BSc (Hons)
Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing
A new way for you to succeed in your education and career. Flexible, 100% online, BSc (Hons) degree awarded by the University of South Wales.
Applications close Wednesday 12th August — course starts 17th August
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Key Course Details
4 Years Part-time, Online
Fees
Interest-free monthly payment plan. No application, registration, book, certificate or interest fees.
Awards along the way
All awarded by the University of South Wales, so you can pause your studies and come back where you left off.
You don't need an access course or A-levels, and we have multiple start dates throughout the year. There's no UCAS application or personal statement writing — you deal with us directly and talk to your own course coordinator from day 1.
Designed for
Navigating the path back to university as a mature student is really tough. It often means trying to fit yourself into a box that was built for 18-year-olds and is not designed for you, your needs or your commitments.
At GetReskilled, we don't take new school leavers. We are experts in the adult learning experience, and we've teamed up with the University of South Wales to deliver a BSc degree programme specifically for mature students.
We are the right choice for you if
- You want the convenience of distance education with the reliability of a bricks and mortar university
- You want to get a degree on your terms, with a course designed especially for mature students
- You want a “personal trainer” who will make sure you get the qualifications you are looking for
- You want regular course start dates so you don't have to waste months waiting
This course is right for you if
- You don't want to complete an access course just to be eligible to apply
- You don't want to apply through UCAS and compete with 18-year-olds
- You don't want the future of your education to rest on a personal statement
- You don't want the traditional university experience an 18-year-old is looking for
On this page
If there's anything we haven't answered for you, email geraldine@getreskilled.com
15
Years training people for the pharma industry
5,000+
People trained to date
3
National and European education awards
87
Published reviews and success stories
Programme developed in conjunction with some of the world's biggest pharma companies, including Pfizer and MSD.
Course Highlights
No UCAS, no access course
You deal with us directly. No personal statement, no references, and no waiting for the academic year to start.
A dedicated coordinator
Your single point of contact, who checks in with you every week to make sure you're staying on track.
Awards along the way
A University Certificate after year 1 and a Higher Certificate after year 2, so you can pause and come back.
Built with industry
Developed with some of the world's biggest pharma companies, including Pfizer and MSD.
Two routes to the same degree
Both end in a BSc (Hons). Only one of them is built around a life you've already got.
| The traditional route | This programme | |
|---|---|---|
| Applying | UCAS application, personal statement, references | Apply directly to us. No UCAS, no personal statement, no references |
| Getting in | May need an access course first | No access course. A Level 3 qualification, or Level 2 plus relevant work experience |
| Starting | One intake, September or November | Multiple starts per year. Next intake starts 17th August |
| Studying | On campus, fixed timetable | 100% online, no fixed class times. Materials available 24/7 |
| Your job | Full-time study, so most people stop working | Keep working. Approx 15 hours per week, fitted around you |
| Paying | Tuition fees, usually via a repayable loan | £375 a month, interest-free. No debt at the end |
| If life gets in the way | Interrupt your studies and reapply | Exit awards at Level 4 and Level 5. Pause, then return where you left off |
| Who you deal with | Faculty admin and a personal tutor | One named coordinator who checks your progress every week |
We've been doing this for 15 years and have trained over 5,000 people. We know every student's name and we're as invested in your success as you are.
Our BSc (Hons) degree programme was developed in conjunction with some of the world's biggest pharma companies, and it's delivered by highly respected working industry professionals.
Who teaches you
A team you can trust
You are taught by working industry professionals and university academics, not by a platform. These are the people you will actually deal with.
How the degree works
Our BSc (Hons) degree programme is a unique combination of technical modules and skills-based modules that takes you from your current situation to opening a door to jobs that require a BSc (Hons) degree.
The essential course details
- BSc (Hons) degree, accredited by the University of South Wales
- You will also graduate with a University Certificate (Level 4) after 1 year of study, and a University Higher Certificate (Level 5) after 2 years — meaning you can take a break and come back where you left off
- Delivered entirely online
- 15 hours per week with a fully flexible timetable — there are no Zoom classes or webinars, so you decide when and where to study
- 4 years to complete 14 modules
- You don't have to wait for the academic year to start in November — our next intake closes for applications on Wednesday 12th August
What a week actually looks like
Fifteen hours a week sounds like a lot until you see how it's structured. There are no live classes to attend, so the only fixed point in your week is the one at the end of it.
Monday
Your week's materials unlock
One week of course content is released at a time, so you're never looking at a mountain — only at what's in front of you.
Any time
You choose when to study
No Zoom classes, no webinars, no fixed class times. Materials are available 24/7, so early mornings, lunch breaks and evenings all count.
Any time
Questions go to one person
Your dedicated Programme Coordinator handles anything about the programme, the technical content, or working in the industry.
End of week
Your progress is checked
Your coordinator manually reviews where you've got to. This is a person, not an automated email.
If needed
You get a catch-up plan
If it looks like you're falling behind, they reach out and help you put a plan in place — before it becomes a problem.
Module Overview
Five modules covering current Good Manufacturing Practice, facility design and the chemistry behind medicinal products, alongside two skills modules. You'll finish the year with a University Certificate (Level 4) from the University of South Wales.
Module 1 — Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technologies
PH1S082A broad understanding of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) — the regulations that pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers legally have to follow to make sure they're making safe products.
Module 2 — Writing Skills
GetReskilled skills moduleEquips you with a high level of written communication skills. You'll study this as you write your end-of-module assignment for Module 1, so it walks you through that writing process while developing skills you'll need in your career.
Module 3 — Pharmaceutical Facility Design
PH1S083A strong grounding in the unique utility systems (e.g. air and water) used in a manufacturing facility, and the quality systems used to make sure products are safe and effective.
Module 4 — Job Hunting / Career Development Skills
GetReskilled skills moduleWalks you through the job hunting process step by step, showing you how to catch an employer's attention with your application and how to confidently interview. Examples are from pharma, but it transfers to any industry.
Module 5 — Fundamentals of Chemistry for the Pharmaceutical Industry
PH1S084A foundation in the general chemistry used for the manufacture of medicinal products. You don't need any previous science qualifications to study this module.
Please note: this module runs as a group module 3 times per year and you'll need to keep pace with the class. It's the only module where you can't control the pace of your study.
Award — University Certificate (Level 4)
End of year oneLock away your learning. You'll be awarded a University Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing from USW, meaning if you need to pause your studies at this point and come back later, you can.
Three modules covering the commissioning and qualification of equipment, validation strategy and project management. You'll finish the year with a University Higher Certificate (Level 5) from the University of South Wales.
Award — Higher University Certificate (Level 5)
End of year twoYou'll be awarded a University Higher Certificate in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing from USW, again with the option to pause and return.
Three modules covering cleanroom design, the regulation of combination and device products, and the maths and statistics used in the industry. By the end of this year you'll be three quarters of the way through your degree.
Three final modules covering physical chemistry and chemical safety, technology transfer, and a practical end-to-end validation strategy. At the end of this year you graduate with your BSc (Hons) degree.
Award — BSc (Hons) Degree
End of year fourYou'll graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Product Manufacturing from the University of South Wales.
The pharmaceutical industry uses technical language that you probably won't have heard before, which can make module titles sound daunting. While it's nice to see what you'll be studying — you aren't meant to understand it yet. New concepts are introduced gradually and with lots of explanation.
Why Online Works
Single point of contact
We give every student a dedicated Programme Coordinator. They are your single point of contact throughout the course. Any questions about the programme, the technical information, or working in the industry — it all goes to them.
Personal trainer
You'll get one week of course materials released at a time and your Programme Coordinator will manually check your progress at the end of the week. Think of them like a personal trainer for your studies — if it ever looks like you're starting to fall behind, they'll reach out and help you put a plan in place for catching up and staying on track.
Online
Learning is 100% online and your study materials are available to you 24/7 — this means you can truly study at the time and place that best suits you. You don't have to waste time commuting to a classroom and you can take advantage of even the smallest window of available time in your weekly schedule.
No fixed class times
There are no fixed class times — you have the week to complete the topics that you're given and it's up to you when you fit that in. You don't have to quit work, you don't have to give up precious family time, and you don't need to rearrange any caring responsibilities or previous ongoing commitments.
Support through your job hunt
We know from over 15 years' experience that when you're changing careers, it's not just about learning technical details. Figuring out how to successfully job hunt in a new industry takes time and effort. We created a dedicated module that walks you step by step through the job hunting process. When we say we take you all the way from knowing nothing about the industry to your first job — we mean it.
We're with you every step of the way.
Check our references
Agnes Hove
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Patricia Radulescu
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Domagoj Wunderlich
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Jessa Reid
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Kieran Mac Namara
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Success story
From apprentice to Senior Process Engineer
Harry Smith left college with A-levels that, by his own account, “didn’t particularly go well”, and decided university wasn’t for him. He took an apprenticeship instead. Ten years later he is a Senior Process Engineer at Boston Scientific — and has completed Levels 4 and 5 of this degree while working full time.
“It’s bridged the gap between being very confident in one specific area to understanding things at an industry level.”
Harry Smith, Senior Process Engineer, Boston Scientific
He studied around a demanding job — getting up early, working through the weekly lectures and assignments at his own pace. He now recommends it to his own team, particularly colleagues who came through apprenticeships or moved into technical roles without formal qualifications.
- 27 years old
- L4 & 5 completed in two years, part time
- Boston
Scientific Senior Process Engineer
Read Harry’s full story on the University of South Wales website
The 15-second eligibility check
Most people who assume they aren't eligible for a degree are wrong. Answer one question and find out.
Question 1 of up to 3
Have you ever completed A-Levels, or any Level 3 qualification or higher?
This check reflects the published entry criteria on this page. It isn't an application decision — every applicant completes a written and telephone interview.
Entry Requirements
You need to meet ONE of the following criteria
A-Levels, Level 3 qualification or higher
You are eligible for the programme if you have your A-Levels, or a Level 3 qualification or anything higher. This does not have to be recent. If you have ever done a Level 3 qualification or A-Level, you are eligible.
GCSEs, Level 2 qualification & relevant experience
You are eligible if you have your GCSEs or any Level 2 qualification, and you work in manufacturing, healthcare, science, engineering, validation etc. If you have ever done a Level 2 qualification or GCSE level, you are eligible.
GetReskilled Conversion into Pharma Manufacturing course
You are eligible if you have taken our 10-week Conversion Course into Pharma Manufacturing. More details on this programme.
English language
For non-native English speakers, applicants may need to take a Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent language test for this course. See the FAQ for more details.
We're here to help
Whether you have a question about the course, the fees, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch, and we'd love to talk to you. If you'd like to chat with us quickly, use the chat bubble — we usually respond within a few minutes to a few hours.
Fees and Funding
Monthly payment plan
£375
per month for 4 years
Annual fee
£4,500
per year of study
Further information
Many adult learners want to return to education but find it difficult because they aren't eligible for the Government's Repayable Tuition Loan. To help make our programmes accessible to as many people as possible, we operate an interest-free monthly payment plan. Total course fees are spread across the 4 years of study with no additional fees or charges.
This means you don't have to pay all your fees upfront and you won't have any debt hanging over you when you're finished.
Please note — if you already work in the pharma or med device industries, many companies offer funding for employee training. It may be worth discussing this opportunity with your line manager to see if you are eligible for any company financial support.
Price includes
- End of week progress checks by us to MAKE SURE you finish the course
- University accreditation by University of South Wales, UK
- Delivered online so you can learn from home (or anywhere) on your own schedule
- Robust job hunting skills course that will seriously help you find a job
- Regular and ongoing access to a dedicated career coaching counsellor
No hidden fees
- No application fees
- No registration fees
- No resource/book fees
- No certificate fees
- No interest fees
Interest-free payment plan
Total course fees are spread across the 4 years of study with no additional fees or charges — so you don't have to pay upfront, and you won't have debt hanging over you when you're finished.
How to Apply
You apply directly to us — there's no UCAS form and no personal statement. The application process is as follows.
- Request more information about the programme. You can receive this via email, or fill in your details and a member of the team will phone you to talk through your suitability and answer any questions you might have.
- Once you're sure this is the right decision for you, you'll submit registration documentation. If you're already convinced, you can go straight to the registration form.
- When we receive your registration form, we will review your submission and follow up, offering interviews after the application date has passed.
- You will then complete both a written and telephone interview.
- Once the interviews are concluded, offers will be sent out. Successful candidates will have 24 hours to accept their offer.
- The course will then begin on the 17th August.
Application deadline
The next course will close for applications on Wednesday 12th August, and the course starts on 17th August.
You don't have to wait for the academic year to start in November — we run multiple intakes throughout the year.
Contact details for this course
Geraldine Creaner
+44 (0)78 0237 0554
Gerard Creaner
+44 (0)78 0241 9185
Questions people ask us first
Is this a real degree, or something less than one?
It's a full BSc (Hons) degree, accredited by and awarded by the University of South Wales — a brick-and-mortar university. The technical modules carry USW module codes and sit on the USW curriculum. What's different is the delivery, not the qualification.
Can I really do this while working full time?
That's what it's designed for. The programme is part-time at approximately 15 hours per week, with no fixed class times and no live sessions to attend. Materials are released weekly and available 24/7, so you decide when the hours happen. You don't have to quit work, give up family time, or rearrange caring responsibilities.
What happens if I fall behind?
Your Programme Coordinator manually checks your progress at the end of every week. If it looks like you're slipping, they contact you and help you put a catch-up plan in place. This is the single biggest difference between finishing an online course and abandoning one.
What if I need to stop partway through?
You bank your learning as you go. After year one you're awarded a University Certificate (Level 4), and after year two a University Higher Certificate (Level 5), both from the University of South Wales. If life means you need to pause, you leave with a qualification and can return where you left off.
I have no science background. Will I cope?
You do not need any previous experience in the pharmaceutical industry, or any science, engineering or maths qualifications. New concepts are introduced gradually with lots of explanation. The chemistry module in year one is written specifically for people with no prior science study.
What does it cost in total, and is there interest?
£375 per month for four years, or £4,500 per year. The payment plan is interest-free and there are no application, registration, book, certificate or interest fees. You don't pay upfront and you won't have debt hanging over you at the end. If you already work in pharma or medical devices, many employers fund employee training — worth raising with your line manager.
Do I need an English language test?
For non-native English speakers, applicants may need to take a Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent test. Get in touch and we'll tell you whether it applies to you.
How long does the application take?
You submit registration documentation, then complete a written and a telephone interview after the application date passes. Offers go out once interviews conclude, and successful candidates have 24 hours to accept. Applications for this intake close on Wednesday 12th August, with the course starting on 17th August.
Got more questions?
Fill out the form and we'll get back to you in one working day. If you'd like to chat with us quickly, click the chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the page. We usually respond within a few minutes to a few hours.