Pharmacology MBiol, BSc

Studying pharmacology at the University of Leeds offers you a broad understanding of the biomedical science disciplines, while also gaining specialised knowledge on how drugs work in the body, how they are discovered and developed for human use, and how they can sometimes have unwanted effects.

Pharmacology is the science of medicines and other drugs and is therefore essential to all medical disciplines and the treatment of disease. This course will teach you how drugs work in the body, and how they are used to treat disease.

Our integrated Masters (MBiol) offers you an additional year of specialist training, in which you will study advanced research topics and undertake your own extended research project.

You will be able to make an impact with this degree as pharmacology is integral to medical practice and is also an essential component of drug discovery and development within the Pharmaceutical industry. From the initial high-throughput screening of potentially interesting compounds, right through to the in-depth clinical trials of pre-clinical drug candidates.

Current global challenges that are relevant to pharmacology include: the complex process of discovering new drugs, dealing with increasing antibiotic resistance, drug-drug interactions in an ageing population, and the complexities of managing chronic pain while avoiding dependence.

Course highlights:

• A wide range of research-led optional modules offers the chance to study topics as diverse as psychopharmacology, antibacterial therapy, cancer therapy, and molecular pharmacology.

• Hands-on practical modules in well-equipped teaching and research laboratories include experimental skills, where you will identify the effects of drugs acting on the cardiac and respiratory systems (heart rate, ventilation and blood pressure) on the changes that occur during to exercise.

• Carry out an independant research project under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the transferable skills that will set you apart in the graduate job market.

• Achieved 95% student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (2019 NSS).

Flexible degrees

All our degrees are flexible, meaning there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in neuroscience, human physiology and medical sciences. 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).

Year 1

You will be introduced to molecular biology, physiology, microbiology, endocrinology and neuroscience that are necessary to understand how the body functions, as well as the principles of pharmacology essential for understanding how to treat disease.

Your laboratory classes will complement the lecture-based learning and teaching where you will build a range of practical skills relevant to pharmacology, from the molecular level to the whole organism.

All of our biomedical science degree courses share the same set of compulsory modules in the first year. A key benefit of having a common first year is that at the end of year 1, there are opportunities to transfer onto degree courses in neuroscience, human physiology and medical sciences. Additional degree courses may be available depending on your academic background.

Year 2

You will focus on the drug treatment of various diseases affecting a broad range of bodily systems. This will include the actions of drugs used to treat cardiovascular and brain disorders.

You’ll develop your pharmacological experimental skills in more advanced laboratory classes and have the opportunity to study areas such as chemotherapy, toxicology and drug discovery.

At the end of year 2, you will have the opportunity to complete an industrial work placement, study abroad, or combined study and work abroad. This will add an additional year of study to your degree.

Year 3

The focal point for year 3 is an independent research project that you’ll carry out under the supervision of a field-leading academic, further developing the transferable skills that will set you apart in the graduate job market. Here you will be able to select from a wide range of project types to focus on a subject of your interest and the graduate skills that you aim to develop.

Examples of previous projects include:

• Pharmacology of ‘legal highs’.

• Structural characterisation of the equilibrative nucleoside transporter, a cancer drug target.

• G-protein-coupled receptors, pharmacology, drug discovery.

• Designing patient information leaflets to promote use of statins.

Alongside this, you can follow your interests to a deeper level through module options and advanced topics in pharmacology.

Integrated Masters (MBiol)

Our integrated Masters MBiol programme shares the same year 1 and 2 studying with our BSc programme, providing a foundation knowledge and skills.

Year 4 (MBiol)

Your extended research project will focus on an original, cutting-edge topic specific to your area of interest that will equip you with the skills necessary for a career in research as well as setting you apart in the general graduate job market.

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.

Course structure

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

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

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Discovery modules

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

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

Learning and teaching

You’ll have access to the very best learning resources and academic support during your studies. We’ve been awarded a Gold rating in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2017), demonstrating our commitment to delivering consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

You’ll experience a wide range of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials and practicals. Your first and second years will focus on these three teaching methods, building your skills, understanding and knowledge in preparation for your final year research project, which will see you take on independent research and learning with the guidance of leading experts.

Across all years, additional workshop and seminar sessions will complement your lectures and lab practicals, and you will also undertake private study.

As a guide, a typical week in your first year includes nine to twelve hours of lectures, three to six hours of practical sessions in the laboratory, tutorials, workshop and seminar sessions, plus private study.

Independent study and research are also crucial to every year of the course. We have excellent library and computing facilities to support your learning, and the University Library offers training to help you make the most of them.

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

We use a variety of assessment methods to help you develop a broad range of skills. These include practical work, data handling and problem-solving exercises, multiple-choice tests, group work, online and face-to-face discussion groups, computer-based simulations, essays, posters and oral presentations.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAA - AAB

BSc:
A-level: AAA - AAB

MBiol:
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 subjects: biology, human biology, chemistry, mathematics, PE and physics.

• Science-related subjects: geography, psychology, use of maths 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) or the Cambridge International Project Qualification (Cambridge IPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be ABB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ (BSc applicants) or AAB and grade A in the EPQ (MBiol applicants).

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  BSc:
  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, graded at D45M0P0 to D39M6P0 including distinctions in Biology and Mathematics or Chemistry. Accept Access courses in Applied Science and Science. Will also consider (depending on subject content):

  • Biochemical Sciences

  • Biological and Health Science

  • Biological Sciences

  • Biosciences

  • Combined Sciences

  • Life and Biological Science

  • Physical Sciences

  MBiol:
  We do not accept Access to HE.

• BTEC

  BSc:
  BTEC extended diploma entry requirements: DDM plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).

  BTEC diploma entry requirements: DD plus A/B in A-level Biology or Chemistry. The preferred BTEC qualification subject is Applied Science (other subjects may be accepted).

  Applicants with BTEC Subsidiary Diploma qualifications must normally have at least 2 A-levels and at least one of these should be Biology or Chemistry (plus another science or science-related subject depending on the BTEC subject).

  MBiol:
  We do not accept BTEC qualification.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  BSc:
  D3/D3/D3-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:
  35-34 (with 18-17 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

  MBiol:
  35 (with 18 at higher level) including 6 in higher level Biology or Chemistry, and another science or science-related subject at higher level.

• Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)

  BSc:
  H2,H2,H2,H2,H2,H2 - 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 AA-AB in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking excluded.

  MBiol:
  Advanced Higher: 5 x Highers AABBB, with AA in 2 Advanced Highers including Biology and another science or science-related subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking 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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

BSc – A level: BBB

MBiol – A Level: ABB

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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. 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/EU 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 policy

Faculty of Biological Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £24,500 (per year)

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.

Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

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 about additional costs

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.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences offer a range of scholarships for UK, EU and International students. Find out more about our scholarships

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:

• Production scientist

• Forensic scientist

• Recruitment consultant

• Graduate medicine

• MSc Translational neuroscience

• PhD

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 a host of additional opportunities beyond core course content, including volunteering and placements. These include 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, which gives you the chance to meet bioscience employers, such as AstraZeneca, Covance, GSK, Nuffield NHS Ecological consultancies, speak to alumni, attend workshops and get masses of information.

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 at the Careers website.

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.