Pharmacology
BSc Honours
- UCAS code: B210
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2020
This accredited Pharmacology degree will equip you with the specialist knowledge and skills you need for a career as a leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
Fees (per year)
- UK/EU: £9250
- International: £22800
Entry requirements
- A Level: AAA-AAB
- IB: 34-35 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
Our Pharmacology BSc Honours degree focuses on developing your practical and scientific understanding of pharmacology, toxicology and the human body. It will set you on the path for a career at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry.
We are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research and our world-leading and expert staff will lead the teaching on your degree. This ensures you will graduate with a cutting-edge knowledge of pharmacology.
You will study a range of topics, including:
- drug development
- pharmacogenetics
- microbiology and immunology
- anti-cancer drugs
You will develop practical biomedical and research skills, and the most up-to-date laboratory and clinical approaches used in pharmacology. You'll also gain an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of drug classes.
Quality and ranking
We are a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research. Pharmacology at Newcastle ranks:
- 4th in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2020 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology)
- top 125 – Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2018
- 92% for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2019 (subject area Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy)
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Professional accreditation

This degree has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB).
Accreditation by the RSB recognises academic excellence in the biosciences that educates the research and development leaders and innovators of the future.
All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body.
Additional information
Transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degrees
There is flexibility to transfer between our degree programmes at the end of the first year if you find your interests change.
You can also apply to transfer to our Medicine or Dentistry degree. This opportunity is open to UK, EU and international students. It is competitive, with a limited number of places available. Students are selected on the basis of academic performance in the first year, a UCAT score, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.
Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research, and course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or numbers of students interested in an optional module.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as: clinical pharmacology and drug development, carcinogenesis, anti-cancer drugs, pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, toxicology and clinical and laboratory techniques used in drug development.
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree that interests you in your final year.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Biochemistry | 15 |
Genetics | 15 |
Microbiology and Immunology | 15 |
Cell Biology | 15 |
Practical Skills in Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences 1 | 15 |
Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2 | 15 |
Pharmacology | 15 |
Physiology | 15 |
All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as: clinical pharmacology and drug development, carcinogenesis, anti-cancer drugs, pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, toxicology and clinical and laboratory techniques used in drug development.
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree that interests you in your final year.
Modules
All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
- phase 1 is shared by all degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
- phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your degree
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests lie before you specialise.
Phase 1 (Stage 1 and part of Stage 2)
You're introduced to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules.
Phase 2 (remainder of degree)
You'll study topics such as: clinical pharmacology and drug development, carcinogenesis, anti-cancer drugs, pharmacogenomics, neuropharmacology, toxicology and clinical and laboratory techniques used in drug development.
You'll complete a research project in an area linked to your degree that interests you in your final year.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Pharmacological Techniques | 10 |
Clinical Pharmacology and Drug Development | 10 |
Advanced Pharmacogenetics | 10 |
Carcinogenesis and Anticancer Drugs | 10 |
Advanced Topics in Neuropharmacology | 10 |
Toxicology | 10 |
Integrated Pharmacology | 10 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
You'll learn through a combination of lectures, practical laboratory classes and small group seminars.
You also have the chance to attend optional research talks, aimed especially at first-year students, as part of our biomedicine+ programme.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Assessments
-
Coursework
-
Dissertation or research project
-
Practical sessions
-
Seminar tasks/exercises
Skills and experience
Practical skills
In your final year, you'll work alongside internationally recognised scientists in one of our research institutes while completing your research project.
This will allow you to develop advanced research and scientific skills, while also getting an insight into a career as a researcher.
Business skills
You will have plenty of opportunities to gain work experience to enhance your employability while studying. This includes:
- vacation studentships in a University research laboratory
- paid work in one of our research institutes through our Laboratory Assistant Scheme
- employability ambassador scheme
- student mentoring scheme
Research skills
As a National Centre of Excellence in biomedical research, you're guaranteed an education right at the cutting edge of the discipline, so you'll always be aware of the latest developments and innovations in the field.
Your research skills will be greatly enhanced by your final-year research project, which allows you to explore an area of pharmacology you're interested in and apply your previous years of learning, skills and analytical techniques to a capstone project.
Opportunities
Study abroad
Experience life in another country by choosing to study abroad as part of your degree. You’ll be encouraged to embrace fun and challenging experiences, make connections with new communities and graduate as a globally aware professional, ready for your future.
You can choose to spend up to a year studying at a partner institution overseas.
If you choose to study abroad, it will extend your degree by a year.
Find out more about study abroad
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. A work placement is not available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at our city-centre campus. The Faculty is also home to Dentistry, Medicine, Psychology and Pharmacy.
Situated next to Newcastle’s RVI hospital, we’re one of the largest integrated teaching/hospital complexes in the country.
Our facilities include:
- a dedicated medical library with a wide range of specialist books and journals
- large teaching laboratories
- hi-tech computer clusters and study spaces
Find out about the School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences
Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have, when starting university.
Your future
Our pharmacology graduates are in high demand when they complete their degrees. 94% of our pharmacology graduates were in work or further study within six months of graduating, earning an average salary of £22,167*.
*Destinations of (undergraduate, UK and EU) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17
Become a sought-after graduate
There is a great demand for graduates of biomedical and biomolecular sciences within the health services and industry, particularly leading or working as part of research teams, and many of our students choose this career path.
A large proportion of our graduates choose to take a further degree (either a medical, master's, PhD or teaching qualification) before embarking on permanent employment.
Recent Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences BSc and MSci Honours graduates have taken up roles such as:
- clinical specialist
- laboratory analyst
- research technician
- clinical data associate
- trainee clinical scientist
Work in a range of industries
Sectors employing bioscientists include:
- pharmaceuticals
- biotechnology
- education
- healthcare
- chemical
- cosmetics and toiletries
- food and drink
- scientific writing
- research and development
Make a difference
Careers support
Throughout your studies, there will be many opportunities to engage with industry including:
- site visits
- guest lectures
- employability fairs
- industrial placements
- internships
- advice from industry
Develop your employability with the support of the School through:
- summer placements
- internship opportunities
- SOLAR – a student-led outreach group teaching school children science
- opportunities to participate in clinical work shadowing
- mock interviews
- CV interviews
- careers clinics
- assistance with applying to medicine/dentistry
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ inititiative.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
A Level
AAA-AAB
International Baccalaureate
34-35 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2020 entry (per year)
UK Students
£9250
International Students
£22800
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UK students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
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How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
By Phone
Contact us on +44 (0) 191 208 3333. We're open 9.00 to 17.00 every week day except Wednesday (10.00 to 17.00).