Pharmacology BSc

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, 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.

Why Choose This Course?

• Top 20 in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Guardian University Guide 2024) and 12th in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Benefit from small-group teaching that supports 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
• IB score: 32 points overall or 6,6,5 in three HL certificates
• IELTS: 6.5 (not less than 6.0 in any element)

Start Date

• September 2026

UCAS Code

• B211

Duration

• 3 years full-time

Fees

• £9,535*

Course Structure

Year One

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Introduction to Pharmacology
• Fundamental and Professional Skills for the Life Sciences
• Chemistry of Life
• Principles of Neuroscience

Year Two

• Pharmacological Approaches to Disease Management
• Experimental Pharmacology
• Further Skills in the Life Sciences A
• Proteins: from Translation to Therapeutics
• Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology
• Optional modules:
  • Cellular Communication in the Nervous System
  • Microorganisms in Biology, Health and Disease
  • Nutrition for Health
  • Genetics and Genomics
  • Immunology

Year Three

• Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Contemporary Issues in Science
• Analytical and Molecular Pharmacology
• Project
• Drug Discovery and Emerging Therapeutics
• Optional modules:
  • Health, Ageing and Disease
  • Neurological Disorders
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicines
  • Drug Targets for Mental Health

Assessment

• 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

Careers Overview

• A 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, financial services, Civil Service, and NHS

Job Prospects

• Average starting salary: £28,993
• 93.90% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation

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