Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Open days

8Nov

University of Southampton - Virtual Open Day

Undergraduate

15Nov

Winchester School of Art - Open Day

Undergraduate

Course summary

About this course Gain an advanced understanding of how drugs interact with receptors, cells, tissues, and whole organisms on this four-year integrated master's degree, which will equip you with a sound scientific knowledge base in pharmacology to FHEQ level 7 and in biochemistry and physiology to at least FHEQ Level 5. You'll graduate with the research skills that are vital for further study and the tools needed for a broad variety of professions including laboratory-based research, jobs in the pharmacology and neuroscience sector, and the media. Key features of the course:

Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research

Learn the major concepts and principles of pharmacology in years one and two, through core topics, then complete a research project of your own in your third year

Benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff who are actively involved in pharmacological research, in areas such as nerve damage and recovery, developmental biology, oncology and the development of new antibiotics, which is integrated into our modules

Have the opportunity between years two and three to spend a year in employment, putting your skills to use in the pharmaceutical industry, or spend a semester at a partner university aboard during year two

Complete extended projects in a specialised area of your choice as you are taught and work alongside academics who are leaders in their research fields

Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study. Further information Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating. The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning. The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: B215

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation at HL6) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. 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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2

Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/pharmacology-drug-discovery-degree-msci#entry

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£30300	Year 1
International	£30300	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

General Admissions

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

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