Program Overview

Pharmacology BSc

The Pharmacology BSc program at the University of Leeds is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how drugs work in the body, their discovery, development, and potential unwanted effects. This 3-year course equips students with key pharmaceutical industry skills to address global challenges such as antibiotic resistance and develop new treatments for diseases like diabetes, COVID-19, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, and cardiovascular conditions.

Course Overview

The course prepares students for the workplace, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and attributes for a successful career in pharmacology. Students complete a capstone research project, showcasing their expertise to potential employers and integrating everything they've learned during their degree. The program can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

Course Highlights

• Designed to give a broad scientific foundation and key graduate skills for those interested in pharmacology.
• Benefit from pharmaceutical industry partnerships through guest lectures from international companies such as Labcorp and AstraZeneca.
• Develop experimental skills in specialized laboratories to identify and find answers to key biomedical and pharmacological questions.
• The opportunity to undertake an independent capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic.
• A year in industry program allows students to gain experience working with organizations, developing new skills for their CV.
• Experience life and learning in a different country through the study abroad program, gaining fresh perspectives and developing skills valued by employers.

Flexible Degrees

Pharmacology is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences, offering flexibility throughout the study period. Some programs share a common first year, allowing opportunities to transfer to other related degree courses at the end of year 1, subject to approval.

Wellbeing and Support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to student wellbeing, ensuring support throughout higher education. This includes Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons, a period with minimal teaching to allow students to pursue their passions and contribute to positive mental health.

Career Opportunities

The program prepares students for a variety of careers, including research and development in the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, clinical science, and more. Typical graduate careers include academic researcher, biomedical scientist, clinical research associate, clinical scientist, physician associate, and roles in medical communications and regulatory affairs.

Study Abroad and Work Placements

Students have the opportunity to apply for a study abroad option, usually as an extra academic year, with over 300 university partners worldwide. There's also the option to take a placement year module with organizations across the public, private, and voluntary sectors in the UK or overseas, extending studies by 12 months.

Entry Requirements

• A-level: AAB, including biology or chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject.
• GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
• Alternative qualifications such as Access to HE Diploma, BTEC, Cambridge Pre-U, and International Baccalaureate are considered with specific requirements.
• International students must meet English language requirements, typically IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component.

Fees

• UK: ｣9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year, with the government setting the maximum tuition fee caps.
• International: ｣32,750 per year, with fees remaining the same for the duration of the course.

Scholarships and Financial Support

The University of Leeds offers various scholarships and financial support to help fund students' degrees, including scholarships for international and UK students, and support through the Access to Leeds scheme for students from low-income households or those who are the first in their family to attend university.

Applying

Applications are made through UCAS, with deadlines available on the UCAS website. International students apply in the same way, with additional support available through the University's international representatives.

Related Courses

Related courses offered by the University of Leeds include Biomedical Sciences BSc, Neuroscience BSc, Sport and Exercise Sciences BSc, and integrated Masters programs in Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Pharmacology.