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Pharmacology (with foundation year) at Coventry University - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

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

Open days

18Oct
Coventry University - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate
29Nov
Coventry University - Undergraduate Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Explore how drugs work and are developed through an approach combining human physiology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Gain hands-on laboratory experience and prepare for roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course. Foundation year The foundation year course offers an introduction to your chosen subject and helps you develop the necessary skills for degree-level study. In addition, you will also explore key skills such as research methods, scientific fundamentals and promotion techniques. The foundation year of this Coventry University degree will be delivered from our CU Coventry campus. Course delivery from year 1 of the degree onwards will be from the Coventry University campus. Degree Explore how drugs affect the body and how they’re used to treat disease. Learn how new medicines are discovered, developed and tested, and how science helps improve health.

  • Discover the power of pharmacology: explore how drugs interact with the human body, from molecular mechanisms to novel therapeutics and how they can make a real difference in human health.
  • Hands-on learning: master advanced techniques like cell culture and flow cytometry in our Super-Lab and prepare for a career in pharmacology.
  • Launch your career: gain the skills and knowledge valued by employers and prepare for a range of career paths within the pharmaceutical industry in research, development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs and more.
Why you should study this course
  • Contemporary facilities: learn techniques from mammalian cell culture and flow cytometry to Western blotting and HPLC in the Super-Lab. Gain hands-on experience with real-time PCR, organ baths and physiological testing like electromyography, electrocardiography and spirometry.
  • Common first year: collaborate and work alongside students doing similar courses to you, to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions.
  • Industry expertise: our ties with industry experts, guest speakers and alumni could help you get access to real-world insights and networking opportunities.
  • Student-centred active learning: this course will be delivered through a blend of hands-on laboratory-based sessions, physiological simulation, interactive lectures and discursive workshops. Apply your knowledge and skills to an independent research project in the final year.
  • Placement opportunities: elect to apply for either a one-year professional training placement, or an international experience year to enhance learning and gain a competitive advantage in the workplace after graduation.
Our Award-winning Green Superlab With space for over 250 students and packed full of industry-standard equipment, the Coventry University Superlab is an amazing place to learn, experiment and discover. Find out what we’re doing in our Superlab to make it greener and reduce our waste and carbon emissions. Please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.

Modules

The foundation year offers an introduction to your chosen subject and supports you to develop the skills required for degree-level study. Modules

  • Introduction to Health and Disease
  • Foundation of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Introduction to Cell Biology
  • Foundation of Chemistry
Year One The common first year enables you to work alongside students doing similar courses to you to widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn. If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements). Common first year courses
  • Biological and Forensic Science BSc (Hons)
  • Biomedical Science BSc (Hons)
  • Human Biosciences BSc (Hons)
  • Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
In the first year, the curriculum is shared across related courses allowing you to gain a broad grounding in the discipline before going on, in the second and final years to specialist modules in your chosen field. It provides underpinning knowledge, laboratory and data analysis skills relevant for pharmacology. This shared approach allows you to appreciate a diversity of applications and roles for biosciences and to gain a broad topic understanding. Year One Modules
  • Introduction to Biomolecules and Biochemistry
  • Microbiology and Immunology
  • Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • Cells to Systems
Year Two In the second year, there is a greater emphasis on the biology of disease. You will begin to specialise in pharmacology and related areas including physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and genetics. Laboratory work is a key component of the course, enabling you to learn the experimental techniques and develop the key experimental, data handling and reporting skills required for careers in science. Practical sessions will introduce you to modern laboratory techniques and clinical approaches to diagnosing and treating disease, while your research skills are broadened to include an understanding of research methodology and design, medical statistics, and methods of data analysis. Year Two Modules
  • Drug Analysis, Development and Formulation
  • Cell and Molecular Biology: Function and Dysfunction
  • Disease, Pathophysiology and Therapeutics
  • Immunology and Inflammation
Placement Year There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement2 can often be beneficial. Work placements usually occur between your second and final years of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future. Final Year In the final year, you will apply your knowledge gained from years one and two. Final Year Modules
  • Advanced Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
  • Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
  • Cancer Biology and Therapeutics
  • Research Project
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated. Before accepting any offers, please check the website for the most up to date course content. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website. *For further information please check the course page on the Coventry University website

Assessment method

Foundation year The foundation year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include: *Phase tests

  • Essays
  • Group work
  • Presentations
  • Reports
  • Projects
  • Coursework
  • Individual assignments.
Degree Assessment methods align to transferable industry skills, providing you with practical, real-world skills designed to enhance your professional readiness and career prospects. Assessment methods may include:
  • Online tests
  • Essays and critical reviews
  • Pitches
  • Case studies
  • Proposals
  • Portfolios
  • Group work for presentations, lab projects and reports
  • Individual presentations
  • Laboratory reports
  • Lab skill competency
  • Posters and other information resources (e.g. videos, websites, briefing papers)independent research project.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

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

Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Foundation

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

We’re here to help you achieve your study goals. If your qualifications or expected levels of grades differ from those outlined above, chat with our admissions team and between us we will explore the possibilities open to you. We accept a range of qualifications and our study experience is designed to give you options and support from the start. Contact us via our website to find out more.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
70%
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

*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

Additional costs/fee information 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 . Studying this course with a sandwich year incurs an additional £1,500 fee (£1,800 for international students) to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. For full international fees and the most up to date information about tuition fees, please check the relevant course page of the Coventry University website.
Pharmacology (with foundation year) at Coventry University - UCAS