Pharmacology BSc

Course overview

Do you want to learn how drugs work in the body, how they are discovered, developed for human use, and how they can sometimes have unwanted effects?

This course will equip you with the key pharmaceutical industry skills to address global challenges like antibiotic resistance. You'll gain knowledge to develop new treatments for diseases such as diabetes, COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and cardiovascular conditions.

At Leeds, we prepare you for the workplace, ensuring you have the knowledge, skills, and attributes for a successful career. You'll complete a capstone research project, showcasing your expertise to potential employers and integrating everything you've learned during your degree.

This three‑year BSc can also be converted into an integrated Masters (MBiol) with an optional additional year of specialist training, subject to suitable academic performance and availability. You’ll study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project within one of the major research laboratories in the School of Biomedical Sciences or an appropriate period of work-based practice.

Why study at Leeds

• Study with one of the largest centres for biological sciences research in the UK, with access to cutting‑edge facilities, industry links and specialist research opportunities.
• Designed to give a broad scientific foundation and key graduate skills for those interested in pharmacology.
• Benefit from our pharmaceutical industry partnerships through guest lectures from international companies such as Labcorp and AstraZeneca.
• Develop experimental skills in specialised laboratories – these train you to identify and find answers to key biomedical and pharmacological questions
• The opportunity to undertake an independent capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, helping you to develop key skills to make you stand out in the graduate job market.
• Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.
• Experience life and learning in a different country through our study abroad programme, where you'll gain fresh perspectives and develop skills valued by employers.
• Flexible options to transfer onto other suitable and related degrees at the end of year 1, as many programmes within our School share a common first year.

Accreditation

This course offers the option to apply for a year in industry as part of your course. If you are successful in your application and undertake this work placement, you'll graduate with the BSc Pharamcology (Industrial) variant, which is accredited by The Royal Society of Biology.

Advanced Degree Accreditation by the Society recognises academic excellence in the biosciences and highlights degrees that educate the research and development leaders and innovators of the future. The Advanced Accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from the programme meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including gaining a substantial period of research experience.

This accreditation is also applicable to the following course variants: MBiol Pharmacology; MBiol Pharmacology(Industrial); MBiol Pharmacology (International).

Course details and modules

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BSc Pharmacology in the course catalogue.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

Team Based Solutions for Local Challenges in Human Sciences(20 credits)

You’ll be provided with the opportunity to address a current human health-related challenge in a facilitated team-based environment. You'll develop the core skills necessary to tackle challenges, which may cover topics such as the prevention and treatment of disease or healthy ageing.

Practical Application of Clinical, Laboratory and Field Skills for Human Sciences (20 credits)

This module covers essential skills for scientific research in the biosciences (including neuroscience). It includes practical application of these skills in a laboratory and clinical setting, as well as skills that support research design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing and data analysis.

Structure and Function of Human Body Systems (20 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning the structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You will also discover how the environment, exercise and disease can disturb these core systems, and the underpinning physiology.

The Basis of Life (20 credits)

You’ll learn about the fundamental processes of life, identifying the key concepts that underpin the biological processes in all living organisms, from bacteria to mammals. On completion, you'll have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells.

Biology of the Mind (10 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the foundational neuroscience concepts of structure and function, and how systems-level function emerges. These concepts will be explained using examples drawn from across the human nervous system in health and disease, and from the experimental approaches used in neuroscience research.

Introduction to Pharmacology (10 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development. Learning concepts will be covered using cutting-edge examples drawn from different pharmacotherapeutic approaches, disease states and pathophysiology.

Optional modules

Study 20 credits from the following two lists

List 1

Choose one to two modules from the following:

Introduction to Immunology (10 credits) - You’ll review fundamental immune mechanisms with a particular emphasis on human immunology and its relationship to health and disease. You'll discover how we protect ourselves from infection through our immune defences and learn about the role of different types of leukocytes and antibodies.

The Microbial World (10 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the diversity of microbial life and viruses on our planet and how we interact with microbes that are responsible for infections. You’ll explore how microorganisms interact with each other, how they influence the lives of more complex organisms and learn how fungi, bacteria and viruses are observed and manipulated safely.

List 2

If only one module is selected from list 1, choose an optional module from list 2:

Introduction to Human Nutrition (10 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the underpinning physiological processes that govern health, such as nutrient function and metabolism, dietary intakes and food sources, deficiency diseases and nutritional requirements. You’ll apply nutritional recommendations within the context of health and special populations.

Discovery module (10 credits)

Discovery modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability outside of your main subject area through developing a specific skill or pursuing a personal interest.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Experimental Skills in Pharmacology (20 credits)

You’ll develop your experimental, technical and computational skills. Working in teams, you’ll plan and carry out a range of practical activities, including laboratory-based experimental projects and computational work. You’ll explore principles of experimental design and hypothesis testing and develop more advanced skills in data evaluation using statistical methods.

Advanced Concepts in Pharmacology (40 credits)

This module introduces advanced concepts underpinning the study of pharmacology. This will include the study of principles of molecular pharmacology and an understanding of the drug discovery process. Aspects of cardiac, circulatory and respiratory pharmacology will be covered. You’ll also study neurotransmission and the mechanism of action of drugs targeting the nervous system.

Applied Concepts in Drug Development (20 credits)

You’ll build subject specialist knowledge by choosing concept units that most interest you. This module builds on year 1 and prepares you for specialist topic units in year 3. Units may include, for example, the neuropharmacological basis of disease or chemotherapy.

Team Based Solutions for Global Challenges in Human Sciences (20 credits)

Aligned with key UN sustainability goals, you’ll build skills in knowledge application, analysis and scientific data presentation. Working as a team, you’ll research and create biomedical solutions to a global grand challenge, developing key academic and professional skills. This includes the critical analysis of research papers, communication, teamwork, planning, organisation, and negotiation.

Optional modules

Candidates study up to 20 credits from the following list of optional modules:

Fundamentals of Cell and Cancer Biology (20 credits)

This module explores the foundations in Human cell biology, the molecular basis of human cancers and approaches to therapeutic treatments.

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Essentials (10 credits)

This module introduces the interdisciplinary field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The need for and challenges of tissue engineering will be covered, along with the fundamentals of immunology and transplantation, tissue and matrix biology, biomaterials and cellular interactions, in vitro and in vivo models.

Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (10 credits)

This module explores the anatomy and physiology of sensory and motor systems, as well as integration across different systems. Some aspects of this module will be framed in the context of disorders and conditions that alter sensory and motor functions.

Medical Immunology (10 credits)

You’ll gain detailed knowledge of the immune system, focusing on human health, from infectious and autoimmune diseases to treatment.

Discovery Module (10 credits)

Discovery modules give you the opportunity to broaden your academic experience and enhance your employability outside of your main subject area through developing a specific skill or pursuing a personal interest.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Capstone Research Project (40 credits)

You’ll design and undertake, either individually or as part of a team, an extended enquiry-based project in an area or topic relevant to the biomedical sciences. This project could be one of many formats and will allow you to apply your new knowledge and employability skills.

Research Topics in Pharmacology 1 (20 credits)

You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in pharmacology and the broader biomedical sciences, and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information. Topics covered will reflect current research interests of the School and may include drug discovery and development or cancer biology.

and/or

Research Topics in Pharmacology 2 (20 credits)

You’ll build your knowledge of research-specific topic areas led by active researchers in the field of study. You’ll be introduced to a range of research topics in pharmacology and the broader biomedical sciences and develop your ability to collate, critically analyse, and describe scientific information.

Research Skills and Professional Development (20 credits)

You’ll attend a series of compulsory and optional units designed to provide scaffolding and support for your capstone research experience. This will develop and utilise your research and employability skills needed for the capstone project and for the workplace.

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree, you'll benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of Discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about Discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

Learning and teaching

Our teaching is delivered through a combination of large and small-group workshops and practicals. We take a student-centred approach to learning, and so our teaching is designed to enable student engagement through active learning approaches that include creative problem-solving, teamwork activities and mini projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We place a high value on practical teaching, and so a core part of your learning will focus on developing hands-on, practical, and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of university learning, and you’ll be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming an independent learner through our teaching approaches and regular meetings with your personal tutor, who is there to advise you academically.

We use a range of digital tools to enhance your learning. Through our Minerva learning management system, you will be able to access our extensive library of online materials, some of which are designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discussing content with peers and teachers. In the classroom, educators use a variety of interactive digital tools to help you learn through discussion and debate. Laboratory practicals are accompanied by detailed online preparation guides and the use of electronic laboratory notebooks to ensure you get the most out of your time and develop workplace skills.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment on the course is a varied mix of course work submitted during the semester and exam periods (Jan and May) each year. A portfolio of assessment approaches is used.

There is also a mixture of multiple-choice questions, short answer questions and longer essay questions used in an online time-limited assessment.

Many modules adopt authentic assessment approaches where appropriate. These assessments aim to develop the personal and professional skills required in the workplace. This includes:

• writing laboratory or other reports
• grant applications
• oral presentations
• poster presentations
• reflective accounts and portfolios.

Communicating science to a wider audience is a key skill. In some circumstances, there may be a choice of assessment pieces to make it more relevant, meaningful and engaging for you.

Assessments in the school are prepared in a fair and inclusive manner, in accordance with relevant and up-to-date guidance.

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We're here to help throughout your time in higher education, ensuring you have everything you need to succeed. For more information on the different facets of support you will have access to, please see our Wellbeing and Support page.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB

Including Biology or Chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical Thinking and General Studies are excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and PE.
• Science-related: Computing, Environmental Science, Food Science, Geography, Geology, Psychology, and Statistics.

Applicants taking a Science A-level (in England) will be required to achieve a pass in the practical element in addition to the standard A-level grade requirement.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) or Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you’re taking A-levels, this would be a one-grade drop from the standard offer. For example, A in one of the above qualifications with ABB at A-level.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English. The Faculty of Biological Sciences will accept Level 2 Functional Skills as equivalent to C/4 in GCSE English.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

Specific A Level subjects required – see entry requirement section above.

GCSE: Grade 6 (B) or above at GCSE Maths and Grade 4 (C) or above at GCSE English.

Access to Leeds: Pass

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: £10,050

International: To be confirmed

The amount of tuition fees you pay is based on whether you are classified as a home (UK) or international student. Find out how we assess your fee status.   

Tuition fees for UK students 
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2026/27 are £9,790 and £10,050 for students starting in 2027/28.  

Subsequent years 
The UK government sets the maximum tuition fee caps that universities can charge UK students. This means your tuition fee in future academic years will reflect any changes set by the government.   

From 2028/29 onwards, tuition fees are likely to increase annually, at least in line with inflation, and may rise further if the government increases the fee cap.   

Tuition fees for international students 
The international fee applies for each year of full-time study and will remain the same for the duration of your course.    

Read more about tuition fees.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships are also available to help fund your degree. Find out more and check your eligibility below:

• Scholarships for International students
• Scholarships for UK students
• Your subject area may also offer scholarships

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions guidance

Visit our admissions guidance page for more information about applying to undergraduate courses in the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Application process

The Faculty of Biological Sciences may consider applications submitted after this date. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed by UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Alternative Entry Scheme for mature applicants

As per the information detailed in the corresponding section of the University of Leeds Admissions Policy, the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning Centre, where appropriate applicants will be referred to the Lifelong Learning Centre, who will advise the applicant further.

Interviews

Except for those courses detailed below, interviews do not form part of the Faculty of Biological Sciences’ standard admissions process. However, in some cases, an applicant may be invited for an interview if it will help inform whether or not an offer should be made.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2026

This course is taught by

Faculty of Biological Sciences

Contact us

Faculty of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Office

Email: fbsadmissions@leeds.ac.uk

Career opportunities

As well as providing you with subject-specific knowledge, we aim to equip you with the best possible skills for a variety of future careers. All of our degrees have a strong emphasis on practical based teaching, small group teaching, online learning and problem solving.

Throughout the degree, you’ll gain a wide range of transferable skills which are highly valued by employers. Supported by the faculty student opportunity team, Leeds for Life scheme and your academic and personal tutor, you’ll be ideally placed to focus on your personal development and make the most of your time at university.

A degree in pharmacology could lead to a research career in drug discovery and development within the pharmaceutical industry or academia, along with a wide range of careers for example in healthcare and clinical science both in and out of a laboratory based environment.

Typical Graduate Careers include:

• academic researcher
• biomedical scientist
• clinical research associate
• clinical scientist
• physician associate
• medical communications
• regulatory affairs officer.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

• Fortrea
• Zentiva
• PwC
• Wellcome Sanger Institute

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. We have a wide range of careers resources –including our award-winning Employability Team, who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Employability events – we run a full range of events, including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries, all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system – on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants – gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds – there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

We have a dedicated student opportunity team in the Faculty of Biological Sciences who work closely with the University’s Careers Centre.

We offer numerous additional opportunities, volunteering and placements. This includes our annual student-alumni networking event, where graduates are invited back to talk about their work and network with our students, and our STEM Careers Fair. The fair is an amazing opportunity for you to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Labcorp, GSK, Nuffield, and NHS Ecological consultancies. You will be able to speak to alumni, attend workshops and more.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

If you choose to undertake a study abroad option, you will spend the third year of your course studying abroad. This will extend your studies by 12 months.

Work placements

This programme gives you the opportunity to undertake an industrial placement year as part of the course.

It’s important to note, work placements are not guaranteed. The job market is competitive – and there may be competition for the placement you want. You’ll have to apply the same way you would for any job post, with your CV and, if successful, attend an interview with the organisation.

Our Employability Team will help you every step of the way. They run a number of placement sessions to discuss opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparations. Plus, they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance throughout the process, too.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our close industry links mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in this industry
• Improve your employability

Find out more about Industrial placements.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and an industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year, you'll study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for six months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.