Expand+How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained...

Hide-How and when to Apply
How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in Autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00).

Late applications are, in practice, accepted by UCAS throughout the remainder of the application cycle, but you should understand that they are considered by institutions at their discretion, and there can be no guarantee that they will be given the same full level of consideration as applications received by the advisory closing date.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Expand+A level requirements
BBB including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
BBB including Biology and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics ...

Hide-A level requirements
BBB including Biology and Chemistry + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
BBB including Biology and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
BBB including Chemistry and at least one from Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Irish leaving certificate requirements
H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3 including Higher Level grade H3 in Biology and Chemistry + if not offered at Higher Level then Ordinary Level grade O4 in Mathematics.

Access Course
80% average with no less than 70% in any module including sufficient relevant Level 3 modules in Biology and Chemistry (normally two Chemistry and two Biology). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.

International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and at least one of Biology (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Biology grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4
OR
32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Biology and at least one of Chemistry (preferred), Mathematics or Physics + GCSE Chemistry grade C/4 or GCSE Double Award Science grades CC/4,4 + GCSE Mathematics grade C/4

Standard Level grade 4 would be acceptable in lieu of the GCSE requirement.

BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma
Not considered

Graduate
A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirements are also met.

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.


Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Pharmacy. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of the Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, these are not the deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer is made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

School Leavers taking A-level Qualifications

For entry last year offers were initially made to those who achieved 6 B/6s at GCSE though this profile may change from year to year depending on the demand for places. The Selector also checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The minimum acceptable is two subjects at A-level plus one at AS though applicants offering this combination will be considered on an individual basis. A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking are not acceptable. However, performance in these subjects may be taken into account in tie-break situations after the publication of A-level results in August.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Applicants are not normally asked to attend for interview.

Repeat A-level Applicants

The offer for repeat applicants may be one A-level grade higher than the normal asking grades. Grades from the previous year can be held.

Higher National Certificate/Diploma

Those offering a relevant Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND) are considered individually on their own merits for entry to Stage 1. For applicants offering a HNC, the current requirements are successful completion of the HNC with 1 Distinction and remainder Merits. For those offering a HND, at least at least half of first year units must be at Merit grade. Where offers are made students would be expected to achieve Merits in all units assessed in final year. For those offering a HNC or HND, some flexibility may be allowed in terms of GCSE profile.


If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions and Access Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.


International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

An IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each test component or an equivalent acceptable qualification, details of which are available at: http://go.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs


If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
•Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
•Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Expand+Overview

The Pharmaceutical Industry in the UK has a greater impact on the UK economy than any other high-tech industry. Employing 73,000 people, the pharmaceutical industry offers graduates a chance to play an important role in the development of...

Hide-Overview

The Pharmaceutical Industry in the UK has a greater impact on the UK economy than any other high-tech industry. Employing 73,000 people, the pharmaceutical industry offers graduates a chance to play an important role in the development of new medicines with employment opportunities existing at all stages of the drug development process. Graduates may find themselves involved in early drug discovery processes, preclinical work, clinical trials or approval and launch of a new medicine.

Students choosing the BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) will be taught by world-leading experts in their field who work closely with the Pharmaceutical and related industries. They will be confronted by innovative and flexible teaching methods and will be provided a range of work-related learning (including placement) opportunities to equip them with the essential skills required by employers.

The engaging and dynamic curriculum allows you to understand the fundamental science underpinning the discovery of new therapeutic compounds and their translation into marketed drug products.

Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) Degree highlights

We are recognised for our excellence in teaching and our international reputation in research

Global Opportunities
•Graduates may be involved in any aspect of drug product development and the School of Pharmacy has world-leading academics that are fully engaged with leading industrial partners tackling global health problems.

Industry Links
•Academics teaching on our BSc degree programmes are leading subject experts and work with major multinational pharmaceutical companies. These include GSK, Eli Lilly, Teva, Astra Zeneca, Reckitt Benckiser, Almac, Capsugel, and many others.

World Class Facilities
•The McClay Research Centre for Pharmaceutical Sciences provides extensive state-of-the-art facilities for research, supported by well-equipped pharmaceutical engineering, analytical, molecular biology, advanced microscopy, tissue culture and microbiology laboratories.

Internationally Renowned Experts
•The BSc degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) is taught by world leading academics. Research within the School is both fundamental and applied and is supported by a broad range of funders including government, charitable and multi-national industry sources.

Course Structure

Introduction
During your course of study, you will develop breadth and depth in the skills, knowledge and experiences required for success in your future career. Both degree programmes have been developed in consultation with industry and involve a broad syllabus covering the design, evaluation, production, and testing of medicines.

Expand+Level 1
All students take five modules: The first module provides an introduction to pharmaceutical microbiology, including aspects of disinfection and sterilisation, with a second module providing an introduction to the principles of physical and a...

Hide-Level 1
All students take five modules: The first module provides an introduction to pharmaceutical microbiology, including aspects of disinfection and sterilisation, with a second module providing an introduction to the principles of physical and analytical chemistry which are of importance to pharmaceutical systems. The third module addresses the mathematical and statistical skills that are needed by pharmaceutical scientists to work effectively in the industrial sector, and other related areas.

A chemistry module covers important aspects of organic and bio-organic chemistry, including structure determination, chemical reactivity and the chemical mechanisms involved in making molecules.

Finally, a physiology module covers the principles of general physiology and histology as well as an introduction to systematic pathophysiology.

Level 2
This year provides further development and understanding of the basic/fundamental sciences related to pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical biotechnology.

Two modules, are studied; the first covers the basic principles of drug action and the second is concerned with medicinal substances and the analytical methods used to determine the relationships between structure and function of drug molecules.

Pharmaceutical Sciences students also undertake an Industrial Pharmaceutics module (40 CATS) concerning the
formulation of drug products, drug stability and the industrial manufacturing of pharmaceutical dosage forms.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of major human metabolic processes. They will also gain detailed understanding of innate and adaptive immunity whilst Pharmaceutical Formulation is concerned with formulation of pharmaceutical drug products.

Level 3
The final year of each of these degree programmes builds upon the knowledge gained and skills developed in the first two years, and provides further specialisation in key areas, allowing graduates to work successfully within the industrial sector.

Modules studied in the final year cover the following areas which include the design of large and small molecules, advanced delivery systems for these active ingredients, and their associated pharmaceutical analysis. Quality assurance and regulatory aspects of pharmaceutical manufacturing are studied by Pharmaceutical Sciences students.

Students also carry out a research project in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Year Out (Sandwich)

All students will spend a minimum of 46 weeks in a work placement during which they will carry out some project type work. Students will begin preparations for the placement in the first semester of Level 2 and the placement will be assessed within the module Professional Studies.

Expand+The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. The majority of modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed ar...

Hide-The way in which students are assessed will vary according to the Learning objectives of each module. The majority of modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in the Student Handbook which is provided to all students during their first year induction.

Feedback

As you progress through your course you will receive general and specific feedback about your work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement supervisors, personal tutors, advisers of study and your peers.

As a university student, you will be expected to take a greater role in reflecting on this and taking the initiative in continuously improving the quality of your work.

Feedback may be provided to you in a variety of forms including: formal written comments, face to face comments, placement employer comments or references, online or emailed feedback, pre-submission advice, feedback and outcomes from practical classes, and others.

Expand+Introduction
Studying for a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) degree at Queen‘s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic ins...

Hide-Introduction
Studying for a BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Sandwich) degree at Queen‘s will assist students in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.

PLACEMENTS

Placements provide an opportunity to supplement formal University education with invaluable industrial experience and present an opportunity to form strong links with potential employers. Moreover, this will help students develop vital skills, improve their employability and ultimately help them become more aware of the global pharmaceutical community and their connection to it. The School of Pharmacy have also introduced a range of other activities to support successful employability post degree. These include industrial visits to local pharmaceutical industries, employability workshops, writing CVs and job applications, psychometric tests and interview preparation techniques.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES

The prospects of employment for a graduate with a BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Sandwich) degree in the UK are high. Graduates can pursue careers in the pharmaceutical and medical devices industry. Opportunities also exist in areas relating to research and development, manufacturing and supply, commercial or support functions. Further information may be found at the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry careers website: careers.abpi.org.uk

FURTHER STUDY

Graduates can choose from a wide range of Master’s programmes as well as a comprehensive list of research topics for study at PhD level (PhD); see www.qub.ac.uk/pha for further information.




Prizes and Awards

A number of local employers and professional bodies sponsor prizes on an annual basis for best students in their level and module.

Level 1
Teva NI Ltd. Prize for Distinction in Physicochemical Principles for Formulation
QUB Foundation Award Prize for Distinction in Level 1 Studies

Level 2
ProAxsis Ltd. Prize for Distinction in Industrial Pharmaceutics
Teva NI Ltd. Prize for Distinction in Medicinal Substances

Level 3
Assoc of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (NI) Prize for Distinction in Level 3 Studies
Assoc of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (NI) Prize for Best Research Project
Almac Group Prize for Distinction in QA and Pharmaceutical Analysis

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.