BSc Pharmacology
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology, a pharmacology degree focused on the mechanisms of drug action and the biological principles underlying modern therapeutics. Core topics include Research Methods. The programme includes practical laboratory sessions utilising animal tissues alongside opportunities for individual research projects in the final year. The first year covers core subjects through Chemistry of Life, Fundamentals of Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology, How to Think Like a Scientist, and The Human Genome and Disease. The second year builds on these concepts with compulsory modules such as Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function, Flow of Genetic Information, Pharmacology, Principles of Neuroscience, and Principles of Pharmacology, while offering optional modules spanning bioinformatics, immunology, and physiology. The final year concentrates on advanced concepts through compulsory modules including Molecular Pharmacology, Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders, and Selective Toxicity. Students can further tailor their studies by choosing from an extensive range of optional modules covering topics such as biomedical technology, neurodegenerative disease, and bioscience business, or by undertaking an In-Silico Research Project or Laboratory 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: ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject. IB: Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 16 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for BSc Pharmacology (B210) at the University of Southampton for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is ABB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 75%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 65%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 93%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 67%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 6 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Therapy professionals: 45%
- Nursing Professionals: 18%
- Other Health Professionals: 10%
- Caring personal services: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 4%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 95%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 680 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 1%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 9%
- South East: 61%
- South West: 17%
- Wales: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Chemistry of Life
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
- How to Think Like a Scientist
- The Human Genome and Disease
- Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
- Flow of Genetic Information
- Pharmacology
- Principles of Neuroscience
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Applied and Environmental Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Cell Biology
- Engineering Replacement Body Parts
- Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology: Jekyll and Hyde
- Global Health
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
- Medical Microbiology
- Neuroscience
- Plant Development and Function
- Population and Community Ecology
- Vertebrate Development
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Neuropsychiatric Disorders
- Selective Toxicity
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
- Biomedical Parasitology
- Biomedical Technology
- Bioscience Business
- Cancer Chromosome Biology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Evolution and Development
- Evolution and Genetics
- Immunology
- In-Silico Research Project
- Laboratory Research Project
- Microbiomes and Health
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Molecular Recognition
- Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
- Musculoskeletal Physiology of Movement
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Science Communication
- Systems Neuroscience
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £30,500 after 15 months, £29,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £38,500. The £33,000 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Pharmacology.
What do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University of Southampton do next?
90% 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 Southampton?
75% 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 Southampton?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 146 UCAS points.
Is BSc Pharmacology at University of Southampton accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Does BSc Pharmacology at University of Southampton include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmacology at University of Southampton?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.