Program Overview

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Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (MSci)

Award: Integrated Masters degree in Science

Typical Offer: AAA

Duration: 4 years

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Highfield

UCAS Course code: B215

About this course

This programme will give you the skills and knowledge required for a career in pharmacology. This is the study of how drugs interact with receptors, cells, tissues, and whole organisms. The course will provide a stimulating, informed environment through a wide range of interesting and contemporary modules with flexibility and choice.

You will gain a sound scientific knowledge base in pharmacology to FHEQ level 7 and in biochemistry and physiology to at least FHEQ Level 5. This will allow you to describe and comment on specific aspects of current research in pharmacology. The course will also provide training in pharmacological laboratory skills.

This will all help you to:

• appreciate the limits of knowledge of pharmacological processes
• develop a range of transferable skills
• develop critical thinking skills and show that you can pursue independent study
• undertake an independent project on a pharmacologically related topic
• prepare for higher degrees and careers in pharmacological and biochemical research

Alongside the core modules in this masters in pharmacology, we offer a broad range of modules in the wider area of biomolecular sciences. This will give you the flexibility to follow your particular interests as you progress through your pharmacology degree. There are also modules available in other faculties and broader interdisciplinary modules, which will give you the choice to maintain a broader portfolio of skills and experience, should you so wish.

By the end of this programme you'll have knowledge and understanding of a range of topics relevant to pharmacology and drug discovery. You'll also learn to use a range of practical skills and techniques relevant to the field.

You'll be able to:

• collect and analyse experimental data
• interpret and write up the results of experiments
• create and deliver a presentation on a topic relevant to pharmacology
• conduct research into an area of science relevant to pharmacology
• produce a dissertation, based on scientific research
• have an appreciation of the ethical and societal aspects of research in the biosciences

Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.

Foundation year

If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download ODT

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAA including Chemistry and one further science subject.

• A-levels additional information: Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
• A-levels with Extended Project Qualification: If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: AAB including Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
• A-levels contextual offer: We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass with overall score of 36 points, with 18 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject

• International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information: Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
• International Baccalaureate contextual offer: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

BTEC

• RQF BTEC: D* in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject,
• QCF BTEC: D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 45 credits must be at Distinction.

• Access to HE additional information: A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
• Access Offer Contextual: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Irish Leaving Certificate

• Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017): H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
• Irish certificate additional information: Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
• Irish Offer Contextual: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, D3 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.

• Cambridge Pre-U additional information: Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
• Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AAA from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AA from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and A from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

• Welsh Baccalaureate additional information: A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
• Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer: We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• IELTS score requirements:
  • overall score: 6.5
  • reading: 6.0
  • writing: 6.0
  • speaking: 6.0
  • listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

This course is a 4 year programme, 3 at undergraduate level and 1 at master's level. You'll do independent reading at the same time as your coursework, which will broaden your knowledge and understanding of pharmacology and drug discovery.

Year 1 overview

You will gain a solid foundation and understanding across a broad range of topics in biological science.

Year 2 overview

This is the beginning of your specialisation into pharmacology. Some students may be invited to consider going overseas on a 'study abroad' module, giving them the opportunity to study at partner universities overseas.

Year 3 overview

You'll undertake a Bioscience Business project, which will give you a good understanding of the drug discovery process and bringing a new drug to market. You'll have the opportunity to develop your own interests in particular fields of research supported by a range of advanced modules. These modules are taught by researchers at the forefront of their disciplines from within biological sciences.

Year 4 overview

You'll undertake an independent laboratory project in one of our research laboratories and further develop your specialist knowledge though advanced level taught modules.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Chemistry of Life
• Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
• How to Think Like a Scientist
• The Human Genome and Disease

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
• Flow of Genetic Information

You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:

• Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics
• Cell Biology
• Engineering Replacement Body Parts
• Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
• Medical Microbiology
• Principles of Neuroscience
• Vertebrate Development

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Molecular Pharmacology
• Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
• Selective Toxicity

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Biofilms and Microbial Communities
• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Biomedical Technology
• Bioscience Business
• Bioscience Education
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Immunology
• In-Silico Research Project
• Laboratory Research Project
• Microbiomes and Health
• Molecular Cell Biology
• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Science Communication

Year 4 modules

You must study the following modules in year 4:

• Advanced Pharmacology
• Advanced Research Project
• Current Research

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

• Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
• Neurodegenerative Disease
• Skills in Biological Optical Imaging
• Skills in Molecular Bioscience
• Skills in Structural Biology
• Structure and Function of the Nervous System
• Systems Neuroscience

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Elisa Fadda is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Confidence
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Civil service,
• Department of Health and Social Care,
• Intellectual Property Office,
• NHS,
• Pharmaceutical and biotech companies,
• universities.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Academic researcher
• Analytical chemist
• Clinical research associate
• Clinical scientist
• University lecturer
• Medical science liaison
• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist
• Toxicologist
• Formulation scientist

Wider career opportunities:

• Biomedical scientist
• Community pharmacist
• Medical sales representative
• Neuroscientist
• Patent attorney
• Policy officer
• Regulatory affairs officer
• Science writer
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Secondary school teacher

Example job titles of Southampton MSci Pharmacology and Drug Discovery graduates*:

• Epidemiology analyst
• Medical liaison coordinator
• Quality control specialist
• Clinical trials manager
• Management consultant
• Clinical research technician
• Junior scientist
• Recruitment consultant
• Test technician

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £28,800.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: B215
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (MSci) is a course in the Biological sciences subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• BSc Microbiology
• MSci Microbiology
• BSc Biochemistry
• MSci Biochemistry
• MSci Biology
• BSc Biology
• MSci Biology and Marine Biology
• BSc Biology and Marine Biology
• BSc Biomedical Sciences
• MSci Biomedical Sciences
• BSc Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry
• MChem Chemistry with Medicinal Sciences
• MSci Neuroscience
• BSc Neuroscience
• BSc Pharmacology
• MSci Zoology
• BSc Zoology