Overview

Pharmacology is an exciting discipline which studies how drugs work. Pharmacologists also play a vital role in the discovery of new medicines.

On our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology course, you'll learn how drugs alter our bodies, from pain relief to cancer treatments. If you are interested in biology, chemistry or life sciences this could be the course for you.

Our course emphasises hands-on learning, involving a high proportion of practical work, including a five-day molecular biology workshop. This brings together theory and practice, equipping you with the laboratory skills employers are looking for.

As well as practical skills, our curriculum is designed to inspire and prepare you to make a positive change on a local, national and global scale. Your learning will draw on current research and explore the development of new medicines. You’ll also have opportunities to contribute to projects with real scientific relevance and to communicate your work through research and conference presentations.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and professional laboratory skills to progress into a wide range of careers in pharmacology and beyond.

Why study Pharmacology at GCU?

Learn from industry professionals as life science companies contribute to teaching through guest lectures and interactive discussion sessions.
GCU is a member of the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF). Our laboratories hold LEAF bronze and silver awards for sustainability and reduced carbon emissions.
If you want a course that’s genuinely hands-on, this degree has a strong practical focus. Learn through extensive laboratory work and an intensive five-day molecular biology workshop.
Founded at GCU, the Glasgow Pharmacological Society connects students and staff across three universities, hosting seminars and British Pharmacological Society events.

What you will study

Please note that full module information is in the process of being finalised for publication and will be made available here shortly.

In the meantime, you can view and download the Programme Specification at the bottom of this page. This document provides an overview of the course structure, including indicative modules, learning content and further key information. The modules listed on the Programme Specification are for the current academic year and are intended to give you an idea of what you may be able to study on this course.

Careers

A degree in pharmacology opens doors to a wide range of careers, from researching new treatments to pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Pharmacologists even work for NASA, studying how medicines work in outer space.

The UK drug industry employs 126,000 people and contributes £17.6 billion to the economy (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry).

Typical career paths for our graduates include:

academic research
research and development in the pharmaceutical industry
pharmaceutical manufacturing
sales and marketing of medicines or laboratory equipment
clinical research associate (involved in organising clinical trials)
science communication/journalism
teaching
monitoring and licensing of medicines
regulatory affairs
finance and business.

Course information

Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full Time	4 Years	Sep 26	Glasgow	B210	Enquire Apply
Award	Mode of study	Duration	Start date	Location	UCAS
BSc (Hons)	Full time	4 years	Sep 27	Glasgow	B210	Enquire Apply

Please note that admission to GCU is considered on a competitive basis, and the academic entry requirements stated here may be the minimum required to be eligible for an offer.

International students can get information on entry requirements specific to their country in our International Study section.

Year 1

Standard entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 102

Scottish Higher: BBBC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: BCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

Minimum entry requirement

UCAS Tariff: 90

Scottish Higher: BCCC or equivalent incl Higher in two sciences

A Level: CCC or equivalent incl A Level in two sciences

English language

IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent)

Year 2

15 credit HNC Applied Sciences to include DNA and Genetics, and Human Body and Structure and Function, with graded unit B

Year 3

HND Applied Sciences to include DNA and Genetics, Human Body Structure and Function, and Human Metabolism, with graded units BB

Additional information for international applicants

Entry requirements by country
Application deadlines
English language tests
Knowledge of English - Applicants from a majority English speaking country may not be required to provide further proof of your English language proficiency. Information about this requirement is available on the Student Visa section of the gov.uk website.

Additional information for all applicants

Relevant experience (Recognition of Prior Learning)

GCU's flexible entry policies exist to allow relevant work experience and prior learning to be considered towards standard entry or advanced entry into a course.

If you do not have the typical academic entry qualifications, but can demonstrate relevant work experience and/or credits from recognised professional bodies, you may be eligible to enter this course via the University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) scheme.

Minimum entry requirements

Minimum entry requirements are for widening access students only. If you are from a group that is not currently well-represented in higher education you may qualify as a widening access student. This includes living in a target postcode area, attending a target school or college, attending SWAP, are care-experienced or provide care for someone else, have refugee status or are an asylum seeker.

Teaching methods

Teaching is practical and participative, combining academic study with vocational relevance. A variety of teaching approaches are used to support learning and skills development.

You’ll explore new ideas and engage in a range of exciting projects that have a real impact on future scientific discoveries. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute to the wider scientific community through research and conference presentations.

This course follows the British Pharmacological Society core curricula which is regularly updated to include the latest advances in the field.

Visit the British Pharmacological Society website

Assessment methods

Assessment is designed to reflect professional standards and support academic development. We use a range of assessment methods to help you develop transferable skills, build confidence, and enhance your employability.

Assessment methods may include:

unseen examinations
class tests
essays
laboratory reports
case studies
presentations
group work.

Work placement

You’ll have the option to complete a work placement, allowing you to apply your learning in real industry environments. You must arrange your placement independently, though we can provide details of organisations that have previously hosted students. Placements take place in Trimester B of Year 3.

Industry input

On this course, you're invited to take part in a series of Graduate Employability Workshops. Life science companies also contribute to our programme with guest lectures and interactive discussion sessions.

Common Good

As the University for the Common Good, your learning experience supports the development of the four Common Good Attributes:

Confidence
Entrepreneurial mind-set
Responsible leadership
Active global citizenship.

Study abroad

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in various international exchange schemes. This can be a short-term summer exchange or a trimester-long international exchange. In recent years, our students have been to Hong Kong, South Korea, the Netherlands, the USA and Canada.

Download the programme specification

In addition to the core modules that all students must undertake, some courses offer students a choice from a selection of optional modules to shape the focus their degree. Optional modules where available, form part of the overall credit structure of the course.

Download the programme specification for a detailed breakdown of the course structure, including modules, what you'll learn and other useful information.

Terms and Conditions

Details of the University’s terms and conditions are available here.