BSc Pharmacology
About this course
BSc in Pharmacology, a pharmacology degree focused on the scientific study of drug action across molecular and physiological levels. Core topics include Programming and Research Methods. The course is taught over three academic years, with options to extend the programme by incorporating an industrial placement year. The first year establishes scientific foundations through modules such as Foundations of Life, Molecular Cell Biology, Mammalian Physiology, and Fundamentals of Pharmacology. The second year builds on this with compulsory studies in Immunology, General and Systematic Pharmacology, Experimental Pharmacology, and Structure and Function of Nervous Systems, alongside optional choices like Developmental Neurobiology and Essential Protein Structure and Function. The final year centres on Molecular Pharmacology alongside diverse optional modules covering areas such as Neuropharmacology, Drug Design and Development, and Advanced Dissertation in Biosciences.
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 (Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.) IB: 36 points (A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.)
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What students say
Based on about 16 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 80%
- Assessment and feedback: 53%
- Academic support: 78%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 78%
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: 5%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 35 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- East Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 60%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 65%
- Baccalaureate: 30%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Foundations of Life
- Organisms, Evolution and Ecology
- Year 1: Fundamental Scientific Skills and Grand Challenges
- Year 1: Foundations of Programming and Data Handling
- Molecular Cell Biology
- Cells to Organisms
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Mammalian Physiology
- Immunology
- General and Systematic Pharmacology
- Experimental Pharmacology
- Structure and Function of Nervous Systems
- Developmental Neurobiology
- Essential Protein Structure and Function
- Essential Molecular Biology
- Chemistry of Biologically Important Molecules
- Essential Cellular Neurophysiology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Investigative Methods in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology
- Collaborative Project in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology
- Advanced Dissertation in Biosciences
- Neuropharmacology
- Receptor Mechanisms
- Pharmacology of Inflammation (Extended)
- Drug Design and Development
- Psychopharmacology
- Synaptic Pharmacology
- Pharmacology of Inflammation
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Pharmacology at University College London earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 3 years, £47,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £38,500 and £62,000. The £47,500 median after five years is £12,000 more than the UK median for Pharmacology.
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Pharmacology at University College London?
81% 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 College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 167 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Pharmacology at University College London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.