Course summary
About this course Examine how we fight disease in humans and animals, providing an improved quality of life for all, and explore how we develop the next generation of drugs for treating bacterial infection, Cancer, AIDS, and heart failure. Our Pharmacology degree will equip you for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, scientific officer roles, teaching, forensic medicine and managerial roles in business. There is also the opportunity to go on to study for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD. 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
- 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).
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. Year 1: You will acquire the core knowledge in biology, biochemistry, physiology, laboratory practice and problem-solving skills that the scientific foundation required to understand molecular pharmacology. Example of modules you’ll take in part 1: BIOL1024, BIOL1030, BIOL1025 Year 2: In year 2 you will begin your specialization in pharmacology, sharpening your skills and knowledge to an advanced level to understand how drug affect biological pathways, within the context of different pathologies, from the molecular up to the clinical levels. Example of modules you’ll take in part 2: BIOL2058, BIOL2010, BIOL2051 Year 3: In year 3 you will acquire the knowledge necessary to address outstanding research questions in pharmacology, developing specific skills in laboratory and/or computational research, or in (bio)pharmaceutical entrepreneurship, or in science education during a year-long hands-on cap project, working side-by-side with our professional staff and postgraduate teams. Example of modules include BIOL3034, BIOL3058, BIOL3018 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
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:
- B210
- 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 - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B
Extended Project - A
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, M2, 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
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
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 | £32000 | Year 1 |
| International | £32000 | 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 Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
