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The BSc Pharmacology at Bristol is a 3-year full-time degree that explores how drugs interact with the body at molecular, cellular, organ, and system levels. You’ll learn how medicines work, how they’re designed, and what influences their effects—while developing skills in research, data analysis, and scientific communication.
It suits students who are curious about biology, chemistry, physiology, neuroscience, or medicine—and who want strong scientific training that opens doors into research, healthcare, or industry. You’ll study core units early on, then dive into advanced topics by your final year, with a big focus on transferable skills.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
You begin with foundational modules like Pharmacology 1A, Pharmacology 1B, Physiology 1A and Physiology 1B. These are mandatory. Alongside, you pick optional units (around 20 credit points) from subjects such as biochemistry, tumour biology, psychology etc. This year builds your base knowledge of how bodies work and introduces you to drug-action fundamentals.
Year 2:
Core studies continue: you develop deeper understanding of drug mechanisms, physiological systems, molecular biology, infection & immunity, genetics. You also work with more lab practicals and optional units that let you tailor your learning towards interests. Data handling, analysis, and interpretation become more central.
Year 3:
In final year, lectures are replaced more by seminars and tutorials. You undertake advanced modules that explore molecular mechanisms of drug action, particularly on nervous and cardiovascular systems. There’s also a supervised research project, integrating what you've learned and allowing you to work with Bristol researchers on current pharmacological questions. You also develop your professional and transferable skills through integrated activities.
You won’t just sit back and listen—you’ll actively work, experiment, use digital tools, and apply what you learn in labs. Bristol’s approach mixes traditional and innovative teaching, including computer-assisted learning (e.g. eBiolabs), hands-on practicals, and research projects. By the final year you’ll be doing work that mirrors what scientists do in real labs.
Here are specific ways you’ll gain practical exposure:
Practical lab work from early years: pharmacology, physiology labs to build experimental skills.
Computer-assisted learning tools (like eBiolabs) that let you self-directed study in practical contexts.
Optional units in molecular genetics, infection & immunity, cellular and molecular medicine which include hands-on experiments.
Final-year supervised research project: designing experiments, analyzing data, presenting outcomes.
Tutorials, seminars and small group work in later years to develop scientific communication and professional skills.
Students finishing this BSc leave with a solid scientific grounding and work-ready research skills. Many go on to roles in pharmaceutical or biotech research, medical information or communications, or regulatory affairs. Others move into postgraduate study or healthcare-adjacent fields. Because Bristol is research-strong and well regarded, your degree carries credibility, especially in scientific and medical sectors.
Here are the key supports, outcomes, and advantages:
University services that help with employment: The School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience offers academic support, career advice, and connections to industry. You also develop transferable skills in data handling, presentation, and research methods.
Employment stats & salary figures: Around 15 months after graduation, median salary is about £26,000 for Bristol’s Pharmacology BSc grads. After 3 years, around £31,000. About 10% are unemployed at 15 months, many more in further study.
University–industry / research partnerships: Bristol’s strong research environment gives access to labs working on neuroscience, cardiovascular pharmacology, drug design. Optional paths like “Study in Industry” allow students to spend time working with pharmaceutical or research organisations.
Long-term accreditation or value: While the BSc doesn’t directly lead to professional registration like a pharmacy degree, its research intensity, teaching by active scientists, and the project work mean your degree is respected, especially for roles needing scientific rigor or further study.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates stay in research roles or go for master’s / PhD; others go into biotech, pharma, health tech, medical communications, or regulatory roles. It gives flexibility.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, you could:
Do a Master’s (MSc) in pharmacology, drug discovery, neuroscience, or related biomedical sciences.
Pursue a PhD if you want to enter research or academic science.
Consider conversion or allied roles such as medical communications, regulatory affairs, clinical trials management.
AAB including Chemistry and one of the following subjects: Biology (or Human Biology), Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics)BTEC: DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry unitsIB: 34 points overall with 17 at Higher Level, including 6, 5 (in any order) at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: 24 credits at Distinction and 21 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from Chemistry units; and at least 12 credits (with 9 at Distinction) from units in one of the following subjects: Biology, Human Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.CBSE or ISCE English at 70-80% or above can be accepted in lieu of another English test such as IELTSUniversity do not do not require applicants to have completed the set of GCSE subjects designated under the English Baccalaureate.American: University will consider applicants with a high school diploma (or equivalent) with a GPA of 3.2 minimum (3.4 for competitive courses) with SAT (evidence-based reading and writing section only) with a minimum of 650 or ACT with a minimum score of 28, AP Tests with a score of at least 4 (more commonly 5), Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Industry – drug discoverypre-clinical researchclinical trials managementregulatory affairsHealthcare & Clinical Settings – clinical pharmacologytoxicology labshospital-based research supportAcademia & Research – MSc/PhD leading to research scientistlectureror academic fellow rolesMedical Communications & Policy – science writingmedical publishingregulatory and public-health agenciesTransferable Careers – consultingdata sciencefinancial analysis—fields that value critical thinking and problem-solving skills
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University of Bristol
