This degree explores how drugs work on the human body. It gives you specialist knowledge relevant to a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
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At a Glance
UCAS Code B210
UCAS Institution Name and Code NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded Icon
Degree Awarded BSc Honours
Course Duration Icon
Course Duration 3 Years
Entry Requirements Icon
Entry Requirements A Level: AAA-AAB
IB: 34-35 points
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Opportunities
Pharmacology is the study of how drugs act on the human body and vice versa. It is thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirin when you get a headache, or anaesthetic when you have a filling.
We introduce you to the drugs that affect major systems of the body, including the central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems.
Topics include:
pharmacological techniques
toxicology
anticancer drugs
You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of a wide range of drug classes. You also develop a sound understanding of the drug development process.
Study with us and you'll:
train in techniques and in vivo skills that are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry and research
boost your CV through work experience here at the University
learn from experts and graduate with the latest knowledge of human health and disease
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.
Apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so.
You’ll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability, however it isn't available if you're spending a year studying abroad.
The University has an award-winning Careers Service. They can help you find suitable work, provide interview training and offer advice on your CV and application forms.
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 UKCAT score, a personal statement and, if shortlisted, an interview.
You'll be based in the School of Biomedical Sciences. The School is in the Faculty of Medical Sciences, which is also home to Dentistry, Medicine and Psychology.
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
We provide plenty of support to help you successfully move from school to university study. We’ll help you settle in quickly and are here if you have any issues.
We support you through:
a personal tutor – a member of academic staff who can help with academic and personal issues
a peer mentor – a fellow student who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have
specialised course advisers and tutors - who operate an open door policy for all students
our student-run society – to help you make friends with your course mates through social events
Compare this course
See how this course compares with others for topics such as student satisfaction, fees and costs and prospects after graduation using the Unistats Key Information Set.
Meet Lian Lian from Singapore
My course is very interesting as I can get to do dissection on small animals like rats. My favourite module is animal handling.
This MPharm degree will equip you with the professional skills, scientific knowledge and clinical experience to become a caring, ethical and effective pharmacist.
Interested in what causes diseases like cancer? Want to help develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry is the key to understanding how diseases occur and can be treated.
The module and/or programme information below is for 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested (in an optional module). To find out more read our terms and conditions.
Module/programme information for 2019 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2019).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.
All of our Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences degrees are divided into two phases:
Phase 1 is shared by all of our degrees and provides a broad introduction to biomolecular sciences
Phase 2 provides specialist topics relating to your individual degree choice
This flexible structure gives you the chance to try a broad range of topics, helping you to see where your interests in biomedical sciences lie before you specialise.
You can change between our degrees at the end of Phase 1 if you wish.
Phase 1
All of your first year, and the first half of your second year.
We introduce you to biomolecular sciences through a series of modules covering:
cell biology
biochemistry
microbiology and immunology
genetics
pharmacology
physiology
practical skills in biomedical and biomolecular science
Phase 2
This phase is specific to the individual degree that you choose. On our Pharmacology degree, you study topics such as:
clinical pharmacology and drug development
carcinogenesis and anti-cancer drugs
advanced pharmacogenetics
neuropharmacology
toxicology
integrated pharmacology
membrane transport and cell signalling in health and disease
drug disposition and pharmacokinetics
systems pharmacology
cardiovascular pharmacology
You also complete a research project in an area linked to your degree that interests you.
In third year, you'll select one of the following modules, designed to boost your professional skills in an employment area that we know many of our graduates progress to:
You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months on an optional work placement between Stages 2 and 3. You can apply to spend your placement year with any organisation and will receive University support to do so. It will extend your degree by a year and is subject to availability. It isn't available if you're spending a year studying abroad. Find out more about Work Placements.
Not sure which degree is right for you? Find out a bit more about our different subject areas below.
Remember, all our degrees share the same Phase 1, so you can transfer to a different degree if you find your interests change (up until the end of Phase 1).
Biomedical Sciences
Modern medicine depends on the advances made by scientists working in the biomedical sciences. You'll study anatomy, biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pharmacology and physiology. This multidisciplinary approach helps us understand disease processes and find new treatments for diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and TB.
Biochemistry is the study of life at the molecular level. You'll study how genes and proteins regulate cells, tissues and whole organisms like you. Have you wondered what causes diseases such as cancer and diabetes? Would you like to help develop new drug treatments? Biochemistry provides the key to understanding how diseases arise and can be treated.
DNA is the genetic ‘blueprint’ that ensures the continuity of life from parent to offspring. Genetics is the study of how DNA is transmitted between generations. And how it's decoded to determine our individual characteristics. We have a strong research and teaching reputation in this field. The Institute of Genetic Medicine plays a major role in our degree programme.
Do you enjoy biology? Are you interested in the biomedical or biomolecular aspects of the subject? Want to study these further at university? If you are not quite sure which area will suit you best, the Medical Science (Deferred Choice) programme could be ideal for you. It allows you to study the common first year before deciding which subject area to specialise in at later stages.
Pharmacology involves the study of the action of drugs on the body and vice-versa. An understanding of drugs and their actions allows us to use them safely and effectively. It is thanks to pharmacologists that you can take an aspirin when you get a headache or have an anaesthetic when the dentist gives you a filling.
Physiology is the study of how the body functions. Physiologists study the processes essential to human life such as breathing, digesting food and sensing the world around us. You'll focus on human physiology, which underpins our understanding of how the body works in health and disease.
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additionalentry requirements web pagesto find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.
AAA-AAB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least one from: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry. General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking not accepted. GCSE Chemistry and Biology (minimum grade A or 7) and GCSE Mathematics and English Language (minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at A or AS level. GCSE Combined Science (minimum grade A or 7) may be accepted.
AAAAA-AAABB at Higher Grade including Biology and Chemistry. Mathematics and English required at National 5, minimum grade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade. Where a candidate bypasses the assessment for National 5 qualifications, a minimum of grade C in the Higher in Mathematics and English is required. Combinations of Highers and Advanced Highers accepted.
Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.
34-35 points with Biology or Chemistry and another science at Higher Level grade 5 or above. We regard Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry as acceptable science subjects. Standard Level Chemistry and Biology required at grade 5 and Standard Level Mathematics or Mathematical Studies and English required at grade 4 if not offered at Higher Level.
D3, D3, D3 - D3, D3, M2 in Principal Subjects including Biology or Chemistry plus at least one from: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry. GCSE Chemistry and Biology (minimum grade A or 7) and GCSE Mathematics and English Language (minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at a higher level.
We welcome applications from students offering an Extended Project and value the skills of research and independent learning that it is designed to develop. If you offer an Extended Project, it will be taken into account as part of your application profile, but we will not usually include it in offer conditions for this degree programme.
BBB including Biology or Chemistry, plus at least one from: Mathematics or Further Mathematics; Physics; Psychology; Biology; or Chemistry. General Studies, Use of Mathematics, World Development, Communication and Culture and Critical Thinking not accepted. GCSE Chemistry and Biology (minimum grade A or 7) and GCSE Mathematics and English Language (minimum grade B or 6) required if not offered at A or AS level. GCSE Combined Science (minimum grade A or 7) may be accepted.
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.
The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’s supported entry route for students from schools and colleges in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about the PARTNERS Programme.
Applicants whose first language is not English require a minimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalentincluding 6.0 in each of the four elements of the test.
If you need help to meet our English Language requirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.
Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.
ABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry to an undergraduate course. You can check the equivalent grades for qualifications offered in your country.
We will also consider your application if you have lower or non-standard qualifications.
If you are an international student and you do not meet the academic and English language requirements specified above, you should consider a pre-sessional course at INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare you for study on this degree course.
There is a great demand for graduates in the 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.
Industries employing bioscientists for research and development include:
pharmaceuticals
biotechnology
chemical
cosmetics and toiletries
food and drink
In addition, with a biosciences-related degree you could undertake medical, veterinary or agricultural research in universities and research institutes. Hospital and public health laboratories also employ a large number of bioscientists.
A large proportion of our graduates choose to take a further degree (either an MSc or PhD qualification) before embarking on permanent employment. This is a step in a career path which can lead to senior, decision-making roles. Each year some students use our degrees as a route for graduate entry into medicine, dentistry and PGCEs.
Apart from laboratory work, there are many other ways to use your degree. Some of our graduates choose to enter the legal side of the subject, using their scientific knowledge to advise on patenting, and others opt for careers such as scientific journalism.
Our graduates also embark on careers unrelated to the biomedical sciences, for example in management, accountancy and IT. Whichever career you choose, you can be sure that you will receive our advice and whole-hearted support.
What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices
See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates.
The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.
96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
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.
Please note:
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, as measured by RPIX*.
See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.
*RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.
£9,250 You will pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the duration of your course.
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.
Please note:
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, as measured by RPIX*.
See more information on all aspects of student finance relating to Newcastle University.
*RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments.
We also offer International Family Discounts which are available for all international students with a close family member who has graduated from or is now studying at Newcastle University.
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