Course summary
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs work in the body. This includes any type of chemical or biological agent that produces an effect on the body including medicines, drugs of abuse, poisons, and chemicals in the food we eat and drink. There are two aspects to pharmacology: the effect of the drug on the body, and the effect of the body on the drug. In this course we aim to answer some of the biggest questions we have surrounding drugs and medicine today and for the future. In year one, you will study a number of core modules covering physiology, biochemistry, neuroscience and medicinal chemistry. In the second year, you will start to focus on the pharmacology of current drugs and drug targets, and in the third year you will learn about the recent advances in pharmacology, and the application of pharmacology in the drug discovery process. Pharmacologists are at the centre of developing medicines to revolutionise the treatment of diseases. These include:
- life-saving antibiotics
- hypertension
- asthma
- depression
- statins to reduce cardiovascular disease
- revolutionary retroviral drugs to manage HIV
- biologic based medicines (RNA, antibodies)
- Top 10 course in the world and 4th in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
- Top 20 in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Guardian University Guide 2024)
- Benefit from small-group teaching that support your learning
- Be supported by a personal tutor to provide academic and pastoral advice throughout your degree
- Active research staff teaching experience-based learning on the latest research developments and expertise
- Gain practical laboratory experience throughout your course
Modules
In the first year you'll take core modules in cell biology and human physiology. You'll also begin to learn pharmacology-specific skills and to understand the basics of drug design. Teaching in the second year focuses on scientific knowledge related specifically to pharmacology and drug discovery. You'll learn many of the core concepts outlined in the British Pharmacological Society core curriculum, and relate these to the treatment of disease. In year three the modules place emphasis on current and possible future advances in pharmacology. You'll learn about more advanced topics in pharmacology, toxicology, therapeutics and medicines production. There is also a lab-based research project in your final year.
How to apply
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:
- B211
- Institution code:
- N84
- Campus name:
- University Park Campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
This course is open to UK, EU and International Applicants
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: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AABBB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher - AA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B
Extended Project - A
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M1, M2
GCSE/National 4/National 5
T Level
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no less than 6.0 in any element |
TOEFL (iBT) | 87 | Minimum of 20 in Speaking and 19 in all other elements |
Student Outcomes
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
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
International | £30750* | Year 1 |
EU | £30750* | 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
Provider information
University of Nottingham
University Park
Nottingham
NG7 2RD
Course contact details
Visit our course pageUndergraduate admissions
+44 (0) 115 951 5559