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Pharmacology

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Ready to apply? You can apply for this course online now using the UCAS website. The deadline for UK students to apply for this course is 29 January 2025.

The deadline for international students is 30 June 2025.

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Use these details to apply for this course through UCAS:

  • University name: University of Liverpool
  • Course: Pharmacology B210
  • Location: Main site
  • Start date: 22 September 2025

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Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a bachelor’s degree awarded for an undergraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Pharmacology is an exciting branch of experimental science in which you'll study how chemical substances interact with our bodies.

Introduction

You’ll study a broad range of modules including drug discovery and development, the cellular basis of health and disease, translational pharmacology, and advanced pharmacology and therapeutics with the opportunity to specialise and carry out your own research project.

We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning and you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of pharmacology.

You’ll learn and develop those important transferable skills in communication, team working, project management and computing with practical sessions and group work.

What you'll learn

  • Understand the principles of pharmacology which underpin how medicines are identified and optimised for use in man.
  • Develop an appreciation the mechanisms of how different drugs work in treating different clinical conditions.
  • Gain an understanding of novel drugs types and advanced drug delivery methods at the cutting edge of pharmacology.
  • Work within an authentic scientific research environment with leading researchers in their field.
  • Become literate in finding, interpreting, evaluating and managing information.
  • Communicate ideas effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Work independently and collaboratively
  • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Use lab equipment correctly and safely

Teaching Excellence Framework 2023

We’re proud to announce we’ve been awarded a Gold rating for educational excellence.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

In this first year, you’ll gain an understanding of core concepts of biology as well as the fundamental principles of immunity, infection, and therapy. You will also study how organisms develop and function and learn about ecology and the global environment. You will develop practical skills and participate in field studies, and you will discover how to utilise quantitative skills and study techniques.

 

Compulsory modules

Biology Core Concepts (BIOS101)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

The transition into higher education can be a challenging one. This module aims to aid students in their journey from further education learners into higher education students of the Biosciences. To truly appreciate the disciplines which make up the Biosciences we must first develop an understanding and appreciation of their commonalities. This module brings together the core concepts of biology at the macro through the micro levels. This will provide students with the opportunity to develop and enhance their knowledge of the Biosciences and the possible pathways which they wish to study further. A mix of learning & teaching methods will be used in this module which will include, but are not limited to lectures, active learning, and learning through assessment, plus the use of directed reading/multimedia resources. This module will be assessed by a midterm assessment comprising mixed multiple choice, multiple answer and matching item questions (30%). There will also be an end of module assessment which is split into two parts: Part A which will be a similar format to the midterm assessment (35%) and Part B which will comprise a data interpretation assessment (35%).

Origins, Specialisations, Challenges and Therapeutics (BIOS102)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 2

In this module students will study in three blocks, the first is embryology and development of organ systems. The students will then continue to develop their knowledge of organ function in invertebrate and vertebrate animals (including humans) and compare these with organisms who have adapted their function to meet the challenges of a range of environments, in the second block. This approach has been taken to aid in our understanding of organ function from its commonalities to its varied differences. A cellular & molecular approach is used as students focus on the control, regulation, development and function of organs, organ systems & organisms. The third and final block has a focus on infection, immunity and microbial diversity.

The overall aim of this module is to facilitate the study of how cells develop and work together to form functional tissues and organs, and how this is imperative to the normal functioning of organisms and their adaptation, response and defence mechanisms.

The module will be taught through a combination of lectures and workshops, which will be supported with directed learning resources (reading/ multimedia).

There are three assessments. This module will be assessed by two in-course assessments, scheduled outside of the School of Biosciences two cycle assessment strategy and an end of module exam.

Introductory Practical Skills in Biosciences I (BIOS103)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This is the first practical module that students will take in the School of Biosciences. The variety of experimental, quantitative and transferable skills that students acquire will be required for future practical modules that they will take in Year 1 Semester 2, during Year 2 and will prepare them for their Year 3 research project and for their subsequent career. This module is designed to teach the basic multidisciplinary skills required in the field of life sciences, provide an understanding of basic lab practice and safety and to allow application of theoretical knowledge to solve practical challenges. It will be taught through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, workshops and self directed learning.

This module will be assessed via three methods: continual assessment to assess understanding of practical skills (experimental, technical and computational/quantitative statistics), a practical skills observational assessment to improve research and experimental skills and a written scientific abstract to assess overall understanding and communication of research outputs through scientific writing.

From Individuals to Ecosystem (BIOS104)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Ecology explores the intricacies of our living environment, encompassing the spatial and temporal distribution of organisms, their dispersal patterns, population dynamics, interspecies interactions, community development over time, and the formation and functioning of diverse ecosystems. Evolutionary ecology explores the biological variations among species within this natural context, examining phenomena like rapid life cycles or long lifespans. This course provides a comprehensive overview of both foundational ecology and evolutionary ecology, addressing the challenges that natural populations and ecosystems face in our dynamic world.

The module will be delivered through, research-connected lectures by research active scientists. There are two assessments which assess students in interpreting scientific publications, while online tests assess their grasp of the covered topics. These assessments collectively contribute to evaluating students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

Study and Communication Skills Tutorials (BIOS105)

Credits: 15 / Semester: whole session

This module will develop students’ transferable skills. It will focus on improving the students’ written, communication, presentation and employability skills via a series of fortnightly tutorials and lectures. As this module is taken by students on all programmes, to allow students to explore their interests different essay titles, journal papers and discussion topics relevant to students programme area of interest will be offered. Students will complete tasks that count towards a Portfolio and three larger assessments.

Introductory Practical Skills in Biosciences 2 (BIOS106)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 2

Biology is a practical science, whether you want to study disease in microbes, plants, invertebrate and vertebrate animals (including humans), understand the function of a gene, or how the behaviour of organisms can shape an ecosystem. In the first half of this module, all students will learn fundamental practical techniques that every biologist should be familiar with. Alongside the experimental skills, students will learn practical computational and bioinformatic methods that can be used to support and advance scientific understanding of the lab techniques. In the second half, students will split into three topical strands: Molecular Research, Anatomical & Physiological Research or Whole Organism Field Research. Students in each strand will learn a set of skills and techniques that are particularly useful for degree course, with a focus on their specific discipline. All students will learn how to safely and effectively carry out practical biology, skills that will be vital throughout the rest of your degree.

Learning and teaching is created and delivered by research-active scientists, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest research and advancements in the biosciences, and is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and representative of the student cohort.

This practical will be assessed via three methods: a computer-based assessment to assess understanding of bioinformatic and computational skills; an individual practical skills assessment in the form of observation or online assessment to assess knowledge, understanding and application of knowledge; a written scientific report to assess data analyses and communication of research outputs through scientific writing.

Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global Opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

What's available on this course?

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

  • Learn Chinese
  • Study in a bustling world heritage city
  • Improve employment prospects
  • Study Chinese culture
  • 30 minutes from Shanghai
  • Learn new skills

Read more about Year at XJTLU, China

Year in industry

Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.

  • Develop key employability skills that graduate employers are looking for
  • Experience and understand workplace culture and disciple
  • Understand the relationship between academic theory and real world application
  • Begin your professional network
  • Gain industry insight and insight into potential career options.

You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.

To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

  • A dedicated languages degree
  • A language as a joint or major/ minor degree
  • Language modules (selected degrees)
  • Language classes alongside your studies

Read more about studying a language

Study as an intercalated degree

Intercalation allows you take a break from your medical degree, usually after year 3 or 4, and study an additional qualification. Most intercalating students choose to study a master's degree. This gives you the opportunity to explore a subject of interest at an advanced level and acquire new skills and knowledge that will enhance and/or complement your medical degree.

Study as a master's degree

This course is also available as a four year MBiol programme.

View Pharmacology MBiol

Your experience

We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability

Employability is embedded into the Pharmacology BSc (Hons) programme and can be the necessary stepping stone into a successful career in many life science sectors in clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, intellectual property and scientific writing.

 

We also offer support for making career choices right from the beginning. In your first year, you will have the opportunity to consider potential career pathways within and outside the field of pharmacology.
Common employers of pharmacology graduates include:
  • Pharmaceutical, environmental and biotech industries
  • Civil Service
  • Department of Health and Social Care
  • Intellectual Property Office (IPO)
  • National Health Service (NHS)
  • Universities

4 in 5 biosciences students find their main activity after graduation meaningful.

Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,535
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £29,100
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £14,550
The UK full-time tuition fee, international course fee and fee for the year abroad for international students shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. We are currently awaiting confirmation of whether the year abroad fee for UK students, as well as the year in industry fee will change, so the fees shown are for 2024/25. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about fees and funding.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes the costs associated with placements or internships, and the optional field course in Uganda.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Costs associated with placements/internships

Students in Biosciences who have chosen international placements/internships will need to pay for their visa (if applicable), travel, accommodation, and meals.

There may also be costs associated with travel to interviews for placements/internships. These will vary, and some other extra costs may also be incurred. If students are spending a full year in industry, their employers may pay transport costs. School and University bursaries may be available to help with the cost of these opportunities.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Tropical ecology field course
Students who elect to take the optional tropical ecology field course in Uganda are required to make a financial contribution that covers their own costs (travel, meals, visa, accommodation, and entry to national parks). In 2020-21, the student contribution was £1,500. A limited number of funded places are available.

Students might choose to pay for additional optional vaccinations in addition to the compulsory ones that the School pays for.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Kaplan Digital Pathways Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.

Rigby Enterprise Award

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

The Liverpool Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

  • Home students

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

  • Home students

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a School of Biosciences degree in a non-clinical subject and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Undergraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • Hong Kong

If you’re an undergraduate student from Hong Kong who can demonstrate academic excellence, you may be eligible to apply for a scholarship worth £10,000 in partnership with the Tung Foundation.

Nolan Scholarships

  • Home students

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

  • Home students

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

  • Home and international students

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

  • Home students

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels and be joining a non-clinical degree.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.

University of Liverpool International College First Class Scholarship

  • International students

We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

  • Home students

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

A levels

AAB including Chemistry A level plus a second science, preferably Biology, at A level.

Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB with A in the EPQ.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to complete a foundation year which would allow you to progress to this course.

Available foundation years:

T levels

Health and Science (Science pathway) is accepted with an overall grade of Distinction to include B in the core.

Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.

GCSE 4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
Subject requirements

Chemistry and a second science, preferably Biology and A level.
For applicants from England: Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, to include Distinction in Units 1 and 5 (Principles and Applications of Science I and II).

For previous BTEC (QCF) qualification:

D*DD in Applied Science with a selection of preferred units in Biology and Chemistry, with at least 120 Level 3 credits at Distinction.

Please note alternative BTEC subjects are not acceptable for this programme.

BTEC Applied Science unit requirements

View the BTEC Applied Science unit requirements.

International Baccalaureate

34 points, including 6 in Higher Level Chemistry, and 5 in another Higher Level science.

Irish Leaving Certificate H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

Not accepted without Advanced Highers at grades ABB

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Accepted at grade B as equivalent to a third non-science A level at grade B.
Access 45 Level 3 credits in graded units in a relevant Diploma, including 30 at Distinction and a further 15 with at least Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and Biology. GCSE Mathematics and English grade C/4 also required.
International qualifications

Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 95 
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500 Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990 Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511 0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991 0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.  
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced 176 overall, with no paper below 162

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 6 weeks On campus
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no component below 4.5 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new UCAS cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

Recent changes to government policy which determine the number of students individual institutions may admit under the student number control also have a bearing on our entry requirements and acceptance levels, as this policy may result in us having fewer places than in previous years.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. For this reason, we consider a range of factors in addition to predicted grades, widening participation factors amongst other evidence provided. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted in the prospectus and on the website.

Alternative entry requirements

Changes to Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

7 June 2022: New course pages

New course pages launched.

5 April 2023: Compulsory and optional modules updated

Year 1 compulsory and optional modules removed:

Year 1 Compulsory module LIFE109

Year 1 Optional modules LIFE114

5 April 2023: Compulsory modules updated

Year 1 compulsory modules added: LIFE130 and LIFE113