BSc (Hons) Pharmacology Bachelor's degree at West London
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology at West London. Pharmacology sits at the intersection of chemistry, biology and medicine, studying how drugs and other substances interact with living systems.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at West London, based in Ealing / Brentford. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Subjects allied to medicine graduates from this provider, 84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 86% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Medicine & Dentistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 65; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 84% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 80% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Level 4 6 modules
- Cell and MicrobiologyCompulsory
Module details
Comprehensive understanding of cell biology and microbiology, focusing on the structure, function, and dynamics of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, as well as the study of microorganisms. Topics include cell division, the cell as the fundamental unit of life, cell specialisation, microorganism structure and physiology, identification and classification of microorganisms, control of microorganisms, causes and pathology of common diseases, lifestyle impact on human health, investigation and diagn
- Essential Skills for BioscientistsCompulsory
Module details
Designed to support you in developing the core technical and transferable skills required to study, undertake research, and communicate effectively on topics in the Biosciences. This module aims to support your transition and equip you with the essential skills you need at later stages of the course.
- Fundamentals of ChemistryCompulsory
Module details
Appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry. Using workshops and practical sessions, this module will deliver an integrated understanding of matter, and the connection between the structure of atoms, molecules and compounds and their physical and chemical properties (eg, bonding and energy). Supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatograp
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyCompulsory
Module details
Comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology. Explores the structure and function of biological molecules (DNA, RNA, protein, enzymes, lipids and carbohydrates) as well as the biochemistry of processes that support life and metabolism. These concepts will be taught using lectures, tutorials, and lab practicals.
- Genetics and DiseaseCompulsory
Module details
Knowledge and understanding of the structure of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) and how these molecules encode the properties of cells – providing you with a basic grounding in the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.
- Human Anatomy and PhysiologyCompulsory
Module details
Enable you to understand and gain experience of the structure and function of the main human organs. Explores how homeostasis is maintained through regulation via processes such as alteration in blood flow, neuronal input and endocrine control. Teaches you to understand the common methodologies used to analyse and measure physiological parameters and to interpret common abnormalities found in the clinical investigation of patients.
Level 5 6 modules
- Bioinformatics and Systems BiologyCompulsory
Module details
Robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology. Combining the exploration of computational tools for high-throughput biological data analysis with in-depth network analysis and modelling, the module aims to foster critical thinking, practical skills, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Will equip you to comprehend complex biological data, apply computational methods effectively, and interpret network properties.
- Fundamentals of PharmacologyCompulsory
Module details
Help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases. Learn about how drugs interact with the body, how doses affect responses, different ways drugs can be given, types of drugs, how the body processes and removes drugs, and the potential side effects of drugs. Explore methods for discovering new drugs and the idea of personalised medicine.
- Research, Development and LeadershipCompulsory
Module details
Equip you with comprehensive knowledge, skills, and practical experience in research, evidence-based practice, clinical audit, innovation, and collaborative teamwork in biomedical and biosciences contexts.
- Infection and ImmunityCompulsory
Module details
In-depth knowledge of the current concepts of basic immunology as well as continue to build on your infection knowledge from Level 4 with respect to diseases you may encounter in the clinic. Theoretical concepts are reinforced through laboratory practical sessions which will introduce you to diagnostic microbiological and basic immunological techniques and data analysis which are broadly used in a variety of clinical settings and scientific disciplines.
- Neuroscience, Endocrine and Gastrointestinal PharmacologyCompulsory
Module details
Gain an understanding of the operation of the nervous, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems. Learn about the various disorders and how drugs are used for their treatment.
- Proteins and EnzymesCompulsory
Module details
Comprehensive introduction to modern protein science including investigating the relationship between protein structure and function, techniques for analysing protein sequences and for determining protein structure. Opportunities provided by genetic approaches to engineer proteins and their therapeutic and biotechnology applications.
Level 6 5 modules
- Final Year Research ProjectCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. Learn to develop an appreciation of how scientific knowledge advances through research including the challenges and limitations. With the support of a supervisor, and shared discussions with other students, you will work independently to carry out a research project to completion.
- Antimicrobial, Antineoplastic and NeuropharmacologyCompulsory
Module details
Understanding mechanisms of action and practical applications of antibacterial and antiviral agents, chemotherapeutic agents used in treatment of cancer as well as medicines that are used for neurological disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal PharmacologyCompulsory
Module details
Understanding of the regulation and function of the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. Learn in detail how any dysfunction of these systems may be addressed by using the appropriate drugs. Learn what side effects if any can be attributed to the drugs, how these can cause disease and how to manage the patients' treatments.
- Drug Discovery and DevelopmentCompulsory
Module details
Understanding of how new medicines are developed and brought to patients. Explore the process for identification and validation of new therapeutic opportunities, sources of new medicines, the role of preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assessment, and determination of safety of new medicines. Learn about the stages of clinical trials and the key principles in clinical trial design.
- Applied Molecular MedicineCompulsory
Module details
Understanding of the most important current topics in molecular medicine, including the biology of cancer, gene modification, stem cells and regenerative medicine.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This BSc (Hons) Pharmacology course teaches you how drugs work in the body and how to develop and test new medicines. You'll typically start with foundations in biomedical sciences, anatomy, physiology and pharmacology explained by body system, alongside clinical and communication skills from your first year. In years two and three, a course like this normally moves through specialist pharmacology modules, clinical rotations in hospital and community settings, and student-selected components allowing you to explore areas in depth, often through research. Specialisations such as clinical placements, general practice, psychiatry and research (intercalation) may be available, depending on the curriculum and your interests.
Who it's for
Pharmacology suits you if you're drawn to how medicines work at a molecular and physiological level, and if you think analytically about cause and effect in biological systems. You'll need a solid grounding in chemistry and biology, most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications. You'll spend considerable time in the laboratory, so you should be comfortable with hands-on experimental work and meticulous record-keeping. If you're curious about drug development, want to contribute to healthcare innovation, or are considering further study in pharmaceutical science, clinical pharmacology or medicine, this course offers a rigorous foundation. You'll work independently on a substantial research project, so self-direction and perseverance matter.
Careers & job market
Nationally, across Medicine and Dentistry fields, 89% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after completing their degree, with 75% of those in work occupying highly skilled positions. Starting salaries ranged from £27,000 to £32,000 at that point. By year five post-graduation, salaries spanned £29,325 to £41,400 for this graduate cohort. Routes include pharmaceutical industry roles (research, quality assurance, regulatory affairs), hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacology, academia, and further postgraduate training. Some graduates proceed to specialised master's degrees or doctoral study.
University & format
The University of West London is a university based in Ealing and Brentford. This is a 3-year, full-time Bachelor's degree taught in English. The course is recognised by the Royal Society of Biology for associate membership, and the university is a recognised UK degree-awarding body with degrees that are nationally recognised. The university holds a Silver award for teaching quality under the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code B211). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at West London →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- NHS Learning Support Fund: Eligible nursing, midwifery and allied-health students can receive a non-repayable training grant. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Medicine & Dentistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £27,000 – £34,000 | 65 |
| 3 years after | £31,000 | £21,000 – £38,000 | 440 |
| 5 years after | £34,500 | £25,000 – £43,500 | 415 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 65; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in medicine & dentistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Medicine & Dentistry nationally
National figures for Medicine & Dentistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2022-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 65; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2022-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Medicine & Dentistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 804 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Nursing ProfessionalsSOC 2020 223 · 79% of published destinations · ASHE median £37,597
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 270; response rate: 53%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Medicine & Dentistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Medicine & Dentistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- The NHS
- Private practice
- Research & academia
- Public health
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Medicine & Dentistry graduates.
Medicine-Focused Veterinary Surgeon | Patient Care LeaderMedivet & PartnersMedicine Service Delivery Manager - Operations ImprovementNHSMedicine Occupational Therapist - StaffordshirePulse HealthcarePart-Time Palliative Medicine Consultant | 1-in-5 On-CallEvora Hospice (formerly Southern Area Hospice Services)Consultant Medicine - ElderlyPertemps Medical ProfessionalsSpecialty Doctor in Acute MedicineTriple West MedicalIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
84% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 87% · in work or study 84% · continued 80%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of West London
Medicine and dentistry across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around Ealing / Brentford
2,092 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to West London from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £16,250 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check West London’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with West London and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at West London
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.