GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)
Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
3 years, starting in September 2026
Train to play a vital role in the discovery, development and testing of therapeutic agents to improve global health.
If you love lab work and are interested in health and disease but don't want to work in a patient-facing role, then this could be the course for you. Pharmacologists aim to develop safe and effective therapeutic agents. They study the pathological changes that underpin the development of disease and investigate the effects of drugs on the body, including their location and mechanism of action.
On the course, you’ll gain an integrated view of drug action linked to disease-related functions of the major organ systems. You’ll enhance your understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry, biology and the physical sciences, and learn to apply these principles to specific problems in drug discovery.
Pharmacology is a very practical subject, and you will develop an understanding of good experimental design, data acquisition and analysis and scientific communication.
If you want a more in-depth study experience, you could consider applying for our MPharmacol Pharmacology course.
Study pharmacology from day one
Unlike many universities that start with a general core science year, we teach pharmacology from the outset. This means you'll be confident going into your placement or research project, knowing you already have two years of specialist knowledge and practical experience under your belt.
Learn in specialist labs
As a highly practical course, you'll get to spend a lot of time in our dedicated pharmacology teaching labs, designed to reflect the practical settings found in industry.
You'll be trained in a wide range of traditional and molecular lab techniques across organic and analytical chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology, microbiology and pharmaceutics.
Workshop sessions will familiarise you with databases and statistical packages to enable you to develop skills in information retrieval and data analysis.
Develop your professional skills
You are encouraged to become an undergraduate member of the British Pharmacological Society and attend and present at the annual conference. You'll also have the chance to complete the Home Office Licence Training Course, to help you stand out when applying for placements and jobs. This involves training on the ethics, law and use of animals in research in line with the British Pharmacological Society's Curriculum for the Use of Research Animals.
Learn from industry experts
You’ll be taught by active researchers and industry experts with expertise in drug and target discovery, medicines design and development, and their route to market. Their research ensures you’ll learn about the latest techniques and developments in the field.
You’ll be supported throughout your studies with small group tutorials, interactive workshops and one-to-one meetings with an academic advisor.
Get ready for your future career
As a graduate from one of the top schools of pharmacy and pharmacology in the UK, you’ll be well equipped for a rewarding career in pharmaceutical research or drug development.
Many of our graduates continue to develop their research career by undertaking a PhD or postgraduate study. Others enter industry through graduate programmes such as those offered by AstraZeneca and GSK.
We’re ranked 2nd for teaching satisfaction for pharmacology and pharmacy in the Guardian University Guide 2024 and have excellent connections with the pharmaceutical industry which you'll benefit from. Some students even receive a job offer from their placement. Recent employers include:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- GSK
- UCB
Learn more on our Virtual Experience page
You can learn more about studying pharmacology at Bath by visiting our Pharmacology Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 3 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2029. Welcome week starts on 21 September 2026.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
At Bath, our courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Year 1
Compulsory units
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Fundamentals of pharmacology: the science of medicines
10 credits
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Fundamentals of pharmacology: health and disease
15 credits
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Fundamentals of pharmacology: the chemistry of drugs
15 credits
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Research and scientific skills for pharmacology
20 credits
Year 2
Compulsory units
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Cardiovascular, renal and PNS pharmacology
15 credits
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Central nervous system pharmacology
10 credits
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Drug discovery and pharmacokinetics
10 credits
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Infection and immunity
10 credits
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Molecular Pharmacology
15 credits
Year 3
Compulsory units
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Advanced topics and trends in pharmacology
10 credits
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Final year project
15 credits
Options
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Final year options
35 credits
Placement
We also offer this course with a professional placement where you can take advantage of our excellent links with industry and leading research institutions. It's a great way to gain valuable experience to add to your CV, try out a possible career path and even earn some money or experience a new culture.
Find out more about going on placementLearning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Learning and teaching
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which may be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 16 and 20 hours a week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 15 to 24 hours per week in your first year, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing course working assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example in a final year project.
Assessment breakdown
You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to develop and test your skills and knowledge. You will primarily be assessed as an individual but may also be assessed as part of a group. The MPharmacol also includes a viva voce (oral style examination) of your project work.
As a guide, 60 to 65% of your course will be assessed through examinations, which include closed and open-book examinations and in-class tests. 35 to 40% will be assessed through coursework, including essays, reports, and oral and visual presentations. The balance of assessment methods will vary throughout your degree.
In your final year, you will be expected to complete a research project.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
Entry requirements
Your application, especially your personal statement, should demonstrate your enthusiasm for studying pharmacology and drug development. This might include relevant reading, voluntary or work experience, areas of interest from your current studies or other relevant extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
You will need a strong performance in Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. The second subject can be:
- Biology or Human Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electronics
- Environmental Science
- Food Science or Food Technology
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics or Further Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
AABAAB in three A levels including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Contextual offer
BBB or ABCBBB or ABC in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject:
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Alternative offer
ABBWe know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
ABB in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject plus one of:
- grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
- grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
- grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
- grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
- an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
ABBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
6, 6, 5 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
36 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry and a second science or mathematics course.
We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry is required at Higher Level.
If you are not studying a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.
Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level.
Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient additional science content.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level. Your study must also include sufficient additional science content.
International Baccalaureate Contextual offer
5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
35 points overall and 5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including 5 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or mathematics course.
We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry is required at Higher Level.
If you are not studying a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the contextual offer is 36 points with 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.
Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
DDD plus A at A levelBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Chemistry.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your BTEC qualification.
We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science (excluding Physical Science).
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your BTEC qualifications - we cannot accept a BTEC Diploma or Extended Certificate in Applied Science in place of A level Chemistry for this course.
T Level Typical offer
Distinction and A plus A at A levelD overall with grade A in the core component in a Science T Level plus grade A in A level Chemistry.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your T Level qualification.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Science. You must be studying the Laboratory Sciences specialism. We cannot consider a Healthcare Science T Level for this course.
Your GCSE profile will be an important part of selection if you apply with a T Level. You will also be required to undertake an interview as part of the application process if your application is assessed as suitable.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
AB in Advanced HighersAB in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAABB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
33 credits at DistinctionA pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering) with 33 credits achieved at Distinction in science or mathematics units and 6 credits at Merit or above. This must include 15 credits from chemistry units achieved at Distinction.
We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science and Science and Engineering. Our Pharmacology course is academically challenging and requires solid foundations of knowledge in Chemistry. You will need to have studied Chemistry graded units worth at least 15 credits, including at least 3 graded units of Organic Chemistry but excluding Biochemistry and Chemistry in Society.
Recent successful applicants have studied between 15 and 21 credits of Chemistry as part of their Access course and a high proportion of Organic Chemistry.
Suitable applicants progressing via this route will be invited to interview as part of the admissions process.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Chemistry (or equivalent).
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category B
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
- TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 140, Conversation 125, Production 110
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 130, Conversation 130, Production 130
- LanguageCert SELT: C1 Expert Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Read more about bursaries and scholarshipsOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titlePharmacology
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Final awardBSc (Hons)
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeM110
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Institution codeB16
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Department
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LocationUniversity of Bath
Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY -
Home application deadline14 January 2026
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Overseas application deadline14 January 2026
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
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Regulator
Selection process
We will usually assess you based on your UCAS application. If you are studying certain qualifications, such as an Access to HE Diploma or T Level, you will be invited to attend an interview as part of our selection process.
Very exceptionally we may invite you to an interview if you have circumstances we cannot assess from an application alone.
Our interview page gives more information on what you should expect from an interview.
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
Learn more about living and studying at Bath
Visit our undergraduate virtual experience