Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  Pharmacologists will be at the forefront of the development and design of next generation medicines for the treatment of diseases of the 21st century. As a student of Pharmacology BSc, you will be preparing to meet the challenges of developing molecules into medicines.

  In studying the UON’s pharmacology course, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the principles and biological action of drugs and chemicals, at the molecular, cellular and systems level and their use as medicines for the treatment of diseases.

  Our Pharmacology degree has been designed to meet the standards of the British Pharmacological Society’s (BPS) undergraduate core curriculum.  Course modules are structured using a variety of methods including lectures, seminars and laboratory practical classes. Our aim is to provide you with opportunities to be actively involved in your learning. This is facilitated by an active blended learning approach which combines face-to-face sessions with integrated online learning, implemented in our Northampton Interactive Learning Environment (NILE). For each 20 credit module you can expect approximately 48 hours of contact time during the academic year.

  Accreditation of this BSc Pharmacology degree is being sought from the Royal Society of Biology – the leading professional body for the biological sciences in the United Kingdom.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join this full time BSc Pharmacology degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your pharmacology course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  *UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details).

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for pharmacology courses, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• Placements

  An optional placement year is available for students who have successfully completed their BSc Pharmacology stage 1 and 2 studies. Advice will be given to help find placements. This will give you the opportunity to gain a year‘s extra work-based learning experience in a science related placement, spent either in the UK or abroad.

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• FAQs

  How will I be taught on the BSc Pharmacology degree?

  We aim to provide an environment that maximises engagement, involvement and enjoyment in your studies.  You will participate in a variety of activities that support and enhance your learning. This will include traditional face to face lessons, laboratory practicals, tutorials and online sessions through our virtual classroom.

  How many hours per week of teaching/ personal tutoring?

  Throughout the Pharmacology degree at UON, you can expect a typical week to have between 12-14 hours of taught content and an additional hour available with your designated tutor

  How will I be assessed on the degree in Pharmacology?

  In each of the modules you take each semester, you will typically have 2 assessments per module. These will be through coursework and formal examinations throughout your study. An estimate of the different forms of assessment is as follows:

  • Essays 30%
  • Examinations 20%
  • Practical work 25%
  • Presentations, posters 20%
  • Time constrained tests 5%

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