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Check eligibility →MSci (Hons) Pharmacology Integrated Master's degree at Strathclyde
MSci (Hons) Pharmacology at Strathclyde. Over five years, you'll progress from foundational theory and research methods through applied practice and specialist options, culminating in an independent research project that demonstrates your capacity to work at postgraduate level.
About this course
MSci (Hons) Pharmacology is an Integrated Master's degree (MSci (Hons)) at Strathclyde, based in John Anderson Campus. It runs 5 years, studied full-time.
For Pharmacology graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £26,000. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (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.
Year 1 4 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 1Core40 credits
Module details
Foundation practical skills required for a biological biochemist; foundation practical skills based around health and the body; foundation presentation skills
- Cells & their MoleculesCore20 credits
Module details
Foundation level knowledge relating to basic functions of cells; principles of biological action and function; basic suite of teaching, learning and assessment paradigms with particular focus on oral communication and presentation
- Organisms & DiseaseCore20 credits
Module details
Foundation-level knowledge relating to basic evolution, species diversity, development, homeostasis, and infectious disease; principles of biological action and function; methods of teaching, learning and assessment with particular focus on teamwork and finding, citing and using information
- Bio-Organic ChemistryCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding nucleotide/nucleic acid molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation; amino acid/protein molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation; monosaccharide/polysaccharide molecular structure, stereochemistry and conformation; chemistry, stereochemistry and biological roles of polyketide/polyisoprene natural products and their biosynthetic origins
Year 2 5 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2Core40 credits
Module details
Fundamental practical skills required for a biochemist, immunologist, microbiologist and pharmacologist; skills in presentation and teamwork
- Introduction to BiochemistryCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression; understanding how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics; understanding the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; appreciating the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states; understanding the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
- Introduction to ImmunologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of how immune cells recognise antigens; key concepts in induction of acquired immunity; effector mechanism of the immune system; helpful immune responses; harmful immune responses
- Introduction to MicrobiologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes; appreciating physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms; understanding the role and control of microorganisms in disease; understanding how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciating the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
- Introduction to PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of systems biology and homeostasis; the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems; the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; the hepatic and renal systems; the endocrine and reproductive systems
Year 3 3 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3Core40 credits
Module details
Generic practical skills in biomolecular science; further develop practical skills in specific biomedical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, histopathology and serology; enhance report writing and presentation skills
- Fundamental PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of how drugs act at receptors and how these actions can be quantified; the major cell signalling mechanisms in cells; the properties and distribution of adrenoceptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs; the properties and functions of eicosanoids and autacoids and therapeutic uses of related drugs; the properties and distribution of GABA and glutamate receptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- Biomedical PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology; respiratory disease; chronic inflammatory diseases; liver and kidney dysfunction; haematopoietic-linked diseases
Year 4 3 modules
- Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4Core40 credits
Module details
Opportunity to carry out original research; skills to critically interpret data and develop conclusions or hypotheses; skills to analyse and present data; knowledge in a key area relevant to your career aspirations
- Advanced PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Advanced topics in pharmacology; P2X and P2Y receptors as novel therapeutic targets; models of stroke and therapeutic targets; optogenetics; the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate in cancer; the study of leukocytes in angioplasty
- Clinical PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and the common themes of protein aggregation and inflammation in the brain; the pharmacological control of global activity within the nervous system: epilepsy, anaesthesia and analgesia, use of sedatives and hypnotics; psychiatric disorders; drug dependence; endocrine disease and oral contraceptives
Year 5 2 modules
- Pharmacology Project and ThesisCore80 credits
Module details
Devise a hypothesis and plan and execute a research project using advanced practical techniques; write a thesis which includes a critical summary of current knowledge, describes the experimental and/or research techniques used, presents the findings in a clear and concise manner and discusses the significance of the findings in relation to present knowledge; prepare and deliver a PowerPoint presentation that describes the research project
- Research Topics in PharmacologyCore20 credits
Module details
Read and critically evaluate primary literature in Pharmacology; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of current research approaches and techniques in Pharmacology; summarize and present research data to an audience
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.
Who it's for
You're drawn to understanding molecular mechanisms and how therapeutic compounds work in living organisms, and you're comfortable with rigorous quantitative and laboratory work. This degree suits those aiming for careers in pharmaceutical research, clinical practice, or medicines regulation, roles where your findings directly affect public health. The five-year structure offers depth that one-year master's programmes don't; you'll need patience for sustained, detailed investigation and the intellectual stamina to move from coursework into independent research.
University & format
The University of Strathclyde is a public university founded in 1796, located at the John Anderson Campus in Glasgow. This MSci (Hons) Pharmacology is a 5-year, full-time integrated Master's degree taught in English. Strathclyde is a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and its degrees are nationally recognised. The course carries professional accreditation appropriate to the field.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 92%.
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 | 70% |
| another higher-education qualification | 15% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
| an Access course | 10% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
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. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Strathclyde →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
self-funded, international (non-EU) undergraduate students beginning September 2026
Check eligibility →National funding for this subject
- NHS Bursary: Eligible medical and dental students can receive NHS support in the later years of study. Official guidance
Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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 | £26,000 | £24,000 – £29,000 | 20 |
| 3 years after | £26,000 | £20,500 – £29,500 | 30 |
| 5 years after | £30,000 | £26,500 – £39,000 | 40 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
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. Limited evidence. Published sample: 20; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. 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.
- Sales occupationsSOC 2020 71 · 25% of published destinations · ASHE median £15,975
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Elementary occupationsSOC 2020 9 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £19,087
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionalsSOC 2020 31 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,828
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: 35; response rate: 60%. 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.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £26,000. 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 8.9 out of 10: NSS 85.7% · in work or study 90% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Strathclyde
Medicine and dentistry across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is Medicine & Dentistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Strathclyde from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £29,350 / 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
Strathclyde offers the Faculty of Engineering International Scholarship (15% reduction in tuition fees) for international students, see Scholarships above.
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 Strathclyde and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at Strathclyde
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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