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Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Top-up) BSc(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

1 year full-time

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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • Learn from expert staff at a TEF Gold-rated university, ranked in the top five in England for doctoral-qualified staff (HESA 2025).
  • Build specialist knowledge in pharmaceutics through lectures, seminars, and hands-on lab work led by expert staff.
  • Deepen your understanding of drug design and research while developing creative problem-solving skills.

Completing your Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc(Hons) top up degree with us gives you the chance to develop a specialism in pharmaceutics. Throughout this final year you’ll be building up your knowledge and getting to practise the skills that are sought after by a wide range of industries.

  • You’ll get to grips with the subject areas through lectures, tutorials, focused seminars and hands-on practicals in modern science labs. Guided by teaching staff who are all educated to doctoral level in their respective areas of expertise.
  • You’ll be able to develop your logical reasoning skills and establish an imaginative approach to solving problems..
  • You’ll delve deeper into the complexities of drug action and drug design. You'll have the option to complete a research project, giving you the chance to make an impact in your area of particular interest or perhaps focus on topics you might wish to pursue in your future career in industry or academia.

Wherever you’d like your career path to take you, taking your first steps with us could give you a great start.

Career opportunities after the course *

Data Analysts

Graduate Managers

Laboratory Technicians

Environmental Consultants

Operations Coordinators

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

The admissions process will be in conjunction with other courses of the Chemical Sciences suite.

Applications for this course are considered on a case-by-case basis but typical entry requirements for the Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Top-up) BSc(Hons) are:

  • You hold an HND or Diploma of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a related subject with an overall average of at least 60%.
  • You have passed at 240 credit, including at least 120 credits at level 5 or equivalent, in a Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or similar degree. All modules should be passed as at least 40% and the overall average should be at least 60%.

International entry will normally proceed through formal progression agreements with overseas partner institutions.

Information for the partner institutions: For entry, the student should have been performing at a 1st class level (exact qualifying grades to be determined through liaison with departmental admissions tutors, International Office and partner institution) in their prior undergraduate studies where credit equivalent to Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE) or Higher National Diploma (HND) (equivalent of 120 F-level and 120 I-level credits) and they will be at least 18 years of age by 31st December of the year of entry.

Transfers from other institutions will be considered on an individual basis.

If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 6.5 overall with no element lower than 6.0, iGCSE English at grade B, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

What will you learn?

Course Details

The taught modules bring together some of the aspects of advance pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry to enable you to understand present day drug design, activity and delivery. Option modules allow you to gain deeper knowledge of organic chemistry or to undertake a major research project.

In this module the basic description of separation science provided earlier in the course will be expanded and extended. Recent developments in the subject will be discussed in terms of basic chromatographic theory. The application of separation methods to the identification and quantification of drugs and their metabolites in toxicological samples will be discussed. The metabolism of drugs, in so far as this process impinges upon the analytical methodology employed in toxicological analysis, together with the effects of sample type and their storage will be highlighted.

A chemically-based independent research programme. Supervisors will outline the aims of the project and direct you to the most recent literature. Before undertaking experimentation, you'll be expected to undertake a comprehensive review of the literature related to your project. You'll have the opportunity to plan your project in light of the current state of the field of research. You'll be given advice from your supervisor on research methods. Your projects will involve advanced laboratory and instrumental techniques. It will be open ended and you'll be expected to review progress regularly and modify research plans accordingly. You'll then be required to present your results in a thesis and in a talk at the end of your project

This module extends your understanding of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics, and relevance to an extended range of dosage forms. Different delivery methods, routes of delivery and formulation type will be individually reviewed including oral and aerosol formulations. Formulation approaches to targeting the different routes of delivery (buccal, colon, rectal, nasal ophthalmic, pulmonary and transdermal) will also be covered. The structure and the nature of the barrier properties of the tissue will be discussed in terms of the advantages afforded by delivery to the site and strategies for maximising absorption. The design, manufacture and performance of modified release drug dosage forms and factors governing release kinetics from reservoir, osmotic and monolithic systems and mathematical calculations will be covered. Aspects of formulation and the importance of pharmaceutical analysis to maintain the quality, safety and efficacy of the product will be consolidated in the practicals and case-study. Pharmaceutical analysis including thermal, and rheological analyses are covered along with release testing, UV analysis, aerosol testing and particle sizing.

If your first language is not English you must take the first listed module 'Developing Confidence in Spoken and Written English', as well as choosing 2 more from the remaining modules in the list.

The module is designed for students who have the minimum level of English language skills for them to have been accepted onto a university course and who may lack the initiative to ask for help when needed. In this module students are provided with the opportunity to develop higher levels of confidence in their production of spoken and written academic English. In addition, students will consolidate and refine their understanding of syntax and grammatical structures. As the module runs alongside their university studies, there is an emphasis on and an incentive to use skills that complement work done in the main area of study and which will be of use in and beyond an academic context. The use of regular AM/AI-proof tasks will ensure students develop an understanding of their own learning and the role they themselves play in developing their knowledge and skills. The module contributes to the attainment of skills and knowledge relevant to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) normally level B2- to B2.

This module draws together the basic concepts of synthesis and reaction mechanisms in the context of providing methods for designing suitable synthetic routes to target compounds and also extends the range of reaction types to include pericyclic reactions. The module introduces contemporary preparative methods for the synthesis of organic compounds. Further aspects relating to designing a synthesis and the connection between design and retrosynthetic principles are covered. The selectivity of reactions and the concepts of regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantioselectivity are developed as are the rules governing pericyclic reactions. The reaction mechanism component draws together concepts in both physical and mechanistic organic chemistry. This section provides techniques that can be used to differentiate between mechanistic types. The use of product analysis, activation parameters, linear free energy relationships and isotope effects to determine reaction mechanisms are described.

In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In NMR you'll have the opportunity to consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments, and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.

The aim of this Pharmacology module is to introduce you to the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and cancer. You will learn about the underlying disease processes involved in the development of CNS disorders and then study their pharmacological management. You will also learn about the biological basis of the mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and then the drugs used to treat cancer. You will also learn about drug testing, chemosensitivity and pharmacokinetics. CNS topics will include depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, pain, and drug addiction. Cancer topics will include the hallmarks of cancer, the mechanisms of action of cytotoxic and targeted anti-cancer therapeutics, anti-cancer drug discovery and anti-cancer drug resistance. Pharmacokinetics will cover dosing for drugs with non-linear pharmacokinetics, one-compartment and two-compartment model drugs.

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life. The underlying biology associated with some of these chronic diseases will be studied, the mechanism(s) by which they arise or develop and current treatments. There will be a particular focus on cancer as an example of a complex chronic disease. Other chronic diseases to be studied will be chosen to reflect recent advances in knowledge or treatment of a disease.

If your first language is English you will be taking:

This module draws together the basic concepts of synthesis and reaction mechanisms in the context of providing methods for designing suitable synthetic routes to target compounds and also extends the range of reaction types to include pericyclic reactions. The module introduces contemporary preparative methods for the synthesis of organic compounds. Further aspects relating to designing a synthesis and the connection between design and retrosynthetic principles are covered. The selectivity of reactions and the concepts of regio-, chemo-, stereo- and enantioselectivity are developed as are the rules governing pericyclic reactions. The reaction mechanism component draws together concepts in both physical and mechanistic organic chemistry. This section provides techniques that can be used to differentiate between mechanistic types. The use of product analysis, activation parameters, linear free energy relationships and isotope effects to determine reaction mechanisms are described.

In this module you'll be provided with an overview of contemporary spectroscopic techniques and their relevant areas of application. In mass spectrometry you'll be introduced to the range of ionisation and scanning techniques and the ways in which the coupling of chromatographic methods with mass spectrometry can enhance and extend the capabilities of both methods. In NMR you'll have the opportunity to consider a range of advanced experimental methods to enhance the quality of the analytical information which can be obtained. Modern electroanalysis is a powerful and versatile analytical tool for investigating a wide range of analytical problems. This module will introduce you to a selection of these methods and will illustrate the practicalities, uses and limitations of these techniques. Sensor technologies represent a rapidly expanding area of analytical science. The module aims to familiarise you with the wide range of fields, which contribute to sensor developments, and then to reinforce this knowledge with pertinent examples such as glucose monitoring systems for diabetics.

The aim of this Pharmacology module is to introduce you to the mechanisms of action of drugs used to treat diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) and cancer. You will learn about the underlying disease processes involved in the development of CNS disorders and then study their pharmacological management. You will also learn about the biological basis of the mechanisms underpinning the development of cancer and then the drugs used to treat cancer. You will also learn about drug testing, chemosensitivity and pharmacokinetics. CNS topics will include depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, pain, and drug addiction. Cancer topics will include the hallmarks of cancer, the mechanisms of action of cytotoxic and targeted anti-cancer therapeutics, anti-cancer drug discovery and anti-cancer drug resistance. Pharmacokinetics will cover dosing for drugs with non-linear pharmacokinetics, one-compartment and two-compartment model drugs.

This module provides the opportunity for you to learn about a range of different chronic diseases that can affect human health and quality of life. The underlying biology associated with some of these chronic diseases will be studied, the mechanism(s) by which they arise or develop and current treatments. There will be a particular focus on cancer as an example of a complex chronic disease. Other chronic diseases to be studied will be chosen to reflect recent advances in knowledge or treatment of a disease.

Teaching and Assessment

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How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

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At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment. We may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

Changes to option modules

Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. We will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

Major changes

We will only make major changes to non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes the outcomes, or a significant part of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum. For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed in accordance with the student protection plan.

The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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