Program Overview

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Course Overview

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs work in the body. This includes any type of chemical or biological agent that produces an effect on the body including medicines, drugs of abuse, poisons, and chemicals in the food we eat and drink. There are two aspects to pharmacology: the effect of the drug on the body, and the effect of the body on the drug.

In this course we aim to answer some of the biggest questions we have surrounding drugs and medicine today and for the future. In year one, you will study a number of core modules covering physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience and medicinal chemistry. In the second year, you will start to focus on the pharmacology of current drugs and drug targets, and in the third year you will learn about the recent advances in pharmacology, and the application of pharmacology in the drug discovery process.

Pharmacologists are at the centre of developing medicines to revolutionise the treatment of diseases. These include:

• Life-saving antibiotics
• Hypertension
• Asthma
• Depression
• Statins to reduce cardiovascular disease
• Revolutionary retroviral drugs to manage HIV
• Biologic based medicines (RNA, antibodies)

Pharmacology can lead to a fulfilling career in medicines research or an industry that improves the lives of people around the world in areas such as drug discovery, medicines development, medical writing, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical marketing.

Why Choose This Course?

• Top 10 course in the world and 4th in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
• Top 20 in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Guardian University Guide 2024)
• Benefit from small-group teaching that support your learning
• Be supported by a personal tutor to provide academic and pastoral advice throughout your degree
• Active research staff teaching experience-based learning on the latest research developments and expertise
• Gain practical laboratory experience throughout your course

Course Details

Qualification

• BSc Hons

Entry Requirements

• AAB
• 32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates (IB score)
• HL5 and HL6 in Chemistry and Biology in any order (IB requirements)
• IELTS: 6.5 (not less than 6.0 in any element)
• Alternative qualifications:
  • RQF Level 3 BTEC Subsidary Diploma D plus 2 A Levels grades AB in Biology and Chemistry
  • RQF Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate D plus 2 A Levels grades AB in Biology and Chemistry
  • Access to HE Diploma 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 Level 3 credits at Merit. 12 Level 3 credits must be in Biological Science at Distinction and 12 Level 3 credits must be in Chemistry at Distinction
  • GCSE English grade 4 (C)

Start Date

• September 2025

UCAS Code

• B211

Duration

• 3 years full-time

Fees

• £9,535
• £30,750 per year (for international students)

Additional Costs

• Key textbooks (freely available from the library in electronic format)
• Lab coat and safety glasses

Scholarships and Bursaries

• The University of Nottingham offers a wide range of bursaries and scholarships
• International undergraduate scholarships for high-achieving international scholars
• Means-tested core bursary, worth up to £1,000 a year (for home students)

Module Information

Year One

• Genes, Molecules and Cells
• Human Physiology
• Core Skills in Pharmacology
• Drug Structure
• Fundamentals of Neuroscience

Year Two

• Mandatory modules:
  • Drugs and Diseases
  • Mechanisms of Therapeutic Drugs
  • Experimental Pharmacology
  • Drug Design
  • Communicating Science
• Optional modules:
  • Neurobiology of Disease
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicines
  • Life on Earth
  • Structure, function and analysis of genes
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Synthesis of Simple Drugs
  • Structure, Function and Analysis of Proteins

Year Three

• Mandatory modules:
  • Molecular Pharmacology and Advanced Quantitative Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology Research Project
  • Drug Discovery and Future Medicines
  • Toxicology and Safety Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology Research Skills
• Optional modules:
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicines
  • Reproductive Pharmacology
  • Psychopharmacology and Non-Medicinal Use of Drugs

How You Will Learn

• Mix of lectures, practicals and workshops
• Teaching methods:
  • eLearning
  • Lectures
  • Lab sessions
  • Practical classes
  • Self-study
  • Seminars
  • Small group learning
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

How You Will Be Assessed

• Assessment methods:
  • Coursework
  • Practical write-ups
  • Lab reports
  • Dissertation
  • Examinations

Contact Time and Study Hours

• Approximately 16-18 hours contact time and 18 hours of private study per week
• Classes are of varying sizes

Careers Overview

• Pharmacology degree will enable students to develop transferable skills such as data handling and communication skills
• Many Pharmacology graduates go on to further their education in PhD, PGCE or MSc studies
• Pharmacologists play an important role throughout the Drug Discovery process
• Popular industries include:
  • Pharmaceutical industry
  • Financial services
  • Civil Service and the NHS
  • Marketing and medical information

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary and career progression:
  • 93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation
  • The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £28,993

Help and Support

• Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills
• Help and support hub for frequently asked questions or details of how to make an enquiry