Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award

Our commitment to high quality teaching has been recognised with a TEF Gold rating. The University has received an overall rating of Gold, as well as securing a Gold award in the framework's two new student experience and student outcomes categories.

Why choose this course?

How exactly do medicinal drugs treat and prevent disease? How are they discovered and tested? How do they affect society? If you want to delve deeper into these questions, this could be the course for you.

This course is taught by award-winning experts with a focus on biological and physiological processes, rather than chemical ones. We'll examine how drugs act on their targets in major organs and systems, and how the body reacts.

You'll study the treatment of infectious and non-infectious diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. You'll also have opportunities to learn about new drugs affecting the brain, treating epilepsy and depression, and how drugs influence addiction.

This course is currently being revalidated for 25/26 entry. We are reviewing our modules to enhance the student-centred learning experience. This includes updating course content to meet industry needs and ensuring you develop the skills needed to become a future-proof graduate.

Apply for this course

Attendance	UCAS code/apply	Year of entry
3 years full time	B210	2025
4 years full time with professional placement	B211	2025
4 years full time including foundation year	B212	2025
6 years part time	Apply direct to the University	2025

For 2024 entry, please submit your application before the UCAS deadline as this course may not be in a position to consider applications submitted after this date.

Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.

Main Location

Penrhyn Road

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Reasons to choose Kingston University

This course meets the core curriculum requirements set out by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS), the professional association for pharmacologists.
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology.
Our expert team includes Joan Jarman, who was awarded the BPS Excellence in Teaching Award in 2020.

What you will study

Year 1

Year 2

Final year

Year 1 offers essential understanding of how the human body works, providing knowledge to underpin the study of pharmacology. You will gain a comprehensive overview of physiology from cellular to organ-system level, as well as chemistry, genetics and molecular biology. The Scientific and Laboratory Skills module trains you in a number of practical laboratory techniques.

Core modules

Genes, Cells and Tissues

30 credits

This module is a core module taken by students studying Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Forensic Science, and Pharmacology. The module introduces students to basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, molecular, organismal and population genetics, germ layers and basic tissue types in the human body, and to a variety of microorganisms. Core information is provided in lectures and supported by material on Canvas. Laboratory practicals give students the opportunity to learn a selection of current techniques used to study cells, tissues, chromosomes and microbes. The module provides a solid foundation for subsequent modules at levels 5 and 6 that expand knowledge in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics and microbiology.

The Biochemical Foundations of Life

30 credits

Learn how the building blocks of life work together to create complex molecules that sustain us. Explore the role of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids in our bodies, and how they are broken down and used for energy.

Scientific and Laboratory Skills

30 credits

This first year module provides a firm foundation in general scientific and laboratory skills that students require to successfully complete their programmes of study. Students are introduced to the nature of studying in higher education, the need for effective time management and planning of work, the appropriate use of information sources, and to sources of information relating to careers in the biosciences. Scientific analytical and lab/practical skills are developed, together with essential mathematics and statistical skills for life scientists. A significant component of the module consists of the development of basic research skills such as practical skills in the laboratory, the principles of experimental design and the statistical analysis of data.

Human Physiology

30 credits

Understand how the human body works and how nutrition affects our health. Explore the fundamental physiological concepts behind topics such as homeostasis, cellular communication, and the movement of molecules through body compartments.

You will also cover the main physiological systems of the body, including the nervous, muscle, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and of course, the digestive, systems.

Year 2 introduces pharmacology as a distinct subject, including the action of drugs at their target sites and the actions of the body on drugs once they have been administered. The Systems Pharmacology module covers drugs acting on the major organ systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory and endocrine systems. Further coverage of immunology, microbiology and molecular biology enables you to study relevant disease and its treatment. A module in Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods prepares you to undertake an independent research project in year 3.

Core modules

Molecular Biology of the Cell

30 credits

This is a core module taken by student in the fields of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Genetics and Molecular Biology route), Pharmacology, and is an option module taken by Biomedical Science and Biological Sciences (General route)

The module builds on topics covered in LS4001 (Genes, Cells and Tissues) and explores more advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides insight into the structure and function of cells, and takes an integrated approach to looking at how cells respond to changes in their environment - from receptor interactions and intracellular signalling pathways through to the regulation of gene expression and changes in cellular processes.

Formal lectures are supported by laboratory classes, tutorials, workshops, independent study and further resources available on Canvas. The module also includes opportunities to develop both data-handling and written skills.

Principles of Pharmacology

30 credits

Gain the skills you need to conduct pharmacological research and develop new drugs. Learn about the basic concepts of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, and how drugs are discovered and developed. This will help you understand drug-nutrient interactions, how nutrients in supplemental form can have pharmacological effects, plus how drugs can be sued to manage diet related diseases such as obesity.

Microbiology

15 credits

This module provides an opportunity to learn more about the structure and function of microbiological agents in health and disease. Through the lectures several microbiological processes will be examined along with methods of controlling the organisms responsible in the laboratory environment as well as within a patient.

Research Methods and Skills

15 credits

This is a core module for students studying Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Biological Sciences and Pharmacology. The module aims to further develop your scientific, research and Future Skills that were introduced at level 4, and to relate the application of these skills to the broader discipline and beyond. The module provides you with the opportunity and encouragement to apply original and unconventional ideas, to be imaginative, and to tackle problem-solving using techniques that develop individual and group creativity.

Problem-solving will be exemplified using design thinking and the scientific method. These are supported by the development of core research skills such as locating and evaluating relevant scientific literature, enhancement of scientific writing skills, and managing, analysing and presenting data, using software such as Excel and R. You will also learn to demonstrate awareness of the impact of your discipline on ethical, sustainable, and societal issues along with being able to communicate your outputs and findings.

Overall, this module will develop your Future Skills through engagement with Explore, support your problem-solving/critical thinking skills, and prepare them for their final year capstone project. This is supported by tutor meetings enabling you to work on tasks to evidence, develop, articulate, and reflect on your progress and graduate attributes.

System Pharmacology

30 credits

This module complements concepts delivered in Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods and applies them to a number of physiological system disorders. You will study and discuss disease pathophysiology and the types of drugs used in therapy of such disorders, alongside a rationale for their usage and any associated side effects.

Year 3 provides further in-depth study of pharmacology - drugs used to treat cancer and infectious diseases; drugs acting on the brain and peripheral nervous system, such as antidepressants and analgesics; novel drugs used to treat degenerative brain diseases; and the mechanisms of action of drug abuse. You will be able to investigate emerging new techniques in pharmacology, as well as having the option to study bioinformatics and molecular genetics. The wider impact of pharmacology on society is considered, and key skills needed to communicate with both specialists and the public are developed. Your independent project enables you to gain experience of conducting research in a particular area of interest. This may take the form of an experimental laboratory investigation, or use of surveys or questionnaires to assess individuals understanding of, or attitudes towards an aspect of pharmacology. It may involve reviewing a particular topic with the aim of producing a literature review of current research in that area.

Core modules

Current Concepts in Biomolecular Science

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry, Biological Sciences (Environmental Biology; Medical Biology; Genetics and Molecular Biology), Medical Biochemistry, and Pharmacology.

This module will provide you with insights into the scientific basis of recent technological advances in biomolecular science through selected examples of contemporary scientific research and their impact on society. It will build on key knowledge, consolidated at Levels 5 and 6, to demonstrate the application of theory to current research, developments in bioindustry and the effect of advancements on society. The scientific areas selected are designed to stimulate topical debate and are blended as a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practicals. The interaction of science and the media, public engagement, and how these can guide scientific policy will also be discussed together with the challenges facing today's bioindustry, including the role of intellectual property rights, bioethics and enterprise. Employability and enterprise are embedded to develop your scientific and professional skills.

Chemotherapy of Infectious and Neoplastic Diseases

30 credits

This is a core module for Pharmacology and an option for other Life Science degree courses, namely Biological Sciences (Medical Biology route) and Biochemistry.

This module provides an opportunity to learn about the various chemotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of both infectious and neoplastic disease. Treatments for infectious diseases will cover drugs that have actions on bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, while the neoplastic disease therapy will include a range of different cancers, including both solid and blood cancers. The lectures will focus on the mode of action, side effects and mechanisms of resistance of both antimicrobials and anti-cancer drugs.

Project (Bioscience)

30 credits

You will complete your own independent research project, with the guidance of an academic supervisor. There are several types of projects you can choose from, such as a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, questionnaires, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, comparison and original presentation of reported research data.

You will review and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative data to predict and answer a research question, and produce a written report.

Optional modules

Drugs, Brain and Behaviour

30 credits

This research-driven module will provide a thorough background in the fields of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology and introduce a range of current topics in neuroscience, selected from such areas as cellular and molecular neurobiology, sensory and motor systems, cognitive neuroscience and degenerative neuropathologies. You will experience current research techniques and learn to critically evaluate and discuss different ways of studying the brain.

Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics

30 credits

This module is a core requirement for students taking Biochemistry and Biological Sciences (Genetics & Molecular Biology route), and may be taken as an option by Forensic Biology and Pharmacology students.

This module introduces you to the processes involved in maintaining genome stability, causing genome variability and controlling the coding potential of the genome. Mutation, recombination and transposition, and the interplay between them, are examined as causes of genome instability. The impact of genome instability/change upon gene expression, and its control, links these two main themes of the module. The module also introduces you to bioinformatics and sequence analysis. The use of sequence databases and analysis tools permits the analysis of gene/genome variability, along with the patterns of variability and conservation of sequences. This strand of the module gives an introduction to an area of increasing importance in many areas of bioscience research, including molecular diagnostics and drug development.

Core factual material is provided via lectures, including demonstrations of the databases and analysis tools in the case of the bioinformatics elements, with additional resources being placed on Canvas. Over 50% of the teaching time in the module is spent on computer and laboratory practical work.

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

Foundation year

If you would like to study one of our science degrees at Kingston University but are not yet ready to join the first year of a BSc(Hons) course, you can include an extra foundation year within your chosen degree. Please see the science foundation year course page for details of modules.

The information above reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. The regulations governing this course are available on our website. If we have insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this may not be offered.

Future Skills

Knowledge to give you the edge

Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.

As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.

At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.

Learn employability-enhancing Future Skills

A female engineering student, in the engineering lab.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2025

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-levels to include Biology or Human Biology with a minimum of a grade C.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject with grades DMM.

T-Level:

Merit in T-Level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold GCSE Mathematics at grade C/4 or above.

Typical offer 2024

UCAS tariff points: 112-128 for BSc (Hons); 64 for BSc (Hons) including foundation year from Level 3 qualifications.

A-levels to include Biology or Human Biology with a minimum of a grade C. General Studies not accepted.

Alternatively, BTEC Extended Diploma in appropriate Science subject with grades DMM.

T-Level:

Merit in T-Level Science: including a minimum of a B in the Core component and a merit in the Occupational Specialism which must be either in laboratory sciences or metrology sciences.

Candidates are normally required to hold five GCSE subjects at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.

Alternative routes

We will consider a range of alternative Level 3 qualifications such as an Access Course in a relevant Science subject which has been passed with 112 UCAS points including 39 level 3 credits in Chemistry and Biology units with a minimum of 24 credits at Merit grade.
Applications from those that have undertaken a Science foundation year will also be considered.

International

We welcome applications from International Applicants. All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirements. For this course it is Academic IELTS of 6.0, with no element below 5.5.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Typical offer and UCAS points explained

Like most universities, we use the UCAS Tariff point system for our course entry requirements.

Find out more about UCAS Tariff points and see how A-level, AS level, BTEC Diploma and T-level qualifications translate to the points system.

Teaching and assessment

Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include placements, project work, practical sessions, workshops, conferences and field trips.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.

Academic support

Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.

Dedicated personal tutor

When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.

Your workload

A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.

One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.

Year 1: 26% scheduled learning and teaching
Year 2: 26% scheduled learning and teaching
Year 3: 21% scheduled learning and teaching

The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.

Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.

How you will be assessed

Types of assessment

Year 1: Coursework 39%; practical 13%; exams 48%
Year 2: Coursework 43%; practical 5%; exams 53%
Year 3: Coursework 53%; practical 13%; exams 33%

Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetable

Your individualised timetable is normally available to students within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled learning and teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm. For undergraduate students, Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities, but there may be occasions when this is not possible. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Class sizes

To give you an indication of class sizes, this course normally enrols 50 students and lecture sizes are normally 50-325. However this can vary by module and academic year.

Who teaches this course

This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry.

The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.

We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.

Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Anna Morgan

Course leader

Dr Francesca Mackenzie

Deputy Course leader

Dr Sumangali Wijetunge

Admissions tutor

Dr Francesca Arrigoni

Dr Ahmed Elbediwy

Dr Hwaida Elsadig

Dr Gary Forster-Wilkins

Dr Simon Gould

Dr Darren Johnson

Dr Alison Kelly

Professor Helmout Modjtahedi

Dr Nigel Page

Professor Andrea Petroczi

Dr Ian Piper

Dr Elena Polycarpou

Dr Eman Shakir

Professor Lori Snyder

Dr Lizzie Wadsworth

Professor Tony Walker

Dr Nadine Wehida

Facilities

There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:

the £9.8 million Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories;
specialist equipment, such as:
- gas and liquid chromatography;
- electron and confocal microscopy;
- a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers;
- nuclear science equipment;
- thermal analysis;
- x-ray diffractometers; and
- electrochemical analysis;
computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.

Course fees and funding

2025/26 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,535* Foundation Year: £9,535
International	Year 1 (2025/26): £18,500 Year 2 (2026/27): £19,200 Year 3 (2027/28): £19,900 Year 4 (2028/29): £20,700

For courses with Professional Placement, the fee for the placement year can be viewed on the undergraduate fees table. The placement fee published is for the relevant academic year stated in the table. This fee is subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body.

* For full-time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full-time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.

Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

2024/25 fees for this course

The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2024/25 the fees for this course are:

Fee category	Amount
Home (UK students)	£9,250* Foundation Year: £9,250
International	Year 1 (2024/25): £17,800 Year 2 (2025/26): £18,500 Year 3 (2026/27): £19,200 Year 4 (2027/28): £20,100

Note for EU students: UK withdrawal from the European Union

The Government has announced that new students from the European Union and Swiss Nationals starting their course after August 2021 will no longer be eligible for a student loan in England for Undergraduate or Postgraduate studies from the 2021/22 academic year. This decision only applies to new EU students starting after 2021/22. If you are an existing/continuing EU student, you will continue to be funded until you graduate or withdraw from your course.

Need to know more?

Our undergraduate fees and funding section provides information and advice on money matters.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks; this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each campus. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost between £100 and £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases, written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston upon Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

If the placement year option is chosen, during this year travel costs will vary according to the location of the placement, and could be from £0 to £2,000.

Field trips

All field trips that are compulsory to attend to complete your course are paid for by the University. There may be small fees incurred for optional field trips such as travel costs and refreshments.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Kingston University will supply you with a lab coat and safety goggles at the start of the year.

After you graduate

Careers and progression

Graduates work in clinical trials, drug research, medical writing, pharmaceutical marketing and science communication. The course can also provide a gateway into graduate studies for clinical routes or academic research programmes.

Employability preparation at Kingston University

In addition to building expertise in your own discipline, our courses will also help you to develop key transferable skills that you'll need for professional life or further study once you graduate.

As well as a range of careers and employability activities at Kingston, we also offer you the chance to apply and develop your skills in live contexts as an integral part of your course. Opportunities include:

placements
working or studying abroad
volunteering
peer mentoring roles
internship opportunities within and outside the University.

In your final year, you'll get the opportunity to complete a major 'capstone' project where you can apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired to a range of real issues in different contexts. This is a great way to learn and is a valuable bridge to employment or further research at masters level.

Courses available after you graduate

If you decide that you would like to go on to postgraduate study after your undergraduate course, we offer a 10% discount on our postgraduate course tuition fees to our alumni. Here are some courses that might interest you:

Accreditation

This course meets the core curriculum requirements set out by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) - the professional association for pharmacologists and one of the leading pharmacological societies in the world.

British Pharmacological Society

Royal Society of Biology

What our graduates say

I chose to study this course because I have always been fascinated by how drugs interact within our bodies - complexities of the organs, how they reach the target site of pain, metabolism within the body, excretion and beyond. Pharmacology is a diverse area which goes beyond the bodily system but also encompasses the laws and regulations for companies who market the medicines to testing these molecules from the lab to clinical trials (animals and in humans) all the way to post marketing surveillance.

It is an astonishing world which brings together science, businesses, laws and communication from HCP to everyday patients. Business is one essential environment which we connect with daily so studying this felt like a natural mesh, combining science with this subject area.

Rebekah Adebanjo – Pharmacology with Business BSc (Hons) Graduated 2017

During my time at Kingston University I studied pharmacology. I originally chose this course with the intention of transferring to pharmacy after my first year; however I decided to stick with pharmacology as it had a wider scope for career opportunities. Throughout the course, I appreciated the variety of subjects and therapeutic areas covered and the support that the lecturers provided was second to none. I never felt there was any pressure placed on me while studying at Kingston however, I was always provided with the resources I required and encouraged to achieve my goals.

Kingston had a great work play balance and offered a great range of extra-curricular activities. I took part in the Bright Ideas Entrepreneur Competition, was a member of the rowing club and represented the University as a student ambassador. Since graduating in 2016 I have completed an MPhil in Biological Sciences at the University of Cambridge and am now training to be a life science consultant.

Katie Cudmore – Pharmacology BSc(Hons) Graduated 2016

Links with business and industry

How we work with industry partners

St George's, University of London

Links with St George's, University of London mean that some classes may be able to use its specialist facilities and staff expertise.

Industry placement

This course offers the chance to do an industrial work placement.

Work placement year

How you can work in industry during your course

Placements:

provide work experience that is relevant to your course and future career
improve your chances of graduating with a higher-grade degree
enhance your CV
lead to a graduate job
enable you to earn a year's salary whilst studying (the vast majority of placements are paid)
help you to select your final-year project.

"To be successful, tomorrow's leaders will need to be far more rounded individuals than ever before. They will collaborate in pursuit of shared goals. They will guide, challenge and support...They will have an appetite for change and a hunger for continuous improvement, and they will have an ethos of learning and development..." Jeremy Darroch, Former Chief Executive, Sky.

"Doing a placement year effectively gives you one foot in the door of a future job and to stand out from the crowd... as well as enhancing my CV... and future interviews. It's a great motivator to be successful in my studies as it only serves to open even more doors and gain more skills." Placement student at Jagex Games Studios Ltd.

There is a lot of support available for students looking to secure a placement (e.g. a jobs board with placement vacancies, help with writing CVs and mock interviews). Getting a placement and passing the placement year are ultimately the student's responsibility.

Examples of placements

Placements can be with large multinational companies, international companies, local companies and small start-ups; offering a diverse range of posts. Here are some examples of employers and roles:

Construction-based placement employers	Construction-based placement roles
RG Group Multiplex Costain Willmott Dixon Fluor	Assistant site manager Assistant trades package manager Assistant logistics manager Health and safety officer Construction engineer
Science-based placement employers	Science-based placement roles
Reckitt and Benckiser GSK Drug Control Centre Minton Treharne and Davies Ltd Various local and international hospitals	Bioanalytical sciences Lab assistant Pharmacy assistant Sports coach
Engineering-based placement employers	Engineering-based placement roles
Airbus BAM Nuttall Nissan Bosch Wozair	Analysis of aircraft structure Construction resources specialist Site engineer assistant
Computing and IS-based placement employers	Computing and IS-based placement roles
Disney Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe IBM McKinsey Intel	Database coordinator Software developer Website developer App developer
Mathematics-based placement employers	Mathematics-based placement roles
Lloyds Banking Group AXA Allianz PAU Education, Spain	Analyst Investment solutions Research analyst Accounts assistant

Work placement case study

Rebekah Adebanjo: Drug safety intern at Celgene Ltd

Course: Pharmacology with Business BSc(Hons)
Placement role: Drug safety intern
Placement company: Celgene Ltd
Year: 2015/16

Why did you decide to do an industrial placement as part of your degree?

I decided to do an industrial placement as part of my degree to be able to transfer the skills and knowledge I learned into the working environment. I chose a placement to also make myself more marketable and employable prior to graduating.

I gained confidence in myself and my ability to work collaboratively and independently by forging relationships with senior colleagues and peers. You may be able to get paid whilst on placement - financial independence.

What was the process for getting a placement and what support did you get from the University?

I registered my name at the Kingston University Science Faculty Office and I also applied via independent websites. The office sent me job opportunities weekly and I filtered through the spreadsheets to see which jobs were applicable to me. The University looked at my CV, they assisted me with interview skills workshops and ensured I was assisted every step of the way. Once I got the placement role, I was assigned a tutor who came to see me twice during the placement and helped me with any concerns I had.

What did your placement role involve?

During my year in the pharmaceutical industry, I managed safety data within the central safety database covering both pre- and post-market activities, ensured compliance with internal case processing timelines, reporting all adverse drug reactions relating to company products and company sponsored clinical trials as per UK/EU requirements. I conducted quality cases without comprising on quantity as I exceeded my daily target. I prepared reports, handled adverse event follow-up requests, initiated nullification processes whilst prioritising my case workload to ensure compliance with reporting requirements and liaised with healthcare professionals where appropriate.

What was your typical day - any specific projects were you involved with?

Within Risk Management, I liaised with affiliate offices to obtain safety information on products and their risk management activities. I contributed to the resource budgeting and forecasting for the upcoming year (2016) for the affiliate offices in Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA).

What key elements of your job involved what you had learned on your course?

The two key modules I believe helped me the most were Systems Pharmacology and Principles of Pharmacology with Research Methods. The Systems Pharmacology module covered drugs acting on the major organ systems of the body, including the cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory and endocrine systems, whilst the module in Pharmacological Principles and Research Methods assisted in researching and time management skills.

How do you feel that your placement benefited your course?

I feel I understand the use of pharmacology as a science and as a discipline within society too.

What job will you be seeking when you graduate?

I will be seeking to stay within the pharmaceutical industry - pharmacovigilance or the business side of pharma!

What advice would you give to the students who are thinking of applying for placement?

Get onto a placement if you can - whether it is a few weeks to a year! It's an invaluable experience where you can discover yourself but also the many career paths you may not have known before.

Key information set

The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.