Pharmacology
About this course
MBiol, BSc in Pharmacology, a pharmacology degree focused on the study of drug action, discovery, and development within the biological sciences. Core topics include Research Methods. This integrated masters programme includes an extended research project in the final year and allows students to complete either a lab-based placement or professional practice. The first year covers foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Structure and Function of Human Body Systems, The Basis of Life, Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Team Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences, and Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences, alongside optional modules including Introduction to Immunology. The second year advances into specialized study through Experimental Skills in Pharmacology, Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology, Applied Concepts in Drug Development, and Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences, with optional modules such as Medical Immunology. The third year continues with core study in modules like Extended Research Project Preparation, Research Skills and Professional Development, Practical Research Skills, and Neurophysiology. The final fourth year centres on advanced research and practical application through modules such as Advanced Research Topics and Extended Research Project.
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: AAA EPQ: AAB plus grade A in the EPQ IB: 31 overall with 6,6,6 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 of Human Body Systems
- The Basis of Life
- Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience and Pharmacology
- Introduction to Immunology
- The Microbial World
- Introduction to Human Nutrition
- Discovery module
- 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
- Bioinformatics for Biologists
- Health Promotion: Applications of Theory and Practice
- Medical Microbiology
- Discovery Module
- Extended Research Project Preparation
- Research Skills and Professional Development
- Practical Research Skills
- Research Topics in Pharmacology I
- And/or Research Topics in Pharmacology II
- Neurophysiology
- Inherited Disorders
- Animal Models in Discovery Biology and Drug Development
- Advanced Cancer Biology
- Reproductive Medical Sciences
- Food and Cancer
- Advanced Skills
- anti-cancer drugs cause dysfunction in adult cardiac cells
- the potential of biosensors as point-of-care diagnostic systems
- expression of sorting receptors and their cargo protein
- the role of ion channels in Alzheimer’s disease-related cell dysfunction
- producing receptor proteins for visualising through electron microscopy
- investigating the mechanisms underlying neuroprotection against Alzheimer’s disease.
- Advanced Research Topics
- Extended Research Project
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of 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 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 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 Pharmacology at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 137 UCAS points.
Is 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 Pharmacology at University of Leeds include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on Pharmacology at University of Leeds?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.