School of Pharmacy

BSc (Hons) Pharmacology

BSc (Hons) Part-time 6 years, Full-time 3 years

Pharmacology is the branch of science that deals with the study of drugs and their effects on the body. This course aims to prepare high-quality pharmacology graduates with the skills for pharmaceutical careers and related lab fields.

Pharmacology is the branch of science that deals with the study of drugs and their effects on the body. This course aims to prepare high-quality pharmacology graduates with the skills for pharmaceutical careers and related lab fields.

Award
BSc (Hons)
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
B210
Course specifications
Course length
Part-time (6 years),Full-time (3 years)
Campus location
University: City Campus
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The Course aims to:

To produce high quality pharmacology graduates with the generic, subject-specific and transferable knowledge and skills suited to a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other related laboratory based scientific discipline.

To provide a deep-rooted understanding of the fundamentals principles of chemistry and biology as applicable to pharmacology.

To provide an understanding of normal and abnormal bodily function, the biology of disease (aetiology and epidemiology) and the absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of medicines (collectively known as pharmacokinetics) and their therapeutic actions. These actions include drug mechanisms of action, interactions, adverse reactions, cautions, contraindications (collectively known as pharmacodynamics), misuse and to gain an insight into the theory of how medications are used.

To support students in the development of intellectual and key interpersonal skills as well as subject knowledge that will equip them for life-long learning. To provide skill sets specific to the pharmacologist, and promote curiosity and enthusiasm for the subject.

To encourage the development of practical and problem-solving skills, research methods and the techniques and processes necessary for the evaluation, critical appraisal and systematic review of pharmacology.

What's unique about this course?

  • Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology
  • Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
  • Interactive learning spaces, including mock dispensary and consultation rooms

What happens on the course?

Year 1 offers a thorough introduction to the molecular basis of life as well as the biology, microbiology and human anatomy that are necessary for a more complete understanding of drug action. In addition to this, two complete modules in this year focus on pharmacology. There is also a strong emphasis on the development of useful skills and independent critical thinking, which are necessary for your development as a scientist.

Year 2 takes a more detailed look at the process of drug discovery and development, both from an historical and a predictive standpoint. You will learn laboratory based skills that are essential to drug discovery and testing as well as the therapeutic uses of pharmacological agents. This year will also include a detailed look at  the pharmacodynamic principles of medicines, cell function and genetics as well as the sites and modes of drug action.

Year 3 is where you will undertake your research project in an aspect of pharmacology. This is intended to take up a third of your time and in the remaining two thirds, you will expand your knowledge and understanding by studying advanced modules covering pharmaceutical biotechnology, molecular biology, gene manipulation, bioinformatics and biochemical pharmacology as well as spending time in research laboratories to gain skills in current techniques. 

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

Conducting research in pharmaceutical companies, universities, or research institutions to develop new drugs and understand their effects

Coordinating and monitoring clinical trials for new drugs or treatments

Studying how drugs interact with biological systems, often in pharmaceutical companies or academic settings

Assessing the safety of drugs, chemicals, and other substances

Monitoring and reporting on the safety of drugs during development and after market release

Acting as a scientific resource for healthcare providers and communicating complex medical information

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

This established course equips you with the knowledge of traditional and state-of-the-art drug design and development. We offer an integrated approach to teaching, mixing theoretical knowledge with laboratory-based practical sessions and research projects.

The University of Wolverhampton offers the chance to be part of a discrete programme of study where small cohort size provides a high level of individual attention.

Learning alongside pharmacy students, there is a strong emphasis on clinical aspects of pharmacology, consolidating learning through an evidence-based approach.

Throughout your pharmacology degree, you will have access to the state-of-the-art facilities within the recently opened Rosalind Franklin Building. During your first year of study, you will become proficient in a range of practical techniques used in pharmacology. During your second year of study, you will embark upon more advanced biochemical and microbiological techniques whilst also mastering the skills of more traditional approaches such as isolated tissue preparations.

Many members of the Pharmacology staff are also members of the Research Institute in Healthcare Science, thus students will have the opportunity to work alongside members of internationally-renowned research groups whilst studying for their final year Honour’s Project.

The Research Institute benefits from a plethora of state-of-the-art equipment, including cell culture laboratories, live confocal cell imaging and high throughput microwave peptide synthesis facilities.  

 At the end of this course you, the student, will be able to:

  • Apply a range of graduate skills to investigation in pharmacological science
  • Show competency in scientific method: its values, application and extension as applied to the various disciplines which comprise Pharmacology
  • Demonstrate the ability to use a range of laboratory-based techniques
  • Relate the pharmacological actions of drugs to their efficacy in achieving therapeutic effects

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13950 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14950 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £15450 per year 2024-25

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

  • GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4+ or an accepted equivalent.

Accepted equivalent qualifications: Functional Skills Level 2 and OCN Access to HE Core (12 credits at Level 2 or 3 in English or Maths)

PLUS EITHER

  • 96 UCAS points
  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD to include Chemistry or Biology at grade C.
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma in Applied Science or Biomedical Science - grades MMM 
  • Access to HE Science Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit to include Maths, Chemistry and Biology)

 

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

If you've got other qualifications or relevant experience, please contact The Gateway for further advice before applying.

International entry requirements and application guidance can be found at http://www.wlv.ac.uk/international/apply

English language requirements also apply

Royal Society of Biology

"Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting, in part, the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol)."

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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