BSc Hons Immunology & Pharmacology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

Explore how the immune system and drug science intersect in Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Immunology & Pharmacology — a flexible, research-rich degree that prepares you for careers in biomedicine, pharma, and beyond.

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) Immunology & Pharmacology at the University of Strathclyde is a dynamic, interdisciplinary degree that explores how the body defends itself against disease and how drugs interact with biological systems. Ideal for students passionate about biomedical science, this program offers a strong foundation in both immunology and pharmacology, with opportunities to specialise, conduct research, and engage with industry.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll begin with a shared biosciences curriculum, giving you the flexibility to explore before committing to a specialism. Core modules include Cells & their Molecules, Organisms & Disease, and Bio-organic Chemistry, all underpinned by Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1, which builds your lab skills, data analysis, and scientific communication.

Year 2
This year introduces you to the four key disciplines: Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology, supported by Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2. You’ll deepen your understanding of immune responses, drug-receptor interactions, and microbial physiology, while continuing to develop practical and analytical skills.

Year 3
You’ll now specialise in Immunology & Pharmacology, diving into advanced topics such as Immunopathology, Immunity to Infections, and Pharmacological Control of the Nervous System. Lab work intensifies, and you’ll begin to shape your research interests while honing your scientific writing and problem-solving abilities.

Year 4 (Honours Year)
Your final year centres on an independent research project in either immunology or pharmacology, culminating in a dissertation. You’ll explore cutting-edge areas like Immune Responses in Cancer and Autoimmunity, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Immunodiagnostics, with the option to collaborate with industry or study abroad.

Focus Areas

Immunopathology, Immunopharmacology, Neuropharmacology, Immune responses to infection, Cancer immunology, Drug-receptor interactions

Learning Outcomes

Critical understanding of immune and pharmacological mechanisms; advanced lab and data analysis skills; ability to design, conduct, and present original research; readiness for careers in biomedical science or further study

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

1st in the UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy and for Subjects Allied to Medicine (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025)
Scottish University of the Year (Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
UK University of the Year (Daily Mail University Awards 2026)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Immunology & Pharmacology offers hands-on learning from day one, with access to cutting-edge labs, research institutes, and real-world projects that prepare you for biomedical careers.

Students develop practical skills through intensive lab-based teaching, research-led coursework, and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques. The program is delivered by the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS), which houses state-of-the-art facilities designed for molecular biology, immunology, and pharmacological research. From your first year, you’ll be trained in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication — all within a collaborative, research-active environment.

Here’s how experiential learning comes to life in this program:

Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS): Home to the degree, SIPBS offers advanced teaching labs, research suites, and access to active biomedical research groups.
Designated teaching labs: Students work in purpose-built labs for immunology, pharmacology, and biochemistry, gaining hands-on experience with cell culture, ELISA, and drug-response assays.
Digital tools and software: Training includes use of GraphPad Prism for pharmacological data analysis and bioinformatics platforms for immunological profiling.
Group-based research projects: In Years 3 and 4, students collaborate on experimental design and data interpretation, simulating real-world lab teamwork.
Independent Honours research project: Final-year students conduct supervised research in areas like neuropharmacology, cancer immunology, or autoimmune disease, often within SIPBS research labs.
Access to the Andersonian Library: One of the largest in Scotland, offering biomedical databases, journals, and study spaces tailored to science students.
Opportunities for study abroad or industry-linked projects: Students may undertake research placements or exchanges, supported by Strathclyde’s global partnerships.
Close links with NHS and biotech industry: These connections inform teaching and offer pathways to internships or collaborative research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Strathclyde’s BSc (Hons) Immunology & Pharmacology are highly sought after in biomedical science, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare innovation. You’ll be well prepared for roles such as clinical research associate, regulatory affairs specialist, biomedical scientist, or drug safety officer, with the flexibility to work in industry, academia, or public health. Thanks to the program’s strong scientific foundation and real-world relevance, Strathclyde alumni go on to shape the future of medicine and immunotherapy.

Here’s how Strathclyde supports your career journey:

Careers Service & Employability Hub: Offers tailored support including CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events, with dedicated advisors for science students.
Industry partnerships: The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) collaborates with GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca, Merck, and NHS Scotland, giving students exposure to real-world research and potential internship pathways.
Graduate employment outcomes: Strathclyde ranks 1st in the UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy and Subjects Allied to Medicine (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), reflecting strong graduate demand.
Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, enhancing your professional credibility and eligibility for chartered status.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work in pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, NHS labs, and research institutes, with many progressing to postgraduate study or clinical training.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc, students can pursue advanced degrees such as MSc in Immunology, MSc in Clinical Pharmacology, or PhD in Biomedical Sciences. Strathclyde also offers postgraduate research opportunities within SIPBS, allowing graduates to deepen their expertise in areas like cancer immunology, neuropharmacology, or autoimmune disease.