iBSc Pharmacology

Experiential Learning in BSc Pharmacology (KCL)

1. Laboratory Work (Core to Every Year)

• From Year 1, you’ll be in labs learning practical techniques: drug assays, tissue experiments, molecular biology.

• By Year 2, you’ll be running more complex pharmacological investigations (e.g., measuring drug effects on organs, working with cell cultures).

• This continuous lab exposure makes you workplace-ready.

2. Research Projects

• Final Year Independent Research Project – a major component where you join a research group at King’s.

  • Could be lab-based (working on cancer drugs, neuropharmacology, or cardiovascular therapies).

  • Or literature-based (a systematic review on a current pharmacology question).

• You’ll present findings as a dissertation and sometimes even at internal student conferences.

3. Problem-Based Learning & Case Studies

• Small group sessions where you analyze real-world scenarios: how a new drug might be developed, how to interpret trial data, or how to manage drug side effects.

• Builds teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.

4. Optional Internship/Placement Opportunities

• While not a built-in “sandwich year,” many KCL pharmacology students take summer internships:

  • In pharmaceutical companies (GSK, AstraZeneca, Pfizer).

  • In academic labs at King’s or partner institutions.

  • In hospital research departments (clinical pharmacology or toxicology).

• The university’s Careers & Employability Service and faculty connections help students land these.

5. Guest Lectures & Industry Exposure

• Regular talks from pharma professionals, regulatory experts, and clinical researchers.

• Gives insight into career routes and helps build networks.

6. Interdisciplinary Projects

• Opportunities to work with students from biomedical sciences, medicine, and chemistry on shared research challenges.

• This mirrors real pharma R&D, which always involves cross-discipline teams.

A pharmacology degree doesn’t just stop at understanding how drugs work — it opens the door to a wide spectrum of paths in research, healthcare, industry, and beyond. The skills you gain at King’s — critical thinking, lab expertise, data analysis, and scientific communication — are highly transferable, giving you the flexibility to grow in science or pivot into related fields.

1. Further Study / Academic Progression

• MSc / MRes / PhD in Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Drug Discovery, Toxicology, Cancer Biology, etc.

• Graduate Entry Medicine or Dentistry if you choose a clinical career.

• Pharmacy (MPharm) with additional qualifications.

• Public Health / Global Health for roles in health policy, NGOs, and international organisations.

2. Science & Pharma Industry Careers

• Pharmacologist – Academic or industry labs, drug discovery, safety testing.

• Toxicologist – Study the effects of chemicals and drugs on living systems.

• Clinical Research Associate (CRA) – Oversee and manage clinical trials.

• Drug Safety / Pharmacovigilance Specialist – Monitor and report side effects of approved drugs.

• Medical Science Liaison (MSL) – Bridge between pharma companies and healthcare professionals.

• Regulatory Affairs Officer – Ensure medicines meet safety/legal standards.

• Quality Assurance / Control Scientist – Maintain standards in drug manufacturing.

3. Broader Career Horizons

Pharmacology also arms you with skills that can be applied outside the lab:

• Medical/Science Writing – Translate research into clear communication.

• Biotech & Data Science – Drug informatics, AI in drug discovery.

• Patent Law / Intellectual Property – With legal training, work on protecting drug innovations.

• Policy & Advisory Roles – Government, health organisations, NGOs.