BSc Pharmacology
About this course
BSc in Pharmacology, a pharmacology degree focused on the mechanisms of drug action, discovery, and development within biological systems. Core topics include Research Methods. Students complete a capstone research project in the final year and have the option to apply for an industrial placement year. The first year covers the foundations through Structure and Function (Anatomy and Physiology) of Human Body Systems, The Basis of Life, and Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience and Pharmacology. The second year builds practical proficiency with modules such as Experimental Skills in Pharmacology, Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology, and Applied Concepts in Drug Development. Optional modules allow students to explore areas like Bioinformatics for Biologists, Medical Microbiology, and Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Essentials. The final year centres on advanced investigation, supported by compulsory modules including Research Skills and Professional Development and Capstone Research Project. Further optional study spans topics such as Neurophysiology, Inherited Disorders, and Advanced Cancer Biology.
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 EPQ: ABB plus grade A in the EPQ BTEC: BTEC Extended Diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted) IB: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.
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What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 80%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 82%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 77%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 7 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 50%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Business and public service associate professionals: 25%
- Quality and Regulatory Professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Business and Financial Project Management Professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 50%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 20%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 35%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 10%
- Wales: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Team-Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences
- Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences
- Structure and Function (Anatomy and Physiology) of Human Body Systems
- The Basis of Life
- Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Introduction to Immunology
- The Microbial World
- Introduction to Human Nutrition
- Experimental Skills in Pharmacology
- Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology
- Applied Concepts in Drug Development
- Team-Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences
- Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer biology
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Essentials
- Sensory and Motor Neuroscience
- Medical Immunology
- Medical Microbiology
- Bioinformatics for Biologists
- Research Skills and Professional Development
- Capstone Research Project
- Research Topics in Pharmacology 1
- Research Topics in Pharmacology 2
- Advanced Cancer Biology
- Inherited Disorders
- Neurophysiology
- Animal Models in Discovery Biology and Drug Development
- Food and Cancer
- Reproductive Medical Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £38,000 after 3 years, £43,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £34,500 and £54,500. The £43,000 median after five years is £7,500 more than the UK median for Pharmacology.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Leeds do next?
80% 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 Leeds?
80% 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 Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Is BSc Pharmacology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. This course is accredited at advanced level by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol). Graduates can apply for membership of the Royal Society of Biology at Member (MRSB) level after two years of practice, rather than the usual three years, due to the significant research experience acquired.
Does BSc Pharmacology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmacology at University of Leeds?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.