Biopharmaceutical Science BSc (Hons)

Immerse yourself in the challenging field of drug discovery and development. Study the development of new drugs, the discovery of diagnostic markers of disease and the assurance of safety, quality and efficacy of manufactured drugs.

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Overview

Biopharmaceutical science is the study of how biological molecules can be designed, manufactured and used as medicines. The course puts you at the forefront of recent trends in pharmaceutical research, in which increasing numbers of drugs are coming from large biopharmaceutical molecules.

On graduation, you can look forward to a wide range of career opportunities in a large and growing industry. Over a quarter of all industrial research in the UK is performed by pharmaceutical companies.

Why us?

This unique course makes extensive use of the new advanced technology in laboratory infrastructure in The John Dawson Sciences Complex
The University has over 100 years of expertise in teaching science
Industry-focused curriculum is enriched by industry expert input through external lectures, visits and mentoring

Industry standard equipment and training in the use of advanced analytical equipment allows a detailed insight into the natural world through laboratory sessions
You will be encouraged to apply for an optional 1-year placement between levels 2 and 3, working with multinationals such as GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Sanofi-Aventis or in a local laboratory

Course structure

Teaching methods include laboratory practical work, tutorials, lectures, seminars, group work and e-learning. We encourage you to develop independent study skills.

Assessments help provide feedback and consolidation as well as counting towards your degree. Assessment methods include laboratory reports, presentations, research essays and examinations.

This course shares a common first year with BSc (Hons) Biochemistry and BSc (Hons) Medicinal Chemistry, which allows you to easily change course at the end of the first year should one of these routes appeal to you.

Modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

Introduction to Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Cell Biology and Biochemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Analytical Chemistry (20 credits)
Introduction to Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Regulation (20 credits)
Research and Practical Skills in Biopharmaceutical Science (40 credits)

Some modules have prerequisites. Read more about what this means in our Help and Advice article.

Year 2 (national level 5):

Further Research and Practical Skills in Biopharmaceutical Science (40 credits)
Organic Chemistry (20 credits)
Genetics and Molecular Biology (20 credits)
Further Analytical Sciences (20 credits)
Pharmaceutical Manufacture (20 credits)

Year 3

Optional year on placement in the Pharmaceutical industry

Final year (national level 6)

Advanced Chemistry (20 credits)
Advanced Biotechnology and Biochemistry (20 credits)
Advanced Analytical Chemistry (20 credits)
Advanced Formulation Chemistry (20 credits)
Research Project (40 credits)

Facilities

This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex on City Campus, which boasts excellent laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million-pound investments.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

Qualification	Minimum grade
High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade: SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement	GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1100/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 2 subjects) ACT (score of 26+)

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.

A Levels must include Chemistry. Please note we do not accept General Studies AS or A Level. We accept T Level Science only.

Our admissions policy uses a range of flexible options to support you to study with us. This may include a reduced offer of up to 16 UCAS tariff points, (or equivalent). Find out if you are eligible.

If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.

Is your qualification not displaying here? For international qualifications, search our full list of international entry requirements for this course.

Fees and finance

The annual, full-time fee for this course is:

£9,535 if you are from the UK*/Europe
£16,500 if you are an international student

*Undergraduate fees are set according to rules from Government in line with forecast inflation. The fee for your first year of study for 2025/26 will be £9,535. You will pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees may increase every year based on the Retail Price Index.

Read more about EU fees and funding in our Help and Advice article.

Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Career ready

Biopharmaceutical Science graduates have excellent employment rates as industrially-relevant practical skills are at the heart of the course.

Examples of companies that have employed our graduates include pharmaceutical multinationals such as Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Onyx Scientific, Astra Zeneca, and NHS laboratories. Our graduates have also pursued further study with a masters, PhD or teacher training.

Placements

The employability of Sunderland graduates reflects our mix of academic rigour and practical skills. To enhance this mix, we encourage you to apply to undertake a 48-week placement between your second and final year. It effectively becomes a third year of a four-year course.

They are an excellent opportunity to put your learning into practice and understand the context for your new knowledge. The contacts made during placements can also be valuable for future job offers. Examples of companies that have offered placements to Sunderland students include Sterling Pharma, Lianhetech and GlaxoSmithKline.

Guest speakers

We have well-established links with a number of pharmaceutical multinationals and NHS Trusts. Through these links, we organise a course of guest speakers who discuss the cutting edge of pharmaceutical research and development.

The course helps you relate academic theory to current trends and issues. It’s all part of broadening your learning so that you’re prepared not just for exams but for life.

Meet the students

Curtis Noon
The nature of the course is unique and is focused on industry-specific content.

Jack Bannister

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Contact

Contact the Student Helpline for further information about studying at the University of Sunderland:

0191 515 3000

student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk

View Programme Specifications for the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.

Page last updated: 19 November 2024

We aim to provide clear, accurate and timely information to prospective and current students. We continuously review and enhance course content in consultation with our students and the information provided on our website is the latest available. If you have received an offer from us to start a course, we will communicate any important changes to you in writing. We will always seek to ensure that our prospective students are fully aware of the basis on which they are accepting an offer.