- Undergraduate
Pharmacology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Overview
Why study at the University of West London?
- Ranked 30th university in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2025
- Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction - National Student Survey 2024**
- Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
Ever taken an aspirin for a headache, or been given an anaesthetic for a filling and wondered how drugs are developed?
If you want to be involved in the areas of drug research, testing and development then a pharmacology degree could be for you.
You will study how drugs act on the human body and vice versa. It is the science of drugs, as well as their physical and chemical properties.
This course will cover the drugs that affect major systems of the body including the central nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine systems. Topics include pharmacological techniques, toxicology and anticancer drugs.
Through this pharmacology course, you will gain in-depth knowledge of a wide range of drug classes, safety and efficacy and drug action. It will also give you a sound understanding of the drug development process.
Accreditation
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills. All students on Accredited programmes will receive free membership of the Royal Society of Biology.
Foundation Year
The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course. Please note that a £2000 Path to Success bursary is available to all UK foundation year students, which is non-repayable.
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Start date:
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Why study Pharmacology with Foundation Year with us?
What our students say…
Course detail & modules
The first year of the course will equip you with a thorough understanding of the scientific basis of pharmacology, in biochemistry, genetics and immunology.
You will learn practical laboratory skills while gaining an overall picture of the human organism and its essential functions, including:
- microbiology
- the structural features of all cells that make up the living system
- fundamental genetic mechanisms essential for the evolution of life and function
- the genetics and molecular biology underpinning human biology and health.
The modules in the second year build on the action of drugs on their target sites and the action of the body on drugs once administered. You will become familiar with the principles of laboratory and practical methods.
It consists of several modules including Essential Skills for Biological Sciences and Biochemical Skills. These include practical methods which build on the techniques required, as well as good laboratory practice for diagnosing diseases alongside health and safety requirements.
At this level you will gain further insight into scientific methods, writing laboratory reports, essays and assignments, data interpretation exercises and critical analysis of cases. You will also develop the ability to communicate with your peers through oral presentations.
In the final year, you will independently pursue a research project allowing you to explore a topic of interest. For example, this may be studying drugs used to prevent cancer and infectious diseases such as analgesics and antidepressants which act on the peripheral nerves and the brain respectively.
This will give you an insight into your proposed pathway for your career, be it medical research or, working in a pharmaceutical company.
Placement Year*
You can choose to add an optional placement year to develop your employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects.
You will undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities.
*As we are in unprecedented and unpredictable times, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement in the UK in the future.
If you choose a course with a placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.
Foundation Year
There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.
Placement Year*
You can choose to add an optional placement year to develop your employability skillset and enhance professional development and career prospects.
You will undertake 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences.
It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities.
*As we are in unprecedented and unpredictable times, there is no guarantee that you will be successful in securing a placement in the UK in the future.
If you choose a course with a placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route. This is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.
The placement route for this course is open to UK students only.
Compulsory modules
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Applied Health Professions
This module is designed to provide you with a broad understanding of the scientific basis of human health and disease, so that you may gain an understanding of the skills and competency required for the course.
You will be guided to think about the relationship between your studies and your future career paths.
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Introduction to Applied Science
This module aims to equip you for Level 4 biomedical science, by providing a basic introduction to the physiology and function of the human body, from the cells through to the whole body. This includes a basic understanding of diseases, the genetics, biochemical characteristics and coordinated responses and control.
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Laboratory Practice
This module will introduce you to the laboratory environment, equipping you with the skills to use basic techniques to address questions in the biological sciences.
This involves use of laboratory equipment, techniques relating to measurement, data collection, record-keeping, and routinely employing basic health and safety procedures.
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Mathematics: Essential Skills for Scientific Study
This module will equip you with the skills to understand and apply mathematical concepts and symbols, and to communicate their significance to others, clearly and with confidence.
It will also give you conceptual groundwork and practical skills to marshal basic mathematical methods needed to succeed in any applied science course.
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Personalised Learning
The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.
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Study Skills for Success
This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.
Compulsory modules
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Cell and Microbiology
The aim of this module is to provide a 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.
You will explore various topics, including 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 diagnosis of diseases, therapeutic strategies, human life cycles and aging, and the role of stem cells in regenerative medicine.
By the end of the module, you will have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for understanding the intricate relationship between cells, microorganisms, and human health.
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Essential Skills for Bioscientists
This module has been 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. You will arrive at University with a wide range of skills and proficiencies, so this module aims to support your transition and equip you with the essential skills you need at later stages of the course.
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Fundamentals of Chemistry
The aim of this module is to provide an appropriate foundation in core concepts of physical and quantitative Chemistry for you across different disciplines including biochemistry, biomedical sciences, biological sciences, and pharmacology.
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).
It also supports you in developing quantitative skills for solving chemistry calculation problems that form the basis of many analytical methods eg, spectrophotometry, chromatography etc.
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Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
The aim of this module is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, concepts and terminologies of biochemistry and molecular biology. It aims to explore 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.
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Genetics and Disease
This module provides 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.
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Human Anatomy and Physiology
This module will introduce you to human anatomy. You'll gain insights into the relationship between the structure and function of the individual at the system level and as a fully integrated organism. Theory will be supported by a virtual practical activity.
Compulsory modules
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Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
The aim of this module is to provide you with a robust foundation in bioinformatics and computational biology. By 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.
Through these learning experiences, you will be equipped to comprehend complex biological data, apply computational methods effectively, and interpret network properties, thereby preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the field of bioinformatics and systems biology.
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Fundamentals of Pharmacology
The aim of this module is to help you understand how drugs work in the body to prevent and treat diseases. You will 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 dangers. You will also explore methods for discovering new drugs and the idea of personalised medicine.
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Research, Development and Leadership
This module aims to 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.
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Infection and Immunity
This module aims to provide you with an 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.
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Neuroscience, Endocrine and Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
You will gain an understanding of the mechanisms of the neuroscience, endocrine and gastrointestinal systems also the various disorders and the how drugs are used, also how it affects the individual systems.
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Proteins and Enzymes
This module provides a 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 and function such as fluorescence, spectroscopy, and protein engineering.
The opportunities provided by genetic approaches to engineer proteins and their therapeutic and biotechnology applications will also be discussed. Enzyme mechanisms and regulation will be taught complementing learning content in the Cell Metabolism module.
The module introduces you to the basics of bioinformatics, increasingly used in biological research and is a skill in high demand by employers. This module builds on the key concepts in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry taught at Level 4 which elucidate the importance of macromolecules in the cell.
Compulsory modules
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Final Year Research Project
The 40-credit module aims to equip you to plan and produce a small-scale research project relevant to your own area of interest. You will 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.
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Antimicrobial, Antineoplastic and Neuropharmacology
This module will provide an understanding of antibacterial chemotherapy applied to human diseases which is as a consequence of some commonly known viruses.
It will further investigate the mechanisms of actions and practical applications of chemotherapy, and the role of neuropharmacology agents.
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Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Renal Pharmacology
The module aims to provide an understanding of the regulation and function of the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. You will learn in detail how any dysfunction of these systems may be addressed by using the appropriate drugs. You will also be taught what side effects if any can be attributed to the drugs, how these can cause disease and how to manage the patient.
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Drug Discovery and Development
In this module, you will have an understanding of how new drugs are developed and brought to patients. In particular, the process for identification and validation of new therapeutic opportunities, sources of new medicines, role of preclinical in vitro and in vivo pharmacological assessment, and safety. You will learn about the stages of clinical trials and the key principles in clinical trial design.
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Applied Molecular Medicine
You will learn about the use of molecular and computational approaches in the study and treatment of human disease. The module will demonstrate how regenerative medicine and the extracellular matrix defines specific disease processes and their treatments. The use of stem cell therapeutics will be examined.
Entry requirements
These can include:
- A-Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A-Levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
- BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
- Access to HE Diploma
- T-Levels
You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology without Foundation Year?
You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.
You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents.
We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology without Foundation Year?
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Looking for BSc (Hons) Pharmacology without Foundation Year?
Fees & funding
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
Funding your studies
You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available to some types of students, such as those with dependants and disabled students.
Foundation year bursary
If you are a UK student joining a foundation year course with UWL, you will receive a £2000 Path to Success bursary to support your studies. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. You will receive £500 per year subject to your attendance, engagement and progression through your studies.
To find out more, explore our Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries page.
Please note:
- Fees for the 2026/27 academic year and onwards may be subject to Government regulation and change.
- Tuition fees are charged for each year of your course. If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year.
- If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.
- If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.
International students - funding your studies
We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships.
Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
Teaching staff
Professor Bernadine Idowu
Professor Idowu is the Course Leader for Biomedical Science and Bio-Sciences.
In June 2019, she was recruited as a consultant to a develop curricula for Biomedical Science within UWL's School of Biomedical Science, founded in September 2020. She was made a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader. The course remains the popular course in the School of Medicine and Biosciences under her leadership. The 2024 National Student Survey saw the Biomedical Science course ranked 1st in London and number 4 within the UK.
Professor Idowu has won additional awards for her teaching including an international African Achievers Award in 2023 for her contributions to making an Academic Impact.
Her students have nominated her for the STAR awards, organised by UWL's Students' Union, for the best lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences for four consecutive years, which she won from 2020 – 2023. She was shortlisted for the Braveheart Award by the University Alliance Awards in September 2023.
Professor Idowu is the Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and was elected to be a member of the Royal Society of Biology.
Professor Idowu is the Course Leader for Biomedical Science and Bio-Sciences.
In June 2019, she was recruited as a consultant to a develop curricula for Biomedical Science within UWL's School of Biomedical Science, founded in September 2020. She was made a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader. The course remains the popular course in the School of Medicine and Biosciences under her leadership. The 2024 National Student Survey saw the Biomedical Science course ranked 1st in London and number 4 within the UK.
Professor Idowu has won additional awards for her teaching including an international African Achievers Award in 2023 for her contributions to making an Academic Impact.
Her students have nominated her for the STAR awards, organised by UWL's Students' Union, for the best lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences for four consecutive years, which she won from 2020 – 2023. She was shortlisted for the Braveheart Award by the University Alliance Awards in September 2023.
Professor Idowu is the Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and was elected to be a member of the Royal Society of Biology.
Study & career progression
As well as providing a gateway into medicine or pharmacy, upon successful completion of a Pharmacology degree, you will be equipped to excel in a wide range of fields including:
- pharmaceutical science
- pharmaceutical research - drug discovery and development, clinical trials etc.
- healthcare - NHS, private pharmaceutical companies, etc.
- medical research
- academia - researcher, teacher, lecturer etc.
- biomedical research
- finance and business - as a manager, analyst etc.
- medical sales and marketing
- dentistry
- science - biomedical scientist, clinical scientist, laboratory technician etc.
- veterinary pharmacology
You may also choose to study our MSc or PhD courses after graduating.
How to apply
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
Head to the UCAS website where you can apply using:
- our institution code - W05
- the UCAS course code (below)
Want to ask us a question first? We would love to hear from you. Contact us free on:
Apply for this course
- Institution code
- W05
- UCAS code
- currentVariantData.field_p_cv_ucas_code
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
You can apply to us in two ways:
- on the UCAS website you will need our institution code (W05) and the UCAS course code (at the top of this page)
- directly on our website – follow the ‘apply now’ link below
Want to ask us a question first? Our dedicated international students’ team would love to hear from you.
- Ask the International Recruitment Team a question
- learn more about international student applications
- find out more about why you should study in London at the Career University.
Apply for this course
Next steps after making your application
We aim to make a decision on your application as quickly as we can. If we need any more information about your qualifications, we will be in touch.
In the meantime, come and visit us and find out more about what studying at UWL is like. Sign up for an open day or join a campus tour.
Visit us and see for yourself
Talk to our tutors and find out about our courses and facilities at our next open day or join a campus tour.
Our prospectus
All of our courses in one place - download now or order a hard copy.
We're here to help
Any questions about a course or studying at UWL? We're here to help - call us on 0800 036 8888 (option 2, Monday – Friday 10am-4pm) or email us on courses@uwl.ac.uk.
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Student life at UWL
Important notes for applicants
Disclaimer
*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.
**The National Student Survey 2023 and 2024 - Average of answers to all questions by registered student population. Excludes specialist institutions.
Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.
Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.
Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.
Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.