BSc Hons Pharmacology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

London Metropolitan University

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by how medicines work and want to play a part in creating the treatments of the future, this course is designed for you. The BSc (Hons) Pharmacology at London Metropolitan University gives you a strong scientific foundation while helping you understand how drugs are discovered, developed, and used to improve health.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Your Scientific Foundation
Your first year is all about understanding the basics of life sciences and gaining confidence in the lab. You’ll explore how the human body functions through Anatomy & Physiology 1 & 2, uncover the chemistry of living systems in Biochemistry for Life Sciences and General Chemistry, and learn how cells work in Cell Biology. Alongside these, modules like Introduction to Laboratory Skills and Laboratory Techniques with Data Handling help you develop essential practical skills you’ll rely on throughout your degree.

Year 2 – Exploring How Drugs Work
In your second year, you’ll dive deeper into the science behind medicines. Modules such as Principles of Pharmacodynamics and Principles of Pharmaceutical Science & Drug Delivery explain how drugs interact with the body and how they’re formulated for safe and effective use. You’ll also study Molecular Biology, Metabolism, and Human Immunity to understand how diseases develop and how drugs target them. Courses in Quantitative Analysis and Spectroscopic Methods teach you how to interpret data and investigate drug properties — skills that are essential for research and industry work.

Year 3 – Specialising and Applying Your Knowledge
Your final year brings everything together with advanced topics and hands-on research. You’ll study Neuropharmacology, Systems Pharmacology, and Toxicology to understand how drugs affect the brain and body, as well as Advanced Bioanalytical Science and Formulation & Quality Assurance to prepare for work in labs and industry. A major highlight is your independent Research Project, where you’ll investigate a topic that inspires you. You can also choose a Sandwich Placement to gain real-world experience in the pharmaceutical sector before you graduate.

Focus areas: Drug–receptor interactions, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, toxicology, formulation science, biological systems, analytical techniques

Learning outcomes: You’ll graduate with the skills to understand how medicines work, design safe and effective drug formulations, conduct scientific research, and interpret complex data — preparing you for roles in research, industry, or further study.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The course is accredited by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, ensuring it meets industry standards and helps you stand out to future employers.

Reputation (employability rankings): London Met is ranked 1st in the UK for assessment and feedback and 2nd for teaching quality and learning opportunities in the 2025 National Student Survey. Its pharmacology programmes also ranked 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2025.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year) at London Metropolitan University offers a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, ensuring students are well-prepared for careers in pharmaceutical science. Through access to cutting-edge facilities and practical training, students gain invaluable skills in drug design, analysis, and delivery.

The program emphasizes practical learning through its state-of-the-art Science Centre, which houses:

Superlab: One of Europe's largest teaching laboratories, featuring over 280 workstations equipped with professional-grade equipment for microbiology, tissue culture, and other pharmaceutical sciences.
Specialist Laboratories: Dedicated spaces for tissue culture research, microbiology, and nuclear magnetic resonance, facilitating in-depth scientific investigations.
Computing Facilities: Access to computers pre-loaded with the latest professional software, supporting data analysis and research activities.
Collaborative Spaces: Areas designed for group projects and collaborative learning, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Research Opportunities: Engagement in research projects that contribute to advancements in pharmaceutical science.

These facilities provide a comprehensive environment for students to develop the practical skills essential for success in the pharmaceutical industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BSc Hons Pharmaceutical Science (including foundation year) from London Metropolitan University are well-prepared for roles in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Typical positions include:

Research Technician
Clinical Trials Assistant
Pharmacy Technician
Product Development Technologist

Here's what this means for you:

University Services to Support Employment:
- Access to the £30 million Science Centre, one of Europe's largest teaching laboratories, providing hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment.
- Opportunities for work placements and internships through industry links.
- Career services offering CV workshops, interview preparation, and job search support.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures:
- 55% of graduates from subjects allied to medicine are employed or pursuing further study within 15 months of graduation.
University–Industry Partnerships:
- Collaborations with leading companies such as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Johnson & Johnson, and Intertek, providing students with industry insights and potential employment opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value:
- Graduates are eligible to apply for Associate Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (AMRSC), enhancing professional recognition and career prospects.
Graduation Outcomes:
- Graduates have gone on to work at reputable organizations like Batelle UK, St Pancras Clinical Research, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this BSc Hons degree, you can pursue advanced studies such as:

MSc in Pharmaceutical Science and Drug Delivery Systems
MSc in Pharmacology
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences

These programs offer deeper specialization and research opportunities, paving the way for careers in academia, advanced research, or higher-level positions in the pharmaceutical industry.

Embarking on this degree at London Met equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry connections to thrive in the dynamic field of pharmaceutical science.