| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc | Full-time | 3 years | September | GBP 9250 per year | GBP 21500 per year |
Pharmacology is the science of medicines and other drugs, and how they interact with the body. It is an essential arm of most medical disciplines as it covers all aspects of health and disease. By studying pharmacology, knowledge of physiological processes is directed into developing drugs to target disorders of the human body caused by bacteria and viruses or even man-made mutagenic chemicals.
Important note: Pharmacology is commonly confused with pharmacy. Pharmacy is a completely separate profession, mainly concerned with the preparation and dispensing of drugs.
You should study pharmacology because it offers you the chance to understand how we discover new ways to treat illness. You will have the opportunity to ask questions such as 'can we find a simple and effective drug to stop obesity?' and 'how can we understand the human brain and produce drugs that cure mental illness?'
Our Pharmacology degree offers you the chance to get a broad understanding of the biomedical science disciplines, whilst also learning about how drugs are discovered and developed for human use and the unwanted effects they can sometimes cause.
We have received 100% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey in six of the last seven years.
Our tutorial and small group work system is designed to develop essential transferable skills, such as written and oral communication, problem solving and team working skills, alongside pharmacological knowledge.
All our degree programmes allow you to undertake a placement year and study abroad year as part of your degree.
Accreditation
This BSc with Industrial Placement Year has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology. Advanced degree accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences, and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders of the future. The advanced accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.
Course content
Year one provides the necessary background in physiology, neuroscience and anatomy to understand how the body works. You will also be taught the principles of pharmacology which are essential for understanding how to treat disease. Lectures are complimented by practical sessions to give you the skills relevant to pharmacology.
In year two you will focus on the drug treatments used for various diseases, including cardiovascular and brain disorders. More advanced practical classes will see you develop your pharmacological experimental skills, covering areas such as chemotherapy and toxicology.
Year three will see you use all the knowledge and expertise you have developed over the first two years to study advanced topics in pharmacology. You will undertake your own research project, covering a cutting-edge topic working under the supervision of a leading expert.
Course structure
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA - AAB
Including Biology/Human Biology, or Chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies excluded.
We accept the following science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics. Science- related subjects: geography, PE, psychology, use of maths and statistics.
Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.
GCSE: Typically Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.
Career opportunities
Number 1 for employability - the Faculty of Biological Sciences is ranked highest for employability amongst Russell Group universities. Higher than Oxford, Cambridge, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, Kings College, Liverpool, Manchester, York.
96% of our graduates are employed or in further study six months after graduation. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers in diverse sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, agribusiness, conservation, environmental consultancy and education. They have gone to work for city councils, hospitals, not-for-profit organisations, and private corporations in industries related to biology. Many also specialise through further study at PhD level.
Careers support
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That's one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more at the Study Abroad website.
If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of the BSc studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
We have a dedicated Employability Officer in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who works closely with the University's Careers Centre. We offer a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. We also organise regular careers workshops designed specifically for sport sciences students to develop their career opportunities. These include our annual Bioscience Networking Event, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.
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