Pharmacology BSc

Course overview

Learn how medicines are discovered, developed and how they work to help relieve and cure conditions.

Pharmacology helps people around the world live healthier, longer lives. We all rely on it: when you visit the dentist and have an injection to numb your mouth, or when you take medicine for a headache. Pharmacologists created hay fever tablets, antibiotics, cancer treatments, and many other medicines that millions of us use every day.

Without pharmacologists, we wouldn’t be able to discover new medicines to fight diseases, ensure that medicines are safe, understand why some medicines are more effective than others and understand the science behind treatment breakthroughs.

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’re always thinking about your next steps after graduation. We’ll make sure you’re ready for the workplace, with 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.

If you’re eligible, you can also convert this three-year degree into an integrated Masters (MBiol)  with an optional additional year of specialist training. 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.

Upon graduation, you'll have the skills and confidence to advance drug research, guide clinical practice and improve public health.

I discovered Leeds University at a UCAS fair in year 12 and was drawn to the campus and its size, as well as how close it was to the city centre. I learnt that Leeds was a leader in Life Sciences in the UK, which increased my desire to study there. When I visited the campus, I really liked the atmosphere; it was friendly and lively with lots of facilities. In addition, the student union is really big with loads of societies to get involved in.

Jessica Quimpo, BSc Pharmacology

Why study at Leeds?

• A biological sciences research hub: 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.
• Undertake independent research: Get the opportunity to undertake an independent capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, helping you develop key skills to make you stand out in the graduate job market.
• Industry partnerships: Benefit from our pharmaceutical industry partnerships through guest lectures from international companies such as Labcorp and AstraZeneca.
• Develop experimental skills in specialised laboratories: Learn to identify and find answers to key biomedical and pharmacological questions.
• Experience a year in industry: Our year in industry programme allows you to gain experience working with organisations, developing new skills for your CV.
• Study abroad and broaden your horizons: 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.
• Flexibility to transfer to other degrees: 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 Microbiology (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 BSc Microbiology; MBiol BSc Microbiology (Industrial); MBiol BSc Microbiology (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 Pharmacology, Biomedical Science, and Neuroscience. It includes practical application of these skills in a clinical setting, laboratory and out in the field, as well as skills that support research design, hypothesis testing, scientific writing and data analysis.

Structure and Function (Anatomy and Physiology) of Human Body Systems (20 credits)

You’ll be introduced to the core concepts underpinning structure and function of human body systems, with an emphasis on how systems are structured, operate and interact. You'll 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.

Introductory Concepts in Neuroscience and Pharmacology (20 credits)

This module will introduce you 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. Introductory Concepts in Pharmacology will introduce students to the foundational concepts underpinning pharmacology: pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, clinical pharmacology, and drug discovery and development.

Optional modules

20 credits from the following, at least one module from list 1.

List 1

• Introduction to Immunology (10 credits)
• The Microbial World (10 credits)

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

List 2

• Introduction to Human Nutrition (10 credits)

You may also select up to 10 credits of Discovery modules.

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 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 understanding of the drug discovery process. Aspects of cardiac, circulatory and respiratory pharmacology will be covered. You’ll also study neurotransmission and 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, team-working, 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)
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Essentials (10 credits)
• Sensory and Motor Neuroscience (10 credits)
• Medical Immunology (10 credits)
• Medical Microbiology (20 credits)
• Bioinformatics for Biologists (10 credits)

You may also select up to 10 credits of Discovery modules.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

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.

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.

Optional modules

Candidates are required to study 20-40 credits from the following list of optional modules:

• Research Topics in Pharmacology 1 (20 credits)
• Research Topics in Pharmacology 2 (20 credits)

Candidates can select up to 40 credits from the following list of optional modules:

• Advanced Cancer Biology (20 credits)
• Inherited Disorders (20 credits)
• Neurophysiology (20 credits)
• Animal Models in Discovery Biology and Drug Development (20 credits)

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

• Food and Cancer (10 credits)
• Reproductive Medical Science (20 credits)

You may also select up to 20 credits of Discovery modules.

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

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 qualifications

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: £33,800 (per year)

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 2027/28 are £10,050.  

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 years on our tuition fees page.

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. Learn more about undergraduate funding.  

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

 

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 2027

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

Where this degree can take you

Given the huge importance of microorganisms to all aspects of our lives, microbiologists will always be in demand.

Microbiology is an exciting, challenging and rewarding subject and has a key role to play in the health and development of mankind.

We aim to equip you with the best possible skills for your future career. 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.

Typical graduate careers include:

• Microbiologist
• Clinical Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Forensic Scientist
• Graduate medicine/dentistry

Examples of recent graduate destinations include:

Further study at the University of Leeds, or other institutions

• Enrolled on PhD (~70%)
• Enrolled on MSc (~20%)
• Enrolled on teacher training (~5%)
• Medical/dental student (Graduate entry) (~5%)

Employment as research scientist, other related positions

• Labcorp
• Other companies, including Astrazeneca, GSK, Qiagen, Mars
• University of Leeds/other institutions

Employment in NHS/UKHSA

• Laboratory research assistant
• Clinical scientist training scheme
• Healthcare scientist

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.   

Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go well beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

• Dedicated Employability Team: Meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
• Employability and networking events: Get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
• Skills training: We embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
• MyCareer system: Access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
• Exclusive opportunities: Bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.

Study abroad and work placements

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects. 

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide for you to apply to, spanning some of the most popular destinations for students. 

This course offers you the chance to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year, extending your studies by 12 months. 

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title, which demonstrates your added experience to future employers. 

The University was very supportive during my placement year. They often checked in on how we were doing and whether we were happy. We also got a visit from our academic supervisor, so it was nice to still maintain a link with the University, and to know that we were being supported and enjoying ourselves.

Katy McCarron, BSc Pharmacology (with Industrial Placement)

Work placements

Make connections, practice skills and build confidence in your future with an industrial placement year as part of your course. 

A work placement can be a great investment in your future: 

• Choose from 100+ organisations in the UK and overseas. 
• Make industry contacts within your chosen field. 
• Be in direct contact with potential employers thanks to our close industry links.  
• Advance your experience and skills by putting course teachings into practice. 
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in your chosen industry. 
• Improve your employability. 
• All placements sourced by the University are paid positions.
• We also offer shorter-term placement opportunities. 

Our Employability Team are here to help you every step of the way. They run several placement sessions to answer your questions, discuss available opportunities and support you with CV writing and interview preparation. 

If you decide to undertake a placement year, your period of study will be extended by 12 months.  

If your application is successful, during placement you'll be supported by an industrial supervisor from within the company and an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout. 

On successful completion of your placement year, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers. 

Students in our Faculty have recently completed placements at:

• GSK
• AstraZeneca
• Eli Lilly
• Roche
• DePuy Synthes
• Johnson & Johnson
• Labcorp
• Takeda
• Nottingham Forest, Millwall and Southampton Football Clubs
• Yorkshire Cancer Research

We can’t guarantee a work placement. 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. That said, we encourage everyone to apply.