Pharmaceutical Science (Hons) Teesside University

Overview

You study Pharmaceutical Science (Hons) at Teesside University ’s main Middlesbrough campus, but during your Pharmaceutical Science (Hons) course from Teesside University you will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the new National Horizons Centre at the University’s Darlington campus which is home to a range of state-of-the-art facilities. This £22m purpose-built biosciences research, education and training facility is a focal point for the growing regional biosciences community.

Key Facts

You develop an understanding of the physicochemical and biological principles that underpin the design, function, synthesis, analysis and delivery of pharmaceutical substances. You also develop the technical, practical and professional skills that employers value, and have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment for laboratory training.

The UK is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies and continues to develop best-selling prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical scientists work in areas such as research, product development, quality assurance and analytical science, marketing and sales within the pharmaceutical and chemical industries and elsewhere. Many pharmaceutical scientists work in laboratories, hospitals and educational establishments. As well as working directly within the industry, pharmaceutical science graduates are well qualified for careers in teaching, forensic science, environmental protection, and health and safety assurance.

Career opportunities

You gain broad scientific knowledge and practical skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, both in the UK and internationally. Employers include pharmaceutical companies, government departments, regulatory authorities, healthcare providers, and charitable and international organisations.

Typical careers include:

• Pharmaceutical research development – discover and develop new drugs and therapies by conducting preclinical trials, formulating drug delivery methods and optimising production processes.

• Quality assurance and quality control – test raw materials and finished products, developing quality protocols and conducting audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain the integrity of pharmaceutical products.

• Regulatory affairs specialist – prepare documentation for product approval, stay updated on regulatory changes and liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure that pharmaceutical products meet national and international regulatory standards.

• Medical sales and marketing – promote and sell pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers, ensuring they are used effectively to improve patient outcomes.

• Clinical trials associate – coordinate clinical research studies, collecting data, managing participants, and monitoring trial sites to ensure they adhere to regulatory guidelines and ethical standards.

• Scientific research – generate and contribute knowledge and innovation through writing research proposals to secure funding, executing experimental work and presenting its findings and developing new products or making and applying new discoveries.

• Laboratory scientist – prepare samples, conduct analytical tests and experiments, maintain lab equipment and record and analyse data for roles in research, development, quality control or production across fields like biotechnology or pharmaceutics.

• Management and senior administration – oversee the operations of facilities, ensuring quality, managing budgets, coordinating staff and implementing policies.

• Teaching – inspire the next generation in science education. To become a teacher, you also need a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status.

• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) – work for a non-profit entity to create positive change by providing services, advocacy, and resources, often focusing on vulnerable communities.