Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences (Pre-Pharmacy) FdSc

Why choose this course?

If you know you have potential but want support before starting a degree in Pharmacy or a pharmacy-related degree, then this course could be perfect for you.

Successful completion of this course means you can join Year 2 of the Pharmacy MPharm programme.* Alternatively, you may top up your qualification to a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences.

This course studies the main areas of pharmacy and the pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. You'll take the same modules as students of Year 1 Pharmacy, plus additional modules in chemistry, mathematics and other subjects. You'll be able to sit the same assessments as pharmacy students, so that you'll be ready for your career in pharmacy. Your scientific learning will be supported by academic and professional skills development.

This course has recently been updated in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council's standards for initial education and training for pharmacists, which enables pharmacy graduates to prescribe at the point of registration.

*To join Year 2 of Pharmacy MPharm, you need to achieve an average mark of 50% overall across all modules at each level. In addition, you also need to pass an interview, calculations test and OSCE, complete a one-day placement, and provide a satisfactory DBS check and health check.

Please note: from 2025, this course will become the Pharmacy with Biopharmaceutics MPharm (extended degree).

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Attendance UCAS code Year of entry
2 years full time F190 2025
Main Location Penrhyn Road
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Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This foundation degree has been accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPC).
  • This course offers a good grounding in pharmacy-related subjects. Once you successfully complete the course, you'll be able to join Year 2 of the Pharmacy MPharm course or top-up to a pharmacy-related BSc (Hons).
  • Our pharmacy department's new GP simulation suite and simulated hospital ward, with life-like manikins, will provide you with the most up-to-date teaching to equip you for your future role as a prescribing pharmacist.
  • 95.7% of students were satisfied with the IT resources and facilities on this course (NSS 2023).

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

In Year 1 you will study core modules that cover each of the main subject areas in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. Your studies and professional development will be supported by an academic skills module.

Core modules

Academic and Professional Skills Portfolio

30 credits

This module provides some fundamental learning and academic skills for students on the Foundation Degree in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. It is intended to introduce a number of key skills which you will need to draw on in your future academic and professional careers. Maths, study skills and academic writing are covered together with a personal development folder based on work-based placements. This module is designed to aid you to find successful employment.

Introduction to Pharmacy Practice

30 credits

This module is core for students of the Foundation Degree in Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences. It is intended to form an introduction to pharmacy as a profession by considering its standing in the NHS and introducing the roles of the pharmacist. It provides an introduction to the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of pharmacy in the UK. Throughout the module you will develop a number of the core skills required for pharmacy practice including professionalism, IT skills, oral and written communication and numeracy.

Foundation Chemistry for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

30 credits

This module deals with the fundamentals of atomic theory and an understanding of ionic and covalent bonding in chemistry. It provides an understanding of nomenclature, stereochemistry, and organic functional group chemistry at a level appropriate to subsequent modules. Concepts in physical and physical organic chemistry are introduced. The module is also intended to develop ideas in chemistry with application to pharmaceutical sciences. 

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of the structure of atoms and molecules.
  • Differentiate between inductive and resonance effects of substituents in molecules; show a basic understanding of how molecules interact with effects of solvents, both polar and nonpolar; demonstrate how electron shifts lead to the formation and fission of bonds.
  • Utilise the equations involved in calculations of pH, pK and titration experiments; show how simple rate equations are used and how rate constants depend on the temperature. Calculate properties of solutions (particularly buffer solutions) such as pH and pKa.
  • Demonstrate how the basic rules of chemical nomenclature are applied to simple organic compounds, including E/Z and R/S isomers; draw diagrams indicating the conformations and stereochemistry of organic molecules;demonstrate a knowledge of the main types of organic reactions: addition, elimination and substitution, for simple aliphatic and aromatic compounds; understand reactions of the hydrocarbons and compounds derived from them.
  • Explain how ligands may complex and chelate to metal ions and describe the redox chemistry of these. Describe the importance of plants as a source of medicines. Recognise the structures, chirality and reactions of carbohydrates and proteins.
  • Acquire reliable experimental data, manipulate it numerically where necessary and report it concisely in a variety of word processed or other formats.
Human Physiology and Infection

30 credits

This module is designed to introduce cell biology particularly with reference to the human body and pathological micro-organisms affecting it. In conjunction with biological concepts, this module is designed to pick up concepts in organic and physical chemistry covered in the parallel module (PY4130, Foundation Chemistry for Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences) and to go into them in more detail. On completing the module you will have the background biology and chemistry required to identify the intended target for disease and infection in relation to drug structure and functional groups.

In Year 2 you will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of option modules, enabling you to specialise in an area that particularly interests you.

Throughout the course there is an emphasis on a vocational application of knowledge. You will undertake a work placement in a related workplace for a minimum of one day a week - for example, in a community pharmacy or a pharmaceutical company. Work experience may be paid or voluntary and will help you put your studies into practice. We will help you find a placement if you are not already working in such a position when you start the course.

Core modules

Academic and Professional Skills Portfolio

0 credits

The Academic and Professional Skills Portfolio is designed to develop reflective learning and professionalism as well as assessing the competence and decision-making skills, in various clinical and legal elements of professional practice, of the students who are future pharmacists.

All activities need to be satisfactorily completed for you to complete Level 5 and to be allowed to progress to the MPharm programme.

Pharmacy Law, Ethics and Practice

30 credits

This module covers a number of core concepts and requires you to demonstrate proficiency in use of your learning at a higher level than other modules. It is a module that reflects the key professional regulations, law and obligations required to become a pharmacist, as dictated by the governing professional body and government legislation. The module advances your knowledge in relation to legal and ethical practices related to pharmacy. It builds on teaching you the skills you will need for professional practice such as analysing prescriptions and dispensing relevant products, interpretation and application of law using problem solving, and using professional judgement. Approximately 20% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.

Wellbeing and Health

30 credits

This module introduces you to the principles of the role of a professional pharmacist and the various responsibilities in providing healthcare. You will explore the principles of health, wellbeing and prescribing attributes. You will gain the knowledge to enable you to respond to symptoms, recognise adverse drug reactions and other interactions. You will also develop communication skills and learn about health promotion.

Fundamentals of cell and human physiology

30 credits

This module gives an overview of the fundamentals of cell and human physiology. Emphasis is placed on understanding the basic structure and functions of cells, organelles and biomolecules and how these interact with each other to form tissues, organs and organ systems.

You will be introduced to the structure and functions of organ systems in health and selected disease states; the control of homeostasis and the rationale for the use of laboratory investigations and diagnostic tests to diagnose and monitor selected diseases. You will also gain an insight into the pharmacological and non-pharmacological basis of treatment and management of selected cases of altered health to promote healthy living in a patient-centred manner.

Approaches to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

30 credits

This module introduces subject content that underlies industrial-related areas to provide employment in drugs development and pharmaceutical industry sectors. It incorporates elements of pharmacokinetics, drugs development and manufacturing, and pharmaceutical analysis.

You will be equipped with the basic knowledge of pharmacokinetics concepts and parameters and relate drug physicochemical properties and formulation-related factors to bioavailability and pharmacokinetics profile.

The module also gives you an overview of the pre-clinical phases of drug development process with a special focus on the pharmacokinetics and formulation development stages, followed by topics involved in scaled-up production and manufacturing.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Learn employability-enhancing Future Skills
A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

  • 96-112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • A-level Chemistry with minimum grade D plus another science A-level.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with minimum grade MMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above.

Enhanced DBS check and health check. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Typical offer 2024

  • 96-112 UCAS points from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
  • A-level Chemistry with minimum grade D plus another A-level in Biology, Maths or Physics.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science with minimum grade MMM.

Candidates are normally required to hold GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade C/4 or above.

Enhanced DBS check and health check. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

Interview

For this course, the interview is 30 minutes with a multi-station format to assess the applicant academic skills, communication skills, motivation and experience to study pharmacy and their values and judgements in relation to situational scenarios.

Acceptance onto the programme will be conditional upon a satisfactory enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and satisfactory health checks.

Health checks

Students enrolling onto the course are required to complete a health check questionnaire and based on the outcome they may need to provide evidence of immunisation or health status and maybe requested to obtain immunisation against vaccine preventable diseases to ensure their safety and the safety of the public during placements.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in an appropriate subject (with minimum of 15 Level 3 credits at Distinction in Chemistry and Biology.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants.

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is:

  • TOEFL iBT 88 (R=20, L=19, S=21, W=20)
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with an overall score of 59 and no elements less than 59.
  • IELTS a minimum 6.5 overall grade in IELTS (Academic) with no components lower than 6.0.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country-specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching include lectures, workshops, tutorials and practical classes.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

Type of learning and teaching

Year 1

Year 2: MPharm route

Year 2: PharmSci route

Year 1
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 383 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 713 hours
  • Placement: 104 hours
Year 2: MPharm route
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 354 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 806 hours
  • Placement: 40 hours
Year 2: PharmSci route
  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 175 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 425 hours

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

How you will be assessed

Type of assessment

Year 1

Year 2: MPharm route

Year 2: PharmSci route

Year 1
  • Coursework: 39%
  • Practical: 13%
  • Exams: 49%
Year 2: MPharm route
  • Coursework: 18%
  • Practical: 22%
  • Exams: 60%
Year 2: PharmSci route
  • Coursework: 20%
  • Exams: 80%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. Depending on optional modules chosen, this breakdown may change.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 60 students and lecture sizes are normally 60­­.  However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Caroline Kim

Course leader

Professor Reem Kayyali

Head of Department

Dr Ali Athab Al-Kinani

Dr Federico Buonocore

Mrs Farida Butt

Dr Gianpiero Calabrese

Dr Natividad Garrido Mesa

Dr Iman Hesso

Dr Hachemi Kadri

Mrs Dipa Kamdar

Dr Mona Koshkouei

Professor Adam Le Gresley

Ms Thuy Mason

Mrs Leanne May

Dr Ricarda Micallef

Dr Huda Morgan

Professor Shereen Nabhani-Gebara

Mrs Talut Saqi

Facilities

Pharmacy simulation suites

In 2022, our two hi-tech pharmacy simulation suites were opened at Kingston University by healthcare pioneer Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu. The simulation suites consist of a mock hospital ward, pharmacy dispensing suite and GP surgery, and are equipped with the latest technology including patient simulator manikins that students can administer drugs to and monitor their pulse and breathing. These suites enable students to learn in a safe environment that simulates real-life healthcare settings.

The hospital ward features six beds with drug cabinets and curtains, a nurse's station and equipment that can be used to assess students' bedside manner and debrief them on best practice. The ward also leads into a pharmacy dispensing suite where students can practice prescribing the correct medication, and the right quantity, for certain illnesses. The GP suite has six cubicles for students to simulate seeing patients within a surgery environment, with desks and pedestals. Three of the bays have couches and the other three have chairs for patients to be examined.

Pharmacy lab:

Central to your learning is our pharmacy practice laboratory, designed to allow you to experience what it is like in a real pharmacy and finesse your skills before you start working in the health service. Based at our Penrhyn Road campus, the centre includes:

  • 40 medicine-dispensing stations
  • a pharmacy counter
  • a consulting area
  • computers connected to the Pharmacy Manager System (used in many local pharmacies).

You will practise your people skills and diagnostic skills through role plays, taking it in turns to play the patient. Other role plays include advising doctors (usually played by experienced tutors) on how to deal with prescribing errors and clinical problems. When dispensing prescriptions you will have to make all the same checks that you would make in a real pharmacy, including:

  • analysing prescriptions to check they have been filled in correctly by doctors
  • checking clinical issues such as how one medicine might interact with another
  • advising pretend patients on how to take their prescriptions.

Other facilities:

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

  • the Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories;
  • specialist equipment, such as:
    • gas and liquid chromatography
    • electron microscopy
    • a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
    • nuclear science equipment
    • thermal analysis
    • x-ray diffractometers
    • electrochemical analysis.
  • computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance

The Library offers:

  • subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
  • online database subscriptions
  • a growing selection of resource materials.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK) or ‘International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,535
International

Year 1 (2025/26): £18,800
Year 2 (2026/27): £19,600

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

You should be aware that if you want to 'top-up' to an honours degree on completion of the foundation degree, the fee for the top-up year for home (UK) students is the standard undergraduate fee, currently £9,535 for the 2025/26 academic year (this may increase for future years of study).

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a ‘Home' (UK) or ‘International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

 Fee category Amount
Home (UK students) £9,250
International

Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800
Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500

* For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

You should be aware that if you want to 'top-up' to an honours degree on completion of the foundation degree, the fee for the top-up year for home (UK) students is the standard undergraduate fee, currently £9,250 for the 2024/25 academic year (this may increase for future years of study).

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

After you graduate

Careers and progression

Through a pharmacy or chemistry degree you'll be well prepared for roles in community or hospital pharmacies, or in the pharmaceutical industry. Further study can lead to a career as a registered pharmacist or in drug/medicine research.

Examples of graduate destinations

Types of jobs

  • Research scientist
  • PhD student
  • Drug safety associate
  • Strategic alliance manager
  • Research assistant
  • Quality control analyst
  • Clinical trial project manager
  • Pharmacy technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Optical assistant/dispenser
  • Marketing research
  • Medical publisher

Employers

  • Parallel Drug Imports
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Braun Medical
  • St George's Hospital
  • EH Lilly
  • NHS
  • King Opticians
  • Alcontrol Lab
  • Nemaura Pharma Ltd
  • Quotient BioResearch
  • Syngenta
  • Medtrack

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

  • placements;
  • working or studying abroad;
  • volunteering;
  • peer mentoring roles; and
  • internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni. 

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, until 2020 entry, to allow graduates who have attained the required standards direct entry to Year 2 of the Master of Pharmacy programme.

General Pharmaceutical Council

What our students say

Various lecturers at Kingston University (including Dr Ghatora, Dr Freestone, Dr Kishi and Dr Williams) helped motivate me and gave me self-belief - as well as making education fun. During my final year the support of these teachers was very important to me due to the intense workloads and they were constantly helping by pointing me in the right direction and providing me with time management and revision skills. They also helped me turn my weaknesses into strengths to ensure I did well. For example, during my dissertation, my spelling and grammar were poor and I didn't know how to get my point of view across. Dr Ghatora advised what I needed to do in order to receive a first in my dissertation.

Kingston University helped me in making career choices as I was unsure of what sector of pharmaceutical science I wanted to work in until I took a module called Modern Industrial Practice and spoke to a lecturer and the careers department.

Omotade Idris Shittu – Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences FdSc and Pharmaceutical Science BSc(Hons)

Work placements

How you can work in industry during your course

All students undertake a placement in a business or NHS environment throughout the course, for example in a community pharmacy or a pharmaceutical company. This will be for at least one day a week and can be either paid or voluntary. An agreement is set up between the employer and the University recognising that elements of your work will contribute to your studies.

We encourage you to find your own placement, but can also help you find a suitable employer if necessary.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.