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.
We have updated our modules to enhance student-centred teaching and align course content with industry needs, helping you become a future-proof graduate.
| 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 |
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 |
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 is led by Anna Morgan, who is a fellow of the British Pharmacological Society.
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, and essential laboratory skills that you will use throughout your degree. You will gain a comprehensive overview of physiology from cellular to organ-system level, as well as genetics and molecular biology.
Core modules
Genes to Tissues
30 credits
This module introduces basic cell biology of prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics, germ layers, and tissue types in the human body, as well as various microorganisms.
You will experience practical sessions in a state-of-the-art laboratory, on microscopy, histology, cytogenetics and microbiology, enabling you to develop practical skills in the correct use of microscopes, examining and studying chromosomes, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, microbes and tissues, interpreting, and recording biological data, and build upon your knowledge gained from lectures.
This module provides a foundation for advanced modules in cell biology, anatomy, physiology, genetics, and microbiology.
Human Physiology with Pharmacology
30 credits
This module introduces you to the fascinating world of human physiology, focusing on how the body's systems work together to maintain health. You will explore key concepts in physiology, learn about the fundamental effects of drugs on the body, and develop essential skills in experimental design and data analysis.
Through lectures, workshops, and problem-solving challenges, you will also be supported to explore topics in greater depth. Laboratory practicals will provide hands-on experience with selected techniques in experimental design and data analysis. By the end of this module, you will have a solid understanding of how physiological processes are studied and how they relate to broader issues like sustainability, medicines, and human health.
Introduction to Biochemistry
30 credits
This module provides an understanding of how basic chemical elements are bonded to form complex biomolecules in living systems. In this module, we will explore the role and structure of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids and delve into defining their properties and functions. The module will also introduce the vital role of energy transformations in living organisms.
Core material is delivered through lectures, online resources and activities, and problem-solving workshops supported by laboratory practicals and subsequent data analysis.
On completion of the module, you will have a comprehensive grounding in the molecular basis of life from the atomic scale up to cells. This module will help you develop the skills necessary for enhancing your learning through effective note-taking and critical thinking, which will continue to help you throughout your degree.
Scientific and Laboratory Skills
30 credits
This module provides a firm foundation in the general scientific and laboratory skills students require to successfully complete their programmes of study.
A significant component of the module consists of the development and demonstration of core technical/practical skills through familiarity with the laboratory environment through hands-on learning.
This module will also introduce you to Future Skills through engagement with the Navigate programme introducing the key graduate attributes required in developing your professional development portfolio in the biosciences. The Future Skills concepts and activities will support you in developing and evidencing your practice, scientific analytical/problem-solving, teamworking, digital competency, practical and numeracy skills.
You will be supported by themed tutor meetings and peer support tutee teams enabling you to work on tasks to develop your graduate attributes.
In Year 2, you will explore the action of drugs at their target sites in greater detail, and the actions of the body on drugs once they have been administered.
You will also learn about how drugs act 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 selected diseases and their treatments. You will develop additional research skills ahead of your independent research project in Year 3.
Core modules
Applied Pharmacology with Toxicology
30 credits
This is a core module for students studying pharmacology. This second-year module builds on the pharmacology basics you learned in your first year, diving deeper into key topics like pharmacodynamics (how drugs work) and pharmacokinetics (how the body handles drugs).
You will develop a more advanced understanding of how drugs are administered, and responses are measured, with a focus on using quantitative methods to assess drug effects. We will also explore the factors that cause differences in how individuals respond to medicines. In addition, the module covers the essentials of toxicology, drug discovery, and development, with an introduction to the regulation of pharmaceutical products and how new drugs are brought to market.
Clinical Pharmacology
30 credits
This module is designed to deepen your understanding of physiological and pharmacological principles by applying them to key human physiological systems.
You will gain essential knowledge about various disease processes (such as those affecting the brain, immune, reproductive, and cardiorespiratory systems) and the corresponding drug therapies acting on organs and systems. You will explore the rationale behind clinical drug selection and the mechanisms underpinning potential side effects within and across systems.
Microbiology, Research Methods and Skills
30 credits
This module is divided into two distinct parts. The first part will delve into the fascinating world of microorganisms—those tiny creatures that impact our health. You will explore how these microorganisms cause infectious diseases and study methods to control them both in laboratories and within patients. Additionally, the importance of national surveillance in tracking and preventing disease spread will be discussed.
The second part broadens the scope to encompass the wider aspects of biochemistry, pharmacology and beyond. It focuses on developing your Future Skills by engaging with Explore, to enhance your research, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities, and preparing you for your final year capstone project. This is further supported by tutor meetings, which helps you work on tasks to develop, articulate, and reflect on your progress and graduate attributes.
Molecular Biology of the Cell
30 credits
This module builds on topics covered in your first year and explores advanced concepts in cell and molecular biology. The module provides a molecular insight into the structure and function of cells and takes an integrated approach to understand 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.
You will discover various mechanisms of intracellular signalling in different organisms. You will gain a detailed knowledge of the processes involved in the regulation of gene expression. You will also learn about practical methods relevant to cell and molecular biology, for example fluorescence microscopy, RT-PCR.
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. 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.
Core modules
Drugs, Brain and Behaviour
30 credits
You will learn about the molecular and cellular basis of neurological and psychiatric disorders and differences. You will explore existing and new pharmacological and other therapies to treat these conditions. This research-driven module will introduce you to a range of topical areas in neuropharmacology, psychopharmacology, neurophysiology and neuroscience, including neurodiversity and neuroplasticity.
You will experience relevant research techniques, will learn to critically evaluate and discuss different ways of studying the brain, and will explore sustainability and inclusivity aspects of neuropharmacology.
Medicines from Lab to Launch
30 credits
This is a core final-year module for pharmacology students, designed to help you dive deep into the entire drug development process, from discovering a new target to analysing a drug after it hits the market. Building on what you have learned in Years 1 and 2, you will gain industry-relevant skills through authentic assessments, with a flexible curriculum designed to incorporate new technologies and developments, and to promote digital literacy, enterprise, and critical analysis.
We will also address challenges in the wider pharmaceutical industry, including sustainability concerns, sociological and ethical considerations, and issues related to social justice, equity, and inclusivity in bringing drugs to market. Plus, you will hear from guests and alumni who are currently in the field, giving you up-to-date insights and a taste of what lies ahead in your career.
Pharmacotherapy of Infection and Cancer
30 credits
This module provides you with an opportunity to learn about drug therapies used in the treatment of both infectious diseases and cancer. Treatments for infectious diseases will cover drugs that have actions on bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, while the cancer therapies will include a range of different neoplastic diseases, including drug treatments for both solid and blood cancers. Your lectures will focus on the mode of action, side effects and mechanisms of resistance of antimicrobials and anti-cancer drugs, as well as the development of new drugs.
Project (Bioscience)
30 credits
The project module forms a very important part of the degree programme and probably constitutes the largest piece of independent work that you are likely to undertake during undergraduate studies. There are several types of projects that may be offered to you: a laboratory or field-based project, data projects involving acquisition of data and information from surveys, computer simulations or bioinformatics, or a systematic review of research literature that includes the collection, analysis, and original presentation of reported research data.
Your project will include a review and critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information and data to address a hypothesis or research question, and the production of a written report.
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.
Entry requirements
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
What our graduates say
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 |
Work placement case study
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.
