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Pharmacology MSci

London, Bloomsbury

How do medicines work? Embark on a research-intensive four-year integrated master’s where you’ll build a comprehensive understanding of the science of drug action and explore how these drugs exert their effects – from molecular interactions and cellular mechanisms through to system and whole-body physiology.  

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
Fees to be confirmed
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£42,700
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
B211
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAB
Subjects
Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.

Contextual offer information

Grades
ABB more about contextual offers
Subjects
Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6.
Points
36
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

Contextual offer

Points
34 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 16 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one subject from Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5. For Mathematics, the programme will accept either 'Analysis and Approaches' or 'Applications and Interpretation' at higher level.

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Physics or Mathematics

A,A,B at Advanced Highers (or A,A at Advanced Higher and B,B,B at Higher). Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Physics or Mathematics, at Advanced Higher.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. Access UCL is our contextual offer scheme for applicants from groups that are underrepresented at UCL. We assess your eligibility for Access UCL based on the information contained within your UCAS application. We review and update our Access UCL eligibility criteria and datasets every year, so please check the requirements for the year you plan to apply.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview

Begin your journey into the fascinating world of drug action. Discover how molecular breakthroughs lead to new medicines, how existing drugs can have innovative new uses, and the importance of challenges like side effects and addiction.

In the first year, you’ll prepare for advanced study by building essential foundations across a range of scientific disciplines, combining the fundamentals of pharmacology with chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology and statistics.

In your second year, you’ll harness and apply this knowledge, developing your understanding of the mechanisms of drug action and conducting extensive in-vitro lab experiments using tissue samples.

In the third year, you’ll get to explore a wide range of optional modules allowing you to strengthen and augment your expertise across specialisms that complement our world-leading research. You’ll also undertake a literature research project exploring a particular emerging area of pharmacology, developing crucial skills for independent research and scientific writing.

In the fourth year, you’ll focus on original research. Embedded within one of UCL’s world-leading research groups, and under the mentorship of a Principal Investigator, you’ll investigate a pharmacological question using cutting-edge techniques. Through this intensive research project – which you can choose to represent either 50% or 75% of your final year’s work – you’ll develop your research expertise ready for a career in pharmacology or related discipline.

What this course will give you

  • Study at the internationally recognised Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology at UCL – an institution ranked second in the UK and fourth in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
  • Learn from world-leading experts in a department with over 100 years of research excellence in pharmacology, shaped by groundbreaking Nobel Prize winners, acclaimed Fellows of the Royal Society, and dynamic young researchers.
  • Pursue areas of pharmacological interest either through a laboratory research project working in UCL’s exceptional research facilities, or a literature research project exploring evolving topics at the cutting edge of pharmacology (MSci candidates will conduct both types of project in years 3 and 4).  
  • Shape your studies to explore the areas of pharmacology that interest you most and take the opportunity to expand your knowledge through access to a wide selection of courses across other fields in neuroscience and human physiology.  
  • Apply to extend your studies and build real-world experience with a year in industry – our students taking this opportunity have worked at some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies including GSK, Eli Lilly and Pfizer.
  • Gain first-hand insight into UCL’s global impact in fast-moving fields of pharmacological research including genetic disease and gene therapy, metabolic diseases, inflammatory illness, and synaptic pharmacology.
  • Opportunity to contribute to ongoing scientific discovery at UCL, ranked number one in the UK for research quality in medicine, health and life sciences (REF 2021).
  • Advance well-equipped to pursue further study or to take any number of highly skilled roles in the healthcare, biotech or pharmaceutical industries. Graduates from the Pharmacology BSc/MSci programme have gone on to successfully apply for top postgraduate master’s and PhD programmes world-wide.
  • Enjoy life in the heart of London at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a district famous for its cultural and educational institutions. 

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MSci (Hons) in Pharmacology.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

In Year 1, you’ll complete five compulsory modules to provide you with a solid foundation across the full breadth of pharmacology – from molecular mechanisms of drug action, through DNA and cell biology, to mammalian physiology.

In Year 2, you’ll complete four compulsory modules and one optional module consolidating the knowledge of Year 1, while giving you the chance to explore new areas including protein structure, development or neuroscience.

In Year 3, you’ll complete one compulsory module and a literature-based research project. The rest of your programme will consist of four or five specialist modules chosen from a wide range of options across pharmacology and some of its intersections with neuroscience and physiology.

In Year 4, your final year, at least half of your workload will be accounted for by your laboratory research project (60 or 90 credits out of 120) with the remainder consisting of further specialist modules.  

If you choose to extend your programme with a placement year in industry, you’ll complete the placement in Year 4 before returning to campus for Year 5 (final year). 

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Compulsory modules







Compulsory modules






Optional modules





Compulsory modules




Optional modules










Autonomic and Central Control of Cardiorespiratory Function




Topics in Neurobiology


Optional modules

The Neurobiology of Neurodegenerative Disease







Dynamic Biological Systems


Your learning

You’ll build your knowledge and skills through a dynamic range of teaching, including lectures, project work, tutorials, workshops and lively journal clubs involving in-depth and thought-provoking discussions with your peers and lecturers. In a typical week you’ll explore multiple modules enriched by hands-on lab sessions where you’ll put theory into practice and develop the essential techniques for a successful research career. 

In your third year, you may be able to apply for an optional year in industry. If successful, you’ll transfer to the five-year Pharmacology (Year in Industry) MSci.  

You’ll then spend the fourth year working on placement in the pharmaceutical industry or another pharmacology-related area.

These placements aren’t guaranteed, as they’re offered by industry on a competitive basis. 

Your contact hours will typically vary between 10-15 hours per week, depending on module choice, and include lectures, seminars and e-learning activities.

You’ll also need to demonstrate a level of independent study (15-25 hours per week).

Your independent studies will increase in the third year to approximately 30 hours per week, due to the greater emphasis on research and on more in-depth written assignments.

Fourth year (MSci) students can expect to spend between 10-30 hours per week working independently on their research projects, dependent on the experimental schedule, data analysis and background research.

This work will be complemented by a total of 60-120 hours contact time across the year from project supervisors, as part of research team meetings and dependent on taught modules.

Assessment

Your progress and achievements will typically be assessed through a variety of methods, including written examinations, coursework (including essays and practical write-ups), multiple choice question assignments, oral presentations and data analysis exercises.

Assessment methods used may vary, depending on the optional and elective modules you choose. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Pharmacology information video

Watch this video to find out more about Pharmacology at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Pharmacology BSc/MSci Q&A

Find out about UCL's Pharmacology BSc/MSci by attending our online open event. You'll have the opportunity to meet the course leader, learn about the structure and content of the programme, and ask any questions you might have about the course, application process, and life at UCL.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

This master’s degree provides essential research experience and skills you’ll need to pursue a PhD in pharmacology or a related field.

The MSc will provide invaluable transferable skills. You’ll be trained in solving complex problems and gain an in-depth understanding of data collection and analysis, hypothesis testing and critical analysis.  

You’ll also be well prepared for a wide variety of career options in the public and private sectors, including scientific consultancy, health and social care policy, governmental and regulatory roles, pharmaceutical research and development, education and journalism.  

85% of graduates across our BSc and MSci programmes are in work or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Surveys 2019-2022), in organisations that have previously included Novartis, The UK Biocentre, 90TEN and the Institut Pasteur, among many others. 

Employability

You’ll develop comprehensive expertise in pharmacology, while building extensive experience in planning and executing rigorous scientific experiments.

You'll acquire highly sought-after transferable skills including teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking/evaluation, data literacy, analysis and visualisation, scientific reading, professional presentation skills, written/verbal communication, coding and more.  

To hone these skills, you’ll have the freedom to access numerous UCL-wide initiatives through internships, entrepreneurship/start-up programmes and our Changemakers programme. 

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) Fees to be confirmed
Tuition fees (2026/27) £42,700

UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 entry are to be confirmed and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.

International undergraduate students benefit from a cohort guarantee unless indicated below, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

International fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2026/27 entrants.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

You’ll need to purchase a lab coat, costing approximately £10-£20. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1–2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We’re looking for students who can demonstrate a deep interest and curiosity in pharmacology and its power to shape modern medicine. Tell us about what drives your interest. If you’ve researched specific drugs or targets, followed breakthrough treatments or want to develop new medicines to tackle specific challenges in global healthcare, we encourage you to include this in your application.   

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

Candidates who receive an offer (either conditional or unconditional) will be invited to attend an Offer Holder's Open Day at UCL or online. Attendance is optional, but the open day will provide you with further information about UCL. This may include talks from staff about the programme and the department. It could also include a research presentation, tours of UCL and the department, and a visit to a laboratory facility.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Division of Biosciences
Division of Biosciences

biosciences-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.