Program Overview

BSc Pharmacology

The BSc Pharmacology program is designed to align with the British Pharmacological Society's core curricula and was developed with the needs of the pharmaceutical industry in mind. This course will provide students with the knowledge and skills to work as pharmacologists within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industries.

Overview

Develop the knowledge and skills to work as a pharmacologist within the pharmaceutical or life sciences industries with our new BSc Pharmacology. This course has been designed to align with the British Pharmacological Society's core curricula and was developed with the needs of the pharmaceutical industry in mind.

• Explore the principles of drug action and molecular targets.
• Develop practical pharmacology laboratory skills and expertise in experimental design.
• Master essential mathematical skills and statistical analysis techniques.
• Gain insights into systems pharmacology.
• Learn mathematical and computer modelling methods.
• Understand the role of pharmacology in marketing, registration and clinical trials of medicines.

Structure

The program consists of three years of full-time study, with optional modules available in the final year.

Year 1

• Fundamentals of Cell Biology
• Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science
• Principles of Drug Action
• Mathematics and Statistics for Pharmacology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Key Skills for Pharmacology
• Placement Support 1

Year 2

• Molecular Drug Targets
• Drug Design and Delivery
• Haematology and Immunology
• Medicines in Healthcare
• Integrated Anatomy and Physiology
• Mathematical Modelling for Pharmacology
• Placement Support 2

Year 3

• Research Project
• Clinical and Societal Impact of Pharmacology
• Optional modules:
  • Experimental Approaches to Neuroscience
  • Innovation and Product Development

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBB, including Biology and Chemistry
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall, including 5 in Biology and Chemistry at higher level
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDD, with specific units in Chemistry and Biology
• GCSE: Maths at grade C (5)
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: Ł9,790 (2026 entry)
• New international students: Ł30,650 (2026/27)
• Additional costs may apply for field trips and extra resources

Careers

BSc Pharmacology is ideal for aspiring pharmacologists, with 96% of graduates from Reading School of Pharmacy in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. The program provides excellent preparation for further study at master's and PhD level, and graduates can pursue careers in areas such as clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, patenting, and sales and marketing.