BSc Pharmacology
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology, a pharmacology degree exploring how drugs interact with the body to treat disorders or alter function. An optional year abroad is available during the programme. Students complete core modules such as biomedical sciences, medical biology, and molecular and cellular biology in the initial stages. The first year covers foundational concepts through biomedical sciences, medical biology, and molecular and cellular biology. The second year progresses with Biomedical Sciences 2, Microorganisms, Infection & Immunity 2, and Cells to Organisms 2. Year 3 introduces Biomedical Sciences 3 and Pharmacology 3, after which students can choose from specialisms including anatomy and development, biomedical sciences, reproductive biology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. The final year focuses on advanced topics like Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics, alongside original, laboratory-based research or data/literature analysis-based research.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB (required: Biology and Chemistry, one at A and one at B) IB: 34 points with 655 at HL
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 53%: 130 offers from 247 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 84%
- Assessment and feedback: 68%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 100%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 45%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Nursing Professionals: 55%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Business, Research and Administrative Professionals: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Natural and social science professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 90%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 290 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 4%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 11%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 57%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- biomedical sciences
- medical biology
- molecular and cellular biology
- Biomedical Sciences 2
- Microorganisms, Infection & Immunity 2
- Cells to Organisms 2
- Biomedical Sciences 3
- Pharmacology 3
- Drugs, Receptors and Therapeutics
- original, laboratory-based research
- data/literature analysis-based research
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £45,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Pharmacology.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 197 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh?
53% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 130 offers from 247 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmacology at University of Edinburgh?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.