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. Our BSc Pharmacology degree will prepare you to make your own contribution to this important work.
This 3-year programme will give you an in-depth understanding of the major pharmacological concepts and principles.
These include:
- the discovery and production of new drugs
- the interaction of drugs with humans and animals
- how existing drugs can be improved or repurposed
- ways to solve the problems of toxicity
- new-generation antibiotics
You'll refine your practical skills in our state-of-the-art teaching labs. This will prepare you to work with our experts in pharmacology and undertake your individual research project in year 3.
As part of your degree you can also:
- spend a year working in the pharmaceutical industry between years 2 and 3
- spend a semester at a partner university abroad during year 2
Practicals which use animals or their tissues are an important part of the course. These practicals follow ethical policies and we'll make adjustments for you if you have valid concerns about taking part.
Foundation year
If you have not studied the required Science subjects for this course, you may be eligible to apply for and enter through our Science Foundation Year.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Accreditations
“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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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 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 Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject,
RQF BTEC
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.
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.
QCF 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.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include Chemistry and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AA from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
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. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh 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.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
-
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
-
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
-
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
For Academic year 202425
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
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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, as follows: 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 Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Chemistry and one further science subject,
RQF BTEC
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.
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.
QCF 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.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 45 credits must be at Distinction.
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include Chemistry and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects considered include Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or O4, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics, Psychology and Geography. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject or AA from two A levels including Chemistry and one further a science subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
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. General Studies, Critical Thinking are excluded for entry.
Welsh 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.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C/4.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
-
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
-
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
-
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our Science Foundation Year page.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This course focuses on the molecular aspects of pharmacological agents, in particular, on neuroscience and neuropharmacology.
You'll take a range of compulsory modules each year. In years 2 and 3, you can also choose from optional modules that support your interests and career goals.
You do not need to select your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.
Year 1 overview
Modules in your first year will give you a solid grounding in the key principles of pharmacology.
You'll explore the fundamentals of biochemistry, and take modules in:
- chemistry of life
- human genome
- cell biology
- physiology
Year 2 overview
This year will build your knowledge in pharmacology topics, including genetics and proteins.
A wide range of optional modules will allow you to expand your interests in specific areas. These include:
- bioinformatics
- immunology
- medical microbiology
- neuroscience
- vertebrate development
Year 3 overview
You'll complete an independent research project, choosing from a range of options. These include laboratory research, bioscience business, bioscience education or science communication.
Specialist pharmacology modules will look at toxicity and the central nervous system.
You can choose to develop your expertise in areas of particular interest, including:
- neurodegenerative disease
- biomedical technology
- biofilms
- cell signalling
- molecular cell biology
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Chemistry of Life
This module seeks to provide students with the fundamentals of the chemistry that underpins the biological sciences. Educational Aims: This module provides the student with the fundamental chemical principles necessary to understand the chemistry of bi...
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
The aim of this module is initially to explain the characteristics and roles of molecules that constitute living cells, including DNA, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Subsequently, the fundamental metabolic pathways will be explored, along with the co...
Fundamentals of Cell Biology and Physiology
This module develops understanding of the components important for cell function and looks at how cells function in organs and whole organisms. Lectures will be accompanied by practicals, some of which involve the use of animal tissue, with alternative...
How to Think Like a Scientist
The module teaches how to formulate hypotheses and structure an experimental proposal, ultimately leading to data dissemination in form of a presentation / report / scientific paper. The module connects to real problems, where success in own experiment...
The Human Genome and Disease
The module covers several major topics in genetics including the molecular principles of genetic variation, different patterns of Mendelian inheritance, epigenetics and genetic evolution within a disease setting. The module will introduce how model organi...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Exploring Proteins: Structure and Function
The module will revise and extend the study of protein architecture, interactions and enzyme function. During the module we explain common concepts using specific systems. The case studies include studies of membrane ion channels, enzymes such as protease...
Flow of Genetic Information
This module focuses on nucleic acid and protein biogenesis with particular emphasis on the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins and key regulatory steps. Material relating to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms will be covered.
Pharmacology
The aim of this module is to build on the first year introduction to pharmacology to progress students understanding of pharmacology. The course is structured to firstly provide a platform of core concepts that widely pertain before developing this to som...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Bioinformatics
The module includes an introduction to bioinformatics and its role in modern 'Omics' technologies; developments in DNA sequencing technologies; bioinformatic analyses of DNA; sequence alignment and biological databases.
Cell Biology
This module develops the basic concepts of protein structure and function within the overall context of their roles within the cell. Major themes in the course are intracellular cell signalling and extracellular communication, protein and vesicle targetin...
Engineering Replacement Body Parts
Do you want to find out how stem cells are being used to help treat disease and allow us to live better, for longer? And are you interested in the controversy surrounding them? Do you want to find out what tissue engineering is, and how scientists are ...
Environmental Biochemistry
This module will outline fundamental biochemistry of plants, microbes and environmental processes.
Ethics in Science, Engineering and Technology: Jekyll and Hyde
Starting from the underlying themes in Jekyll and Hyde, wherein a scientific discovery can be seen as having both beneficial (Dr. Jekyll) and detrimental aspects (Mr. Hyde), this module delves into the general area of the ethics and social responsibility ...
Evolution
The module seeks to: - explore the main evolutionary processes - consider evolution at the phenotypic as well as the molecular level - consider evolutionary processes occurring at different time scales
Global Health
The global health module is an exciting opportunity to examine the factors associated with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases such as the recent outbreak of Ebola and Swine Flu that quickly spread around the world, and non-communicable diseases ...
Global Sustainability Challenges
The global challenge that is 'sustainability' impacts every dimension of all of our lives. Regardless of your degree, the social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability have important implications for your studies, your daily ...
Immunology, Infection and Inflammation
The course will give students an introduction to basic immune mechanisms and emphasizes the basic principles of immunology, including the cells and molecules that make up the innate and adaptive immune system. This first part will show how the immune syst...
Mathematical Methods in Chemistry I
The module provides advanced mathematics training necessary for students planning to specialise in physical chemistry, computational chemistry, spectroscopy, data science and quantitative finance. It also aims to provide training of rational reasoning ski...
Medical Microbiology
This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to microbiology, including fundamental aspects of microbial diversity and physiology, and with a focus on selected themes that are essential features of medical microbiology. The module will be desi...
Neuroscience
This module conveys the concept of neuroscience as an integrative discipline by providing a description of mammalian brain function from molecular aspects of synaptic signalling to higher cognitive function that regulates behaviour. Lectures will be ac...
Plant Development and Function
This module provides an understanding of plant function and development at a molecular, cellular and whole organism level.
Principles of Neuroscience
This module conveys the concept of neuroscience as an integrative discipline by providing a description of mammalian nervous system function from molecular aspects of synaptic signalling to information integration and system level processing. Lectures ...
Pure and Applied Population Ecology
This module builds on the basic principles of population ecology introduced in year 1, to achieve a broad appreciation of current theory and practice in population and community ecology. Lectures and practicals will explore the processes involved in the d...
Technology and Biology
In this module students will be exposed to methods and thinking for applying knowledge of biological diversity to find solutions to current and future problems. They will see a broad range of solutions taking advantage of knowledge from gene editing (sub-...
Vertebrate Development
This module provides the second year student with the basic concepts of human and other vertebrate animal development. Students will come to understand the main mechanisms behind both animal development and organised cellular differentiation and how these...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Molecular Pharmacology
The module is concerned with a detailed study of the mechanisms of drug action at the molecular level by application of biochemical and molecular biological techniques. Receptor binding, isolation and the application of molecular cloning methods are surve...
Neuropharmacology of CNS Disorders
The module provides an introduction to functional brain anatomy and important neurotransmitter signalling pathways. This is used as a framework on which to describe the symptoms and treatment of brain disorders with a particular focus on a subset of psych...
Selective Toxicity
This module is concerned with the mechanism of action of several chemotherapeutic agents, targeted at various disease states. Topics covered include anticancer agents, anthelmintics, antimalarials, antisense oligonucleotides and antiviral compounds. The m...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Biodiversity and Conservation
This module concerns global biodiversity, what we understand by it and why it is in crisis, and current efforts to conserve and manage it. We begin with an appraisal of different values of diversity at scales from genetic to species, communities and ecosy...
Biofilms and Microbial Communities
This module aims to provide an understanding of bacterial biofilms and the environmental, industrial and health care problems related to complex microbial consortia of societal importance. Students will learn to describe and explain the basis for biofilm ...
Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
Large-scale approaches at the molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological level are revolutionizing biology by enabling systems-level questions to be addressed. In many cases, these approaches are driven by technologies that allow the components of bio...
Biomedical Parasitology
This module will introduce the main issues in parasitology, the host parasite interaction and how it drives evolutionary changes, the disease burden caused by parasites and how parasite infections can be treated/minimised. Lectures will be accompanied ...
Biomedical Technology
This course is designed to illustrate the ways in which the theoretical principles of biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology presented in previous courses can be applied to yield important commercial or therapeutic products or processes.
Bioscience Business
The aim of this module is to provide third year students with an introduction to commercialization of biosciences. The current focus is on the process of drug discovery, the subsequent management of clinical trials and marketing of commercial drug product...
Bioscience Education
The students will be expected to carry out an in-depth literature review into a biological concept or topic in semester 1, and to then design an innovative educational activity to convey their research to groups of people in semester 2.
Cancer Chromosome Biology
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of selected topics associated with the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development and lead to tumour progression. This will involve exploring the genetic drivers of disease, the mechan...
Cell Signalling in Health and Disease
This module comprises an introduction/revision to inflammatory mediators and a detailed survey of the way that they interact in different diseases. This information is integrated in the context of a number of inflammatory diseases affecting a range of dif...
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
The aim of this module is to provide an understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of brain function. We will use examples of specific molecules and cell-cell interactions to provide explicit details of such function to highlight core principles of...
Cellular and Molecular Pathology
The module will cover recent advances in selected areas of molecular cell biology, reviewing key aspects of cell and molecular biology required to understand these studies. The application of these studies to the advancement of clinical medicine will als...
Current Topics in Cell and Developmental Biology
This module provides a detailed and up-to-date study of a small number of topics in modern cell biology
Evolution and Development
This module will deliver a comprehensive analysis of the topics associated with evolutionary developmental biology. This will involve exploring the theory of evolution; embryology and molecular pathways of development; what the fossil record tells us abou...
Evolution and Genetics
Evolution typically happens over long time periods, with organisms being selected based on their environments. But climate change and human factors can also increase the rate of evolution. In this module we show how organisms evolve in terms of their envi...
Immunology
This module covers the major topics in cellular and molecular immunology, including antigen recognition, antigen processing and presentation to B and T cells, the molecular events leading to the generation of antibody and T cell receptor diversity, antibo...
In-Silico Research Project
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental/analytical component of the project. The topi...
Laboratory Research Project
Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental component of the project. The laboratory work...
Microbiomes and Health
Humans are holobionts: we harbour and live in close association with unique microbial populations of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi. These microbial communities that inhabit our mouth, skin or gut are vital for maintaining a robust immune system, a...
Molecular Cell Biology
The organisation of the eukaryotic cell has always fascinated researchers. This module illustrates the upkeep of cellular structure and function.
Molecular Recognition
Most biological processes involve interactions between macromolecules. The module discusses selected examples and explains techniques used to study molecular interactions.
Molecular and Structural Basis of Disease
The course provides an insight into how molecular studies can be employed to further medical research and aid in the development of novel treatments and therapeutics. The course will cover a number of areas including the analysis of genetic diseases, amyl...
Neurodegenerative Disease
The neurobiology that underpins the aetiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease has been a focus of intense and exciting research activity over the last several decades. The module is largely a research-led module whereby the contributing staf...
Plant Cell Biology
This module explores, in depth, selected topics in plant cell biology that are basic to our understanding of the way in which plant cells develop, function and interact with each other and with their surroundings. Areas covered include: vacuole and chlor...
Regulation of Gene Expression
To provide an understanding of i) the regulation of transcription in eukaryotic organisms, ii) post-transcriptional regulation, iii) the structure, formation and function of microRNAs, iv) how the process of translation is controlled
Science Communication
Science Communication involves the dissemination of science to a lay audience. Equally as important; a good scientist is a good communicator. Science Communication is essential as an aid for governmental and industrial policy making. It is needed to count...
Systems Neuroscience
The aim of this module is to expose students to research level studies in a number of areas related to the function of the nervous system, necessary to understand the pathophysiology of neurological conditions. The course will describe CNS development, a...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- oral presentations
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Elisa Fadda 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 learn how to become a pharmacologist, you'll gain the opportunity to work in fields like:
- the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
- postgraduate research training
- medical laboratories
- teaching
- forensic science
- the legal profession
- business management
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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:
- GlaxoSmithKline
- AstraZeneca
- Novartis
- Eli Lilly
- Pfizer
- Sanofi
- Jansen-Cilag
- Science and Technology Research Council
- Kew gardens
- Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Royal Marsden (NHS)
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £30,500.
The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.
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:
- approved calculators
- costs linked to the semester abroad
- printing and photocopying
- computer disks or usb drives
- computer hardware
- textbooks
- stationery
- printing
- parking
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
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 to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub 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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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