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UCAS code B213
Pharmacology is an exciting branch of experimental science in which you'll study how chemical substances interact with our bodies.
The Master of Pharmacology (MBiol) is a four-year programme, in which students first follow the three-year BSc in Pharmacology and then continue into a fourth year, subject to performance.
In the first three years, 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.
The fourth (Master’s) year aims at developing enhanced research and personal skills for students seeking a high-level career in research (e. g. studying for a PhD or working in industry) or those seeking to enhance their qualification. Students will join a research team to undertake a significant research project. Students can also apply for a six-week summer research internship in the UK or overseas or apply to spend time working in industry or in other enterprises in the final year.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
In your second year you’ll expand your range of knowledge building those essential research skills, experimental design and analysis together with professional skills preparing you for a career within or outside the area of pharmacology. You will study drug discovery and development, and explore how pharmacological principles underpin the creation of medicines used to treat a wide range of diseases.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
Year three will provide an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn at the cutting edge of pharmacological research and be taught by world-leading academics in the subjects of drug safety, personalised medicine and advanced therapeutics. You will have the opportunity to take a physical or virtual placement. Central to this year is the research project where you will plan and execute your own research, analyse and critically evaluate data and communicate your research findings in your chosen specialisation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
The fourth year of study offers great flexibility – students may spend it entirely on campus at Liverpool, but more commonly they take up opportunities to broaden their experiences, for example a six-week research internship in the UK (in hospitals, industry or research institutes) or abroad (in our partner universities in Thailand or China). Others may elect to spend the entire fourth year on placement, in similar host institutions. Students will take core modules in research methods and statistics or informatics, together with a 60-credit research project. Students may replace the optional internship with other optional modules that cover advanced topics of global importance.
Optional module selection in Year 4 must include one of the following combinations:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH PROJECT (LIFE700) | 60 |
| GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (BIOS776) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.
You will be taught using a balanced mix of lectures, workshops, seminars and tutorials and practical laboratory sessions, working cooperatively in small groups right from the beginning. Academic staff are available for 1-2-1 feedback and support. Course material is available 24/7 on our online learning platform, Canvas. Your third year will comprise of formative activities such as presenting seminars, creative writing and peer teaching along with your research project which will be done either individually or in a small groups.
Students on this course are assessed with a combination of exams and coursework. Coursework includes essays, group projects, presentations and research projects. You’ll submit coursework which contributes to your final grade and during your final year, you’ll also submit your dissertation and sit your final exams.
As well as factual knowledge and understanding, life scientists need practical and organisational skills, and an ability to work both alone and with other people. You’ll be assessed with a combination of exams and continuous assessment of course work during each semester.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
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.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
This course is also available as a three year BSc (Hons) programme.
Day-to-day teaching takes place in state of the art facilities in one of the largest Biosciences schools in the UK meaning you can choose modules from across the entire spectrum of health and life sciences complemented also by links with the schools of dentistry, veterinary and tropical medicine. You’ll also have access to a wealth of renowned museums, libraries and galleries.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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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.