Karen Anthony
Professor of Molecular Medicine
level:UG;top_up:false;international:true;foundation:true;clearing:false;full_time:true;part_time:true;start_month:September;location:Waterside
Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
Key Facts
-
UCAS Code
BSc: B210
BSc with Foundation: B211 -
Duration
Full Time: 3 years
Full Time Foundation: 4 years
Part Time: 4 - 6 years
-
BBC at A Level or,
DMM at BTEC Extended Diploma
GCSE Maths and English Language at Grade C/4 or above or equivalent -
Full Time: £9,535
Part Time: £1,585 (per 20 credits)
Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535
Updated 19/11/2025
Updated 19/11/2025
Get in touch
UK STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and how they interact and work on the body.
On our BSc Pharmacology degree, you will learn how drugs are made into medicines and how drugs and other chemicals interact at the molecular, cellular and systems levels in the body.
Pharmacologists have been key to the development of drugs and vaccines that have improved the treatment of many of the diseases of modern society, including the treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics, HIV with anti-retroviral drugs, mental health with antidepressant drugs and antipsychotics and cardiovascular diseases with statins and antihypertensives
Highlights
- A flexible programme of study that will allow you to meet your career aspirations
- Practice and practical application sessions for a more engaging experience
- Equips students with a variety of transferable skills that employers are seeking
- Benefit from learning and working in specialist bioscience laboratory facilities
- HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible pharmacology students* (*see Eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions)
Two students undertaking an experiment in the Biomedical Sciences lab in the Creative Hub, during a seminar.
Student undertaking an experiment on a bench in the Biomedical Sciences lab, inside the Creative Hub.
A science group seminar, where students are able to take part hands-on sessions.
Three students at a bench in a Biomedical Sciences lab inside the Creative Hub, during a seminar.
Example of the type of equipment students use within their science classes.
Students using equipment in science class in the Creative Hub Science Labs.
Student using the laboratory equipment in the science lab in the Creative Hub.
Student using a flame equipment in the science lab facilities at the Creative Hub.
Entry Requirements
A typical offer for this degree in Pharmacology would be:
- BBC at A Level
- DMM at BTEC Extended Diploma (in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology or Pharmaceutical Science or similar science subject) or,
- Access to Higher Education: 30 Level 3 Credits at Merit
- Merit in T Level Science
- GCSE Maths and English Language required at Grade C/4 or above or equivalent.
For A Levels, you are expected to have studied two science A Level subjects (one at Grade C in Chemistry or Biology, and one other in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Maths or Physics), or equivalent qualification.
For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
For more information on how to apply as an International student, please visit our How to Apply page.
Admission to this foundation year is normally:
- DEE at A Level (applicants are expected to have studied two science A Level subjects (one in Chemistry or Biology, and one other in Biology, Chemistry, Human Biology, Maths or Physics)) or,
- MPP at BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (in Applied Science, Applied Human Biology or Pharmaceutical Science or similar science subject) or
- Pass (D or E) at T Level
However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, or a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the course you wish to study.
All International and EU students applying for a course with the University of Northampton must meet the following minimum English language requirements:
- IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
for study at undergraduate level
For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.
If you would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.
For information on how to apply to study with us as an International student, please see our How to Apply for International Study page.
What You'll Learn
Pharmacologists will be at the forefront of the development and design of cthw next generation of medicines for the treatment of diseases for the 21st century. As a student of Pharmacology BSc, you will be preparing to meet the challenges of developing molecules into medicines.
In studying this program, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and biological action of drugs and chemicals, at the molecular, cellular and systems level and their use as medicines for the treatment of diseases.
Our course has been designed to meet the standards of the British Pharmacological Society’s (BPS) undergraduate core curriculum. Course modules are structured using a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and laboratory practical classes.
The aim of the three year program is to provide you with opportunities to be actively involved in your learning. This is facilitated by an active blended learning approach that combines face-to-face sessions with integrated online learning, implemented in our Northampton Interactive Learning Environment (NILE). For each 20 credit module you can expect approximately 48 hours of contact time during the academic year.
Accreditation of this Pharmacology degree is being sought from the Royal Society of Biology – the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom.
Compulsory Modules
The purpose of this module is to give level 4 students an introduction to human biochemistry and cell biologyYou will study the molecules and chemical processes that occur in living organisms, and explore the structure and function of cells, their components, and their interactions with the external environment.
The purpose of this module is to provide an insight into how invading organisms can cause disease and relate human world health issues to populationsThis module allows students to develop a broad understanding of infectious disease across the globe and the biology of the causative agents, as well as examining intrinsic & extrinsic strategies to combat microbial pathogens.
The purpose of this module is to give you an introduction to genetics and molecular biologyYou will learn about the fundamental mechanisms of DNA replication, transcription and translationYou will also explore how the tools of molecular biology, including cloning and PCR, allow the manipulation and understanding of genes and the proteins they encode.
The purpose of this module is to provide an appropriate level of understanding of the anatomy and to introduce the student to the basic principles and concepts of physiologyEnabling an understanding of different body systems and how they are integrated to produce homeostasis.The focus will be on human anatomy & physiology and will study the form and functions of the major body systems.
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the laboratory practices best suited for the discipline of biochemistryStudents will study molecules and chemical interactions and how we identify them while applying this understanding to identifying disease.
The purpose of this module is to provide level 4 students with an introduction to the fundamental chemical principles necessary to understand the chemistry of biological systemsThe module will study organic, inorganic and physical chemistryIt will entail studying atomic and molecular structure and chemical interactions leading to a description of the reactivity of the function groups and reaction mechanisms that are found in biological systems and the fundamental forces that underpin chemical kinetics.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time degree, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work, or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your pharmacology course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
*UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).
The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying your chosen course, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.
If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need to successfully progress to the full award.
Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.
An optional placement year is available for students who have successfully completed completed stages 1 and 2 of their Pharmacology studies. Advice will be given to help find placements. This will give you the opportunity to gain a year‘s extra work-based learning experience in a science related placement, spent either in the UK or abroad.
Why study pharmacology?
This pharmacology course is suited to those wanting to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry or in biomedical research as well as graduate entry to medicine.
You can have confidence that this program will prepare you for your future career because it has been designed to meet the standards of the British Pharmacological Society’s (BPS) undergraduate core curriculum.
How will I be taught?
We aim to provide an environment that maximises engagement, involvement and enjoyment in your studies. You will participate in a variety of activities that support and enhance your learning. This will include traditional face to face lessons, laboratory practicals, tutorials and online sessions through our virtual classroom.
How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?
Throughout this course, you can expect a typical week to have between 12-14 hours of taught content and an additional hour available with your designated tutor
How will I be assessed on the degree in Pharmacology?
In each of the modules you take each semester, you will typically have 2 assessments per module. These will be through coursework and formal examinations throughout your study. An estimate of the different forms of assessment is as follows:
- Essays 30%
- Examinations 20%
- Practical work 25%
- Presentations, posters 20%
- Time constrained tests 5%
What can you do with a pharmacology degree?
Getting a degree in pharmacology opens up a variety of different career pathways within the pharmaceutical and wider health industries.
You could become a pharmacologist, medical researcher, pharmaceutical regulator, medical writer or a clinical scientist. The skills gained can also allow you to become a scientific patent lawyer and work in the finance sector. Getting this qualification will also open up avenues for further study where can enhance your education even further.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
- UK Full Time: £9,535
- UK Part Time: £1,585 per 20 credit module
- UK Integrated Foundation Year: £9,535 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
- International Full Time: £15,700
- International Integrated Foundation Year: £15,700 for the foundation year; thereafter standard fees apply
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2025. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
- UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
- UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250
- International – Full Time: £15,200
- International – Integrated Foundation Year: £15,200
Staff
Alexandra Woodacre
Head of School – Life and Environmental Science
Alexander Lehner
Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition
Lee Machado
Professor of Molecular Medicine
Jamal Nasir
Associate Professor in Human Genetics & Genomics
Declan Ryan
Associate Professor in Physical Activity & Health
Jodie Score
Senior Lecturer in Microbiology
Careers and Employability
A pharmacology degree is an excellent foundation for a wide range of careers. Our graduates will be equipped with a variety of transferable skills that employers are seeking. These include gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data, communication both orally and in writing, presentation skills and teamworking.
For example, on the British Pharmacological Society website careers in pharmacology pages there are details of a range of opportunities available to graduates. These include jobs in:
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Science communication and public engagement
- Patent Law and technology transfer
- Teaching
- Lecturing and training
- Monitoring and licensing of medicines
- Regulatory affairs
- Research Management and coordination
- Managing research funding
- Finance and business
Pharmacology graduates from the University of Northampton are well-qualified to undertake a wide range of careers or training for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD – with graduates continuing to study in medicine, dentistry and other related fields.
Facilities
Bioscience Laboratories
UON's Bioscience laboratories offer well-equipped, specialist facilities
View Facility
