Pharmacology

Keele University

Are you fascinated by the intricate workings of medicines and their effects on human health?
Our Pharmacology BSc investigates some of the most exciting areas of current life sciences research.
From understanding how drugs work in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, to exploring emerging technologies in drug development, you will gain the analytical, problem solving, practical and employability skills to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research or graduate entry into medicine.

Course overview

Pharmacology provides a unique opportunity to explore the science behind how drugs interact with the body, and in turn how the body modifies drugs and their role in treating diseases. It’s a field that sits at the heart of pharmaceutical advancements, combining biology, chemistry, and physiology to improve healthcare and save lives.

Studying Pharmacology at Keele provides a diverse and comprehensive coverage of modern biological and chemical sciences with a focus on molecular pharmacology and drug discovery.

Building on this foundation, you will delve into the mechanisms of drug action for treating various conditions, including cardio-metabolic disorders and central nervous system diseases. You will also gain foundations in drug discovery, and explore the concept of selective toxicity, its application in addressing microbial infections, cancer therapies, and the effects of drugs of abuse and poisons.

Work placements

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit individuals who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Choosing a work placement year between your second and third year, is a fantastic way to gain industry experience. It can provide a valuable insight into what working in a specific area of business is like, gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with the professional working environment and develop professional networks, and provides the opportunity to apply the theory you’ve learnt on your degree course.

Foundation year

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.

Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Your future career

95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)

A pharmacology degree can open up careers either in scientific areas like research, drug development or other fields such as patenting and teaching. You may also be interested in a graduate scheme in research and development, as this can enable you to experience a range of roles, develop an understanding of the industry and gain further qualifications in areas such as clinical research management.