About this course
How do we develop the next generation of drugs for treating bacterial infection, AIDS, cancer, depression and heart failure? These are among the challenges being addressed by pharmacologists at Southampton. This BSc Pharmacology degree will prepare you to make your own contribution to this important work.
Your studies will give you an in-depth understanding of the major pharmacological concepts and principles.
These include:
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the discovery and production of new drugs
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the interaction of drugs with humans and animals
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how existing drugs can be improved or repurposed
In the first and second years, you'll have the opportunity to refine your practical skills in our state-of-the-art teaching labs. This will prepare you to work alongside our experts in pharmacology and undertake your individual research project in year 3.
As part of your degree you can also:
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spend a year working in the pharmaceutical industry between years 2 and 3
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undertake a semester at a partner university abroad during year 2
“Studying Pharmacology has given me the essential skills required to be an effective member of a team in both a research and non-research environment.”
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics,
a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Human Biology, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics,
a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including Chemistry and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Science subjects considered include Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Human Biology, Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This programme has a strong emphasis on the molecular aspects of how pharmacological agents work, with particular focus on neuroscience and neuropharmacology.
You’ll learn how drugs work, evaluate new-generation antibiotics, and look at ways to solve the problems of drug toxicity. You'll also explore how drugs can best be used in the treatment of disease in humans and animals.
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
You’ll study a range of topics, giving you a solid grounding in the major concepts and principles of pharmacology.
This will include modules looking at the fundamentals of the structure and function of macromolecules, metabolism, cell biology and physiology.
Further modules will develop your skills in biological chemistry, evolution and biomolecular techniques.
Year 2 overview
This year will build your knowledge of key topics in pharmacology.
There are 5 compulsory modules:
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Pharmacology A and B
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Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
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Flow of Genetic Information
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Neuroscience
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Immunology Infection and Inflammation
A wide range of optional modules will allow you to expand your interests in specific areas. These include:
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Bioinformatics and DNA Technology
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Adaptive Physiology
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Biotechnology
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Environmental Microbiology
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Neural Basis of Behaviour
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Protein Structure and Function
Year 3 overview
You'll develop your knowledge at the cutting edge of pharmacology. You'll complete an independent research project, choosing from a range of options. These include laboratory research, bioscience business, bioscience education and science communication.
You’ll develop expertise in areas of particular interest by choosing from a range of optional modules, including:
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Neurodegenerative Disease
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Biomedical Technology
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Development Origins of Health and Disease
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Biomedical Parasitology
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Neuropharmacology of CNS Disorders
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Systems Neuroscience
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Molecular Recognition
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Katrin Deinhardt is the course leader.
Careers
As a science graduate, you’ll have a wide variety of employment options. Some will directly use your scientific abilities, others will draw on the broader set of analytical skills gained throughout your course.
This degree will build your skills in gathering and interpreting information, as well as working within and leading teams.
As you lean how to become a pharmacist, you'll gain the opportunity to work in fields like:
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the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
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postgraduate research training
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medical laboratories
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teaching
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forensic science
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the legal profession
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business management
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You can pause your studies between years 2 and 3 and work in the pharmacology industry.
Previous placements include work at:
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GlaxoSmithKline
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AstraZeneca
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Novartis
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Eli Lilly
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Pfizer
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Sanofi
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Jansen-Cilag
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Science and Technology Research Council
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Kew gardens
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Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
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Royal Marsden (NHS)
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
You'll need to consider extra costs for the following:
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approved calculators
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costs linked to the semester abroad
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printing and photocopying
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computer disks or usb drives
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computer hardware
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textbooks
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stationery
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printing
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parking
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: B210
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000