Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
Study alongside researchers doing important work to understand diseases and enhance your CV with lab-based placements. Using specialist facilities, you'll deepen your chemistry and biology knowledge as you study how drugs – such as painkillers, antibiotics and even caffeine – alter the body.
Key information
UCAS code:
B210
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
112-120 from A levels, or equivalent, to include 64 UCAS points from specific subjects
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
If you love performing experiments in high-tech labs and want to study alongside researchers who are doing important work to understand how diseases such as Cancer, Alzheimer's and Asthma can be treated, this BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree is for you.
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they affect living systems. Using specialist facilities, you'll deepen your chemistry and biology knowledge as you study how drugs – such as painkillers, antibiotics and even caffeine – alter the body.
You'll set yourself for a fulfilling career working in an industry that improves the lives of millions of people. You could work in areas such as new drug development, medical writing, regulatory affairs and pharmaceutical marketing.
Course highlights
- Explore the latest techniques and methods for diagnosing and treating diseases
- Investigate how cells communicate with each other and why people's bodies respond differently to the same drugs
- Look at how new medicines are developed, tested and launched
- Enhance your CV on a laboratory-based work experience module and on a sandwich year in industry (subject to successful applications)
- Have the opportunity to do summer research placement at one of our partner universities overseas
No.3
in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology courses
(The Guardian University Guide, 2024)
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment.
Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
You can also apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Biology when you complete the course. This gives you membership benefits including access to professional networks and conferences.
Why study BSc Pharmacology?
Discover our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree and explore how it will deepen your chemistry and biology knowledge as you study how medical drugs alter the body, setting yourself up for a fulfilling career working in an industry that improves the lives of millions of people.
Freddie
I wanted to do pharmacology because I just really enjoy the science behind it. Working towards something that can better people, doing what I can to help that, it’s great.
Dr James Brown
Broadly, pharmacology is a study of drugs and to be able to understand how drugs work, we need to have a good understanding of physiology and what happens in the human body under normal, healthy conditions.
Dr Anthony Lewis
Students want to study pharmacology, have an inquisitive mind. They want to help people by designing drugs that will hopefully cure diseases. In the first year, you're really introduced to how the human body works. So anatomy, physiology, genetics, there's a study of pharmaceutical chemistry and understanding how drugs are made.
Dr James Brown
In the second year, students study pharmacology around a systems based approach, so they will cover the cardiovascular system, respiratory, renal, endocrine and nervous systems. And we will look at conditions that we can currently treat.
Dr Anthony Lewis
In the third year, students go on to do research projects either at Portsmouth or abroad, as part of our Turing scheme.
Grace
The Turing program has really set me up for final year. I went to Spain, Pamplona. It allowed me to do my final year project a year early. I found the topic really interesting, it was on Alzheimer’s disease and looking at the enzyme CERT2. I feel like that's really given me an insight on what I can do afterwards and how I can use that.
Freddie
Learning about the stuff and actually doing the stuff is very different. So actually doing the stuff now in the lab is really showing my passion towards why I want to do pharmacology and what I want to do afterwards.
Dr James Brown
There's a wealth of opportunity, a broad range of career paths, clinical research associates. These are people who are involved in testing new medicines in humans. Drug safety, working for the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency. We also have graduates who've gone on to have successful careers as laboratory based scientists.
Dr James Brown
I studied pharmacology here in Portsmouth quite a few years ago now. I'm really proud of what this city is.
Freddie
The people are great. There's a great community around.
Dr Anthony Lewis
Portsmouth’s an excellent place to live. It's on the south coast. It's the UK’s only island city.
Grace
There's the beach, which is not far, just a walk away.
Dr Anthony Lewis
The School of Pharmacy is a very collegiate place to learn pharmacology. Staff are very hands on, we have an open door policy.
Dr James Brown
The research capacity here in Portsmouth has increased exponentially. So we're not just a good educational establishment, but we're really good at research as well.
Dr Anthony Lewis
So students really enjoy studying at Portsmouth.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
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See our accommodation page for more information.
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Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
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See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 from A levels, or equivalent, to include 32 points from Biology or Chemistry, plus 32 points from a second pure Science subject or Mathematics. Applied Science not accepted. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application. (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Laboratory sciences) - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.
Your facilities
Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis Unit
Gain expertise in high-magnification imaging and analysis of the chemical and physical structure of natural and manufactured materials.
Pharmaceutics Laboratories
Develop a better understanding of the causes and consequences of diseases in these labs, as well as the skills and expertise needed to develop and test new drugs.
Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre
Practise the skills needed to diagnose and help people manage diseases, including collaborative microscopy - examining 3D microscopic images on a big screen with academics and other students.
Careers and opportunities
From the medicines in your bathroom cabinet to the drug combinations used to treat cancer, the work of pharmacologists plays a crucial role in society. So there's always demand for pharmacology graduates.
What can you do with a pharmacology degree?
With your degree in pharmacology, you could start a career in any part of the pharmaceutical industry, including:
- drug development and testing
- medical writing
- marketing and sales
- regulatory affairs
You could specialise in a particular area of pharmacology, such as:
- cardiovascular pharmacology
- psychopharmacology
- neuropharmacology
- animal pharmacology
Roles you could do include:
- clinical trial assistant/administrator
- pharmacovigilance officer
- research and development scientist/technician
- secondary school teacher (with additional training)
- regulatory executive
- operations scientist
- research associate
Further study
You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level on a PhD, MRes or MSc programme.
Graduate destinations
Previous graduates have gone on to work for organisations including:
- Bayer
- Barts Health NHS Trust
- Hammersmith Medicines Research
- PharmaTargeting – a research house
- Reckitt – health, hygiene and nutrition products
- Molecular Dimensions – a supplier of specialist lab equipment
Ongoing careers support
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Sophie's story
Sophie is President of our Pharmacological Society, and wants to eventually complete a PhD in the field. Find out why Sophie is thriving at the University of Portsmouth.
I love studying Pharmacology at Portsmouth because there’s a really great community of students and lecturers. After graduation I’m hoping to do a Masters of Research in drug discovery, and then after that hopefully I’ll be doing a PhD and then working in a lab in a pharmaceutical company.
I’m president of the Pharmacological Society – we run loads of really cool events which are both social and academic.
I would definitely recommend Portsmouth to any student who wants to go into further education. It’s not only a great university academically – there’s a great community feel here. You get great student support so I would definitely recommend it.
Work experience and placement year
To give you the best chance of securing a great job when you graduate, this course includes an optional sandwich year in industry and an optional lab-based work experience module (both subject to a successful applications). You could also do a summer research placement at a European university.
Previous students have completed work placements at organisations including pharmaceutical companies such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Catalent.
Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
I travelled to France and took part in a three-month lab work experience collecting all of my data for my third year dissertation work.
Modules
What you'll study
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll explore the structures and functions of biologically important molecules, metabolic biochemistry, basic microbiology, molecular biology, genetics and inheritance.
You'll also learn an outline of the basic anatomy and physiology of major body systems (excluding the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and sympathetic nervous system).
Explore how drugs can be incorporated into medicines for safe and effective administration, and discover how drugs are developed.
You’ll finish this module able to identify different types of dosage forms, and be equipped to use pharmaceutical calculations to formulate and prepare medicines.
You'll learn how to predict the physical and chemical properties of organic molecules based on their chemical structure, and start to understand the relationship between the structure of pharmaceutical molecules and their effects inside the body.
You’ll discover the causes and effects of some of the major conditions that impact these systems.
Build your foundational knowledge in enzymes and enzyme kinetics, as well as drug-receptor interactions, how the body handles drugs, and the processes that surround drug discovery, clinical trials and medicines regulation.
You’ll finish this module equipped with the knowledge and terminology to accurately describe nervous sysyem function, how drugs affect these, and the role of animals in biomedical research and drug discovery.
You’ll boost your transferable skills in key areas including communication as you reflect on your academic strengths and skills gaps.
You’ll complete this module better able to recognise your personal and career development needs, and more ready to identify and plan your next steps towards your career goals.
Prepare to perform experiments safely as you develop your laboratory and analytical techniques, and boost your mathematical and IT skills.
You'll learn to record and interpret laboratory data, consider relevant research, and finish this module ready to effectively communicate your findings,
Core modules
You’ll uncover the basic physiology of these systems, and some of the common medical conditions associated with them.
Then, you'll explore the pharmacology and therapeutic use of drug classes used to manage these conditions, and the methodologies used to investigate the mode of actions of related therapeutics.
You’ll discuss how drug classes are used to manage these diseases, and explore the benefits and limitations of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory therapies.
You’ll examine how micro-organisms interact with human hosts and cause disease too, as well as discussing the ways we can study micro-organisms.
You'll build your understanding of the identification process for drug targets and ligands, exploring how ligands can originate from small molecules, natural sources, or biologics.
You'll learn about a range of separation and isolation techniques, allowing you to propose and identify suitable processes that could be used to identify the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of any new putative therapeutic compound.
You'll use a blend of different learning approaches to get to grips with different aspects of the research process, and develop the skills you'll need to put together a research proposal on a topic that interests you.
When you complete this module, you'll know about disparities in healthcare, and have a toolkit of research methodologies including ethical consideration, how to analyse statistics, work in a team and communicate scientifically.
In this module, you'll identify drugs used in the therapeutic management of common respiratory, renal and cardiovascular conditions, alongside the study of the aetiology of those conditions.
You'll also gain insight into how lab-based, in vitro methodologies may be used to investigate the mode of drug action and appreciate how clinical context may modulate pharmacological responses.
Optional modules
You’ll rapidly build knowledge across disciplines like marketing, finance and project management. You'll become equipped to evaluate and pursue new commercial opportunities.
Working in teams, you’ll practice skills from communication to negotiation by developing plans for a prospective venture, receiving expert insights from practitioners along the way. With assessments focused on conceiving and presenting an impactful business case, you’ll strengthen abilities to persuade with data-backed reasoning.
On this course you'll:
- Develop a critical understanding of the structure and function of enzymes.
- Analyse enzyme kinetics from practicals and workshops.
- Develop a wide and deep understanding of key metabolic processes.
- Build practice and experience of finding, intepreting and communicating information on enzymes.
Core modules
You'll enhance your skills of critique of scientific work and further develop your ability to communicate scientific ideas and concepts.
In this module, you'll study toxicology, xenobiotics and drug-drug interactions, alongside the regulations that guide drug development. As you assess the rationale behind the drug development process, you'll also hone your abilities to analyse and interpret clinical data relating to targeted drug delivery.
You'll consider various neurological disorders and diseases of the central nervous system in this module, looking at pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. You'll also take an overview of the ways neuropharmaceuticals can be misused and abused, and evaluate the place of animal models in the field's research techniques.
Discover how decoding the molecular mechanisms driving uncontrolled cell growth inspires innovative treatment strategies from monoclonal antibodies to biomarker-guided dosing. On this module you'll discover how to match the correct drug with the appropriate patient by exploring how cellular growth is regulated and what happens when it malfunctions.
You'll learn how to choose medications, like monoclonal antibodies, that can precisely target cancer causing alterations and develop potential biological agents. We will investigate how studying genetics can determine which patients will benefit from which treatments, using techniques like patient stratification, pharmacogenetics and phenotype-guided dosing, and how to monitor their effectiveness.
This module blends science with practical applications as you learn about the genetic basis of drug therapy and the use personalised medicine their in clinical practice engaging with clinical experts and cancer survivors to understand the human side of the conditions you're treating and the impact of chemotherapy side effects.
Optional modules
The research project will be data generating and will take the form of either a laboratory-based or other practical activity, or non-laboratory based research that involves e.g. a systematic literature review or evaluation of questionnaire data, or instead in silico research (e.g. bioinformatics, molecular docking analysis). You'll work closely with your project supervisors who will advise on all aspects of the project (design, execution, trouble-shooting, data analysis and presentation), including giving feedback on drafts of assignments. You'll also become familiar with both the health and safety and ethical aspects of their intended project activities in accordance with the university and national guidelines. You'll also gain experience in job/course applications and interview techniques so as to help prepare you for a future career in biosciences.
The research project will typically be laboratory-based or other practical activity, taking place in a host institution that is typically a company, clinical laboratory or academic research lab. The placement will require an understanding of the risks, regulations, procedures and ethics related to the planned work in the host organisation. During the placement project, you'll work closely and regularly with an immediate supervisor who will advise on all aspects of the ongoing project (design, execution, trouble-shooting and data analysis. Upon your return to the university in the next academic year, an academic supervisor will guide you through the year on your data analysis and consolidation that ensued following the conclusion of the placement project. This will include giving feedback on drafts of assignments. You'll also gain experience in job/course applications and interview techniques so as to help prepare you for a future career in biosciences.
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation.
You’ll get to put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace, developing practical pharmacology skills.
You'll reflect on your work experience and the skills you've gained, relating them to your future career goals and assess the academic and practical work completed during your placement through a high-quality report. You'll consider the positive and negative aspects of your placement, including any actions you've taken to overcome challenges and improve your professional performance.
When you return, you'll be able to evaluate how work placement activities relate to your studies, readying you for future employment.
This is a Connected Degree
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
- diagnostic tests
- written assignments
- oral and poster presentations
- online tests
- group-based assessments
- written exams
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
The responsiveness of the professors to any questions is very helpful and their support has prepared me for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your pharmacology degree. In your first year, you’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, workshops and tutorials for about 13.5 hours a week. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – B210
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.