facilities for cell culture and equipment for microscopy, DNA, RNA and protein analysis.

Someone working in a lab and wearing a lab coat

Analytical Chemistry Suite

Apply your practical and theoretical knowledge to real-life working scenarios and get the opportunity to use new generation chromatography techniques to analyse products ranging from pharmaceutical agents to cosmetics, drinks and toxins.

Students using physiology testing equipment

Physiology Suite

separate physiology and health laboratory facilities enable the measurement of physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, lung function test and neuromuscular functioning.

Careers and opportunities

Graduates with this degree have a wide range of career options available to them in pharmaceutical, chemistry, biotechnology and healthcare-based industries. This may include drug discovery, design and development, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and drug regulatory affairs.

Specific roles may include:

Pharmaceutical Scientist
Research Scientist
Clinical Trials Assistants
Medical/Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Product Development Technologist
Drug Safety Associate
Quality Control Analyst
Medical Science Liaison
Pharmacy Technician
Post graduate study
Teaching

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

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How to apply

BSc (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

You can now register and start your application in your UCAS Hub. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 6565

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form

Disclaimers

Study location

The Foundation Year study route will be delivered by CU, part of the Coventry University Group, for and on behalf of Coventry University.

If you choose to study at CU Coventry for your Foundation Year, then your learning will be based at CU Coventry, Mile Lane, Coventry. Subject to meeting progression requirements you will then transition to the relevant Coventry University subject building for your progression degree.

Coventry University, Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

Some of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the University maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. Before seeking an overseas placement, read our visa advice page.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first academic year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year.

For UK (home) students, if the Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees annually but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (for example to repeat a year or resit examinations) you may be charged the tuition fees in force at the time you take that additional period of study, and/or in line with any legislative changes that apply at that time.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised. Availability and access may be reduced or restricted when the University is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders or internal health and safety requirements.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the University. A copy of the current 2026/2027 contract is available for information purposes only. The 2027/28 contract will apply to the 2027/28 intakes and may differ from the current version. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the applicable Student Contract carefully before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the University.