Pharmacology MBiol, BSc

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 Ebola, COVID-19, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 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 integrated Masters (MBiol) gives you an additional year of specialist training. You will 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. You may also choose to apply for our 3-year BSc and transfer to an MBiol up until the end of your second year, subject to suitable academic performance, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

Course highlights

• 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.
• Delivered using inspirational, engaging and inclusive approaches.
• Develop experimental skills in specialised laboratories.
• Experimental skills modules throughout the first 2 years train you to identify and find answers to key biomedical and pharmacological questions.
• The opportunity to undertake an extended capstone research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the key skills and attributes that will set you apart in the graduate job market and in application for postgraduate research degrees (e.g. PhD).

Wellbeing and support

The University of Leeds features an extensive network of excellent services dedicated to you and your wellbeing. We are 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.

Wellbeing afternoons

Here at the University of Leeds, we are acutely aware that teaching is only part of a healthy, engaging university lifestyle. Activities which contribute to your wellbeing are vital, and so we have created Wednesday Wellbeing Afternoons.

These afternoons are a period of time with as much teaching as possible removed to give you the chance to pursue your passions. This may be a competitive sport for the university, a social sporting activity, or indeed any activity which contributes to positive mental health. We want your degree to be as flexible as possible so that you can make the most of your time here with us.

Flexible degrees

Pharmacology is a specialist degree within the School of Biomedical Sciences, which offers you flexibility throughout your time studying at Leeds.

Some of our programmes share a common first year which means that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer on to other suitable and related degree courses, subject to approval. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Accreditation

This programme has been 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 applicable to the following course variants: BSc Pharmacology (Industrial); MBiol Pharmacology; MBiol Pharmacology(Industrial); MBiol Pharmacology (International).

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 MBiol BSc Pharmacology in the course catalogue.

Year 1

You will be introduced to a range of pharmacology topics and equipped with a broad knowledge across the biomedical sciences. This approach will develop many translatable key skills and attributes in the pharma-sector.

Topics will include essential anatomy and physiology of human systems, molecular biology and biochemistry of the cell, microbiology, neuroscience, as well as pharmacology. This is delivered in a structured and facilitated way to support your learning.

You’ll also develop the fundamental practical laboratory skills and techniques that will underpin the rest of your studies, and essential academic and professional skills to help you progress successfully through the course and into further study or employment.

There is the opportunity in year 1 to take optional modules to focus your pharmacology degree programme in the subject areas you are most interested in and across the biosciences.

At the end of year 1, our flexible degree structure may offer you the opportunity to transfer onto other suitable, related degree courses, subject to suitable academic performance and availability.

Compulsory modules

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 of Human Body Systems (T) - 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 (T) - 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 (T) - 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.

Evidence Based Reports (Assessment) (30 credits) - You’ll explore how to make connections between concepts explored on the course so far. You'll be assessed on how well you can explain various physiological concepts, as well as the key principles of clinical pharmacology and the discovery and development of drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Application of Knowledge (Assessment) (30 credits) - This module will teach you how to explain different physiological concepts, along with neuroscience concepts such as structure and function within the nervous system. You'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry, the structure of DNA and energy metabolism in plants and animals.

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

List 1
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.

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

List 2
Elements of 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 look to 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, 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) -This module explores the foundations in Human cell biology, the molecular basis of human cancers and approaches to therapeutic treatments

Skills in Communicating Research Beyond the University (10 credits) - You’ll gain skills in communicating research to audiences from outside the University which are highly valued by graduate employers and the research community. You'll design and implement activities to communicate research to a general audience. Skills covered include an overview of aims and purposes of engaging a wider audience, event management, marketing and communication.

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.

Medical Immunology (10 credits) - You’ll gain detailed knowledge of the immune system, focusing on human health, from infectious and auto-immune 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

The focus of Year 3 of the Integrated Masters programme is to extend your understanding of key topics in the biomedical sciences right up to the very forefront of what is current in research. Using your knowledge gained during Levels 1 and 2 and your critical thinking and analytical skills, you will learn to interpret advanced research data, critically evaluate theories and make decisions about how to test new ideas.

Our Integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a broad foundation knowledge and skills. In year 3, the theory and skills modules are the same as for the BSc programme. However, the Capstone Research Project is replaced by a critical review project and experimental proposal and plan, linked to and to prepare you for your extended research project in year 4.

Alongside this, choose research-based topics that interested you in earlier years. Specialised topic modules allow you to choose from a menu of different research topics so you can focus more on your areas of interest. You can also choose other specialist modules such as autism, psychopharmacology, drug discovery, stem cells and many more.

Compulsory modules

Extended Research Project Preparation (20 credits) – You’ll be assigned the topic of your Year 4 research project and will undertake a review of the associated scientific literature, highlighting gaps in our knowledge that you could fill through your project. You’ll provide a plan of experiments that you aim to undertake to address your hypothesis and research objectives.

Practical Research Skills (20 credits) – In advance of your Year 4 extended research project, you will be trained in research skills and techniques that are used in contemporary research laboratories. These will prepare you for the experimental work that will take place in the research laboratories during Year 4.

Specialised Topics in Pharmacology I (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.

Specialised Topics in Pharmacology II (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.

Advanced Skills (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, employability and 4th Industrial Revolution skills needed for the capstone project and for the workplace.

Year 4

Your extended research project or appropriate period of work-based practice (a project taken in the work place), will focus on an original, cutting-edge research topic. This will likely be specific to your area of interest and will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research, in addition to ensuring you stand out in the graduate job market. These projects are often linked to the on-going research programmes of academics in our School, thus allowing students to actively contribute to the research of their groups.

Examples of previous research projects include:

• Anti-cancer drugs cause dysfunction in adult cardiac cells.
• The potential of biosensors as point-of-care diagnostic systems.
• Expression of sorting receptors and their cargo protein.
• The role of ion channels in Alzheimer’s disease-related cell dysfunction.
• Producing receptor proteins for visualising through electron microscopy.
• Investigating the mechanisms underlying neuroprotection against Alzheimer’s disease.

Compulsory module

Advanced Research Topics (30 credits) – You’ll develop the research skills to support your laboratory or other research or enquiry-based activities that you will undertake as part of your extended research project and to prepare for a career in a research environment. You’ll develop skills to critically analyse published research. It will also expose you to current research trends in the biosciences and to leading researchers in the field.

Extended Research Project (90 credits) – You’ll choose an independent project of interest, which will be mentored by one of the world leading academics in their field, conducting an individual extended research or enquiry-based project. This will also incorporate experience of working as part of a team in a research environment and interacting with research scientists.

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, team-work activities and mini-projects. In this way, you are able to apply the theoretical knowledge learnt to practical, real-life contexts. We put a high value on practical teaching and so a core part of your teaching will focus on developing hands-on practical and associated research skills.

Independent study is an important part of University learning and you will be expected to undertake private study. We will support you in becoming independent learners through our teaching approaches and through 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 it designed specifically to support preparation prior to attending classroom sessions and discuss 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 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:

• 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 piece to make it more relevant, meaningful and engaging for you.

Assessments in the school are prepared in a fair and inclusive manner adhering to relevant and up to date guidance.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA

Including biology or chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

We accept the following:

• Science: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, PE.

• Science-related: computing, environmental science, food science, geography, geology, psychology, 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 1 grade drop from the standard offer. For example, A in one of the above qualifications with AAB at A-level (MBiol applicants).

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.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:
  D3/D3/M1 including D3 in biology or chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  MBiol:
  D3/D3/D3 including D3 in biology or chemistry plus another science or science-related subject. Global Perspectives excluded.

  When an applicant is taking Global Perspectives, this can be considered alongside Pre-U subjects and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. This would be D3/M1/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (BSc applicants) or D3/D3/M1 and grade D3 in Global Perspectives (MBiol applicants).

• International Baccalaureate

  BSc: 31 overall with 6,6,5 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.

  MBiol: 31 overall with 6,6,6 at higher level including Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  BSc:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 including H2 in biology or chemistry, and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

  MBiol:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 including biology or chemistry, and another science or science-related at higher level.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  BSc:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AB in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

  MBiol:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including biology or chemistry, plus another science or science-related subject. Critical thinking and general studies excluded.

  We accept the following:

  • Science subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
  • Science-related subjects: geography, PE, psychology, use of maths and statistics.

  Scottish Higher: Scottish Highers not accepted on their own.

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.

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.

How to apply

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

We welcome applications from mature students. We welcome applications from mature students from all backgrounds onto both full-time and part-time programmes.

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 Taught Admissions Policy the Faculty of Biological Sciences will consider prospective students via the Alternative Entry Scheme run by the Lifelong Learning 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 2025

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £32,250 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 in addition to 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.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

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

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Industrial placements are taken after your second year. This will extend your studies by 12 months. For your work placement in industry, the staff at Leeds will help you with your CV and recruitment process and provide details of organisations.

Placements abroad are possible. We work together with your industrial supervisors to make sure you get the most out of this year. A year working in industry gives you an excellent opportunity to get used to the demands of the world of work, to develop new skills and to augment your CV.

Combined study and working abroad

Our new module allows you to combine both a study abroad and industrial work placement into one additional year of study. Over the year you will study for a semester at one of our partner universities and complete an industrial work placement for 6 months abroad or in the UK.

Find out more about Combined study and work abroad.