Pharmacology BSc Pharmacology (with Placement Year) BSc
This prestigious and flexible BSc course explores the science of drug action, from molecular interactions and cellular mechanisms to systems-level and whole-body physiology, while helping you develop a broad range of practical laboratory skills. You may also opt to add an industrial placement year to your studies on the four-year Pharmacology (with Placement Year) BSc.
Key information
Key information
Entry requirements
To meet the minimum entry criteria for the placement year you will need to have achieved an average of 60% across all 120 credits in Year 1. In addition, you will need to be successful in securing a placement year in an industrial setting. Placements are competitive and the Placement Tutor will advise you on applying to placement providers.
- Grades
- AAB
- Subjects
- Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
- 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
- Grades
- ABB
- Subjects
- Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
- Subjects
- Chemistry required plus one from Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade B or 6
At least two A level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A level subjects.
- 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 course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
- 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 course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
Contextual offer
- Points
- 34
- 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 course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
- 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 course will accept either ‘Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level.
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 and International Education.
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who do not 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.
About this course
Embark on your exploration of the fascinating world of drug action. Discover the modern and classic scientific breakthroughs that allow the design of new medicines, how existing drugs can have innovative new uses, and the importance of pharmacology in tackling issues such as antibiotic resistance, mental health and addiction which are central to UCL’s health-related Grand Challenges. Taught by globally-renowned researchers, the course introduces an extensive range of currently prescribed drugs, explores drug discovery and repurposing, and addresses challenges such as drug resistance and side effects.
In Year 1, you will build knowledge of the fundamentals of pharmacology, discover key scientific, analytical and computational techniques and study core subjects spanning the biosciences, from molecules to populations.
In Year 2, you’ll harness and apply this knowledge, developing your understanding of the mechanisms of drug action and conducting extensive in-vitro lab experiments using cultured cells and tissue samples, while extending the range and depth of your computational and analytical skills. You have the option to apply to take a year out to do an industrial placement by transferring to the Pharmacology (with Placement Year) BSc.
In Year 3, you’ll put your education into practice, by carrying out a collaborative laboratory research project or a literature research project exploring evolving topics at the cutting edge of pharmacology. Alongside this, you will 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.
The placement year offers students the opportunity to broaden their horizons by experiencing work in a professional setting. The placement is taken in Year 3 and you return to campus in Year 4 to complete your academic studies.
You will be advised of the opportunity to complete a placement at the end of your first year. If you meet the relevant progression requirements in Year 1, the Placement Tutor will help you to identify appropriate industrial placements. Available placements are advertised via various company, charity or careers websites. It is also possible for you to arrange your own placement as long as it is relevant to the Pharmacology course.
We are looking for curious, quantitatively-minded students who are motivated to understand how drugs work from molecule to patient. Ideal candidates combine strong scientific foundations, particularly in chemistry, with critical thinking, experimental awareness and ethical insight. They should be eager to engage with data, embrace interdisciplinary science, and apply pharmacology to real-world challenges in medicine, biotechnology and global health.
Course structure
Each year will consist of 120 credits. In Year 1, you’ll complete 6 compulsory modules from across biosciences and two discipline-specific compulsory modules focusing on pharmacology and physiology. In Year 2, you’ll complete 4 compulsory modules (2x15 credit modules and 2x30 credit modules) and select 2 option modules (2x15 credit modules). You have the opportunity to apply to transfer to the Pharmacology (with Placement Year) BSc. In Year 3, you’ll complete one compulsory pharmacology module (15 credits) and either a laboratory-based (45 credits) or a literature-based research project (30 credits), with the rest of your 120 credits chosen from a range of optional modules.
Course structure
In Year 1, you’ll complete 6 compulsory modules from across biosciences and two discipline-specific compulsory modules focusing on pharmacology and physiology. In Year 2, you’ll complete 4 compulsory modules (2x15 credit modules and 2x30 credit modules) and select 2 option modules (2x15 credit modules). In Year 3, you’ll carry out an industrial placement. In Year 4, you’ll complete one compulsory pharmacology module (15 credits) and either a laboratory-based (45 credits) or a literature-based research project (30 credits), with the rest of your 120 credits chosen from a range of optional modules.
Modules
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).
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.
Compulsory modules
- Foundations of Life (BIOS0066)
- Organisms, Evolution and Ecology (BIOS0067)
- Year 1: Fundamental Scientific Skills and Grand Challenges (BIOS0068)
- Year 1: Foundations of Programming and Data Handling (BIOS0069)
- Molecular Cell Biology (BIOS0074)
- Cells to Organisms (BIOS0075)
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology (PHAR0028)
- Mammalian Physiology (PHOL0016)
Compulsory modules
- Immunology (INIM0005)
- General and Systematic Pharmacology (PHAR0004)
- Experimental Pharmacology (PHAR0006)
- Structure and Function of Nervous Systems (PHOL0005)
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Investigative Methods in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (BIOS0024)
- Collaborative Project in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (BIOS0064)
- Advanced Dissertation in Biosciences (BIOS0080)
- Neuropharmacology (PHAR0010)
- Receptor Mechanisms (PHAR0012)
- Pharmacology of Inflammation (Extended) (PHAR0013)
- Drug Design and Development (PHAR0014)
- Psychopharmacology (PHAR0015)
- Synaptic Pharmacology (PHAR0018)
- Pharmacology of Inflammation (PHAR0019)
Compulsory modules
- Foundations of Life (BIOS0066)
- Organisms, Evolution and Ecology (BIOS0067)
- Year 1: Fundamental Scientific Skills and Grand Challenges (BIOS0068)
- Year 1: Foundations of Programming and Data Handling (BIOS0069)
- Molecular Cell Biology (BIOS0074)
- Cells to Organisms (BIOS0075)
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology (PHAR0028)
- Mammalian Physiology (PHOL0016)
Compulsory modules
- Immunology (INIM0005)
- General and Systematic Pharmacology (PHAR0004)
- Experimental Pharmacology (PHAR0006)
- Structure and Function of Nervous Systems (PHOL0005)
Optional modules
Compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
Optional modules
- Investigative Methods in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (BIOS0024)
- Collaborative Project in Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology (BIOS0064)
- Advanced Dissertation in Biosciences (BIOS0080)
- Neuropharmacology (PHAR0010)
- Receptor Mechanisms (PHAR0012)
- Pharmacology of Inflammation (Extended) (PHAR0013)
- Drug Design and Development (PHAR0014)
- Psychopharmacology (PHAR0015)
- Synaptic Pharmacology (PHAR0018)
- Pharmacology of Inflammation (PHAR0019)
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.
You may transfer to the placement year (Year in Industry) specialism if you are successful in securing a placement year in an industrial setting. Placements are competitive and the Year in Industry Tutor will advise you on applying to placement providers. The placement is taken in third year and you return to campus in fourth year to complete your academic studies.
During the placement year you will be able to apply the skills and concepts you have learned in the first two years of your course in a professional workplace setting. You will dedicate time to a research project and gain valuable work experience, which will be assessed by a report and an oral presentation during a site visit.
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.
Your contact hours will typically vary between 10-15 hours per week, depending on module choice, and include lectures, seminars, lab sessions and e-learning activities.
You’ll also need to demonstrate a level of independent study, typically between 15-25 hours per week.
If you opt for the placement year, you will be working as an intern based at the company providing the placement. Activities and work plans will vary depending on the placement host.
Your independent studies will increase in the final year to approximately 30 hours per week, due to the greater emphasis on research and on more in-depth written assignments.
Your contact hours will typically vary between 10-15 hours per week, depending on module choice, and include lectures, seminars, lab sessions and e-learning activities.
You’ll also need to demonstrate a level of independent study, typically between 15-25 hours per week.
If you qualify for the placement year, you will be working as an intern based at the company providing the placement. Activities and work plans will vary depending on the placement host.
Your independent studies will increase in the final year to approximately 30 hours per week, due to the greater emphasis on research and on more in-depth written assignments.
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 are 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.
Fees and funding
| Study mode | UK fee (2026/27) | Overseas fee (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Full time | £9,790 | £42,700 |
UK undergraduate fees for 2026/27 are subject to parliamentary approval 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. Fees for 2027/28 entry will be published in August 2026.
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
Laboratory coat (£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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
Additional costs
Laboratory coat (£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 £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2026. 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).
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.
Why study this course at UCL?
- Study at the internationally recognised Research Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology at UCL, an institution ranked second in the UK and third in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
- 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.
- Take advantage of our new first-year curriculum, which delivers core principles of pharmacology alongside a broad spectrum of bioscience topics, a new computational module, and an even stronger emphasis on the skills essential for careers in the life sciences and beyond.
- 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.
- You could even 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 have gone on to apply successfully for top postgraduate master’s and PhD courses world-wide.
- Enjoy life in the heart of London at UCL’s Bloomsbury campus, a district famous for its cultural and educational institutions. Take a virtual tour and see what our campus has to offer.
Discover Uni
To see official information about this course and others visit Discover Uni.
What this course will give you
By systematically embedding employability, UCL ensures equality of access for all students, helps you acquire translatable skills, and supports you in articulating your value to employers. We also align academic learning with real-world needs, positioning UCL graduates to succeed across diverse career paths. These outcomes reflect UCL’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only scientifically rigorous but also skilled communicators, adept collaborators, and reflective professionals ready for diverse careers in science, research, healthcare, policy, or industry. The Pharmacology BSc course aligns with the UCL Careers employability framework.
Employers of our graduates include Duopharma Biotech, Eradigm Consulting, Hanson Wade, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Sequentis Health, and the UK Government.*
*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of graduates in the 2019–2023 cohorts.
- Scientific research, development and analysis
- Banking and investment
- Manufacturing
- Academic research and HE
- Teaching and other educational activities
- Health and social care
Open days
Find out more about our in-person Open Days, online events and courses and subjects that interest you.
Register nowRegister your interest
Register your interest in undergraduate study and become part of the UCL community.
Register nowHow 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.
Candidates who receive an offer either conditional or unconditional will be invited to attend an Offer Holder Open Day at UCL or online. Attendance is optional, but the open day will provide you with further information about UCL and a chance to talk to current students. There may be tours of UCL and a visit to a laboratory facility, if circumstances permit it. You can also meet and talk to the Admissions Tutor and some of our current undergraduate students. We offer the flexibility of a three-year Pharmacology BSc, or a more in-depth four-year Pharmacology MSci. If in doubt, we recommend you apply for the MSci initially, as this may keep more options open.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
Apply for this course
You are applying for the Pharmacology BSc course. Please note that the course options presented as post-enrolment specialisms will be available for you to choose once your enrolment is confirmed. For application guidance please visit Application guidelines.Course starts: September 2027
UCAS applications open for 2027 entry on 12 May 2026.
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We are here to help. Get in touch with us for more information about our courses.
Division of Biosciences
Click to email. biosciences-admissions@ucl.ac.ukUCL is regulated by the Office for Students.
