BSc Pharmacology (B210)

2027 entry | view 2026 entry

Course summary

Pharmacology is the study of the action of drugs in the widest possible sense. It encompasses many types of chemicals that affect the functioning of the body rather than just medicines.

This degree covers pharmacology of all major body systems, with a focus in year one on understanding core principles of how the body works and how drugs interact with cells and the body. In year two you will explore how drugs are being used in a variety of disorders. You will be able to choose further units in the first two years, including biochemistry, molecular genetics, infection and immunity, cellular and molecular medicine, and mammalian physiology.

In your final year, you will focus on the molecular mechanisms of drug action and the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Units are taught from the current scientific literature and will take you to the forefront of current research. You will undertake a research project in this year to explore a scientific area in depth. We offer a range of project types including lab-based, computational, literature reviews, and teaching projects.

We use a wide variety of teaching approaches, including lectures, practical work and tutorials. Alongside your knowledge of pharmacology you will also develop key transferable skills that will prepare you for a career in pharmacology or a variety of wider areas.

This course is available for intercalation.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

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Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

AAB including Chemistry and one of the following subjects: Biology (or Human Biology), Physics, Mathematics (or Further Mathematics)
DDD in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma, with Distinctions in five specified Chemistry units

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
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)
31 points overall with 15 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher Level in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics (either Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations)

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
Advanced Higher: AB (in any order) in Chemistry and one of Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Mathematics of Mechanics, and Standard Higher: AAABB
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.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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