About this course Examine how we fight disease in humans and animals, providing an improved quality of life for all, and explore how we develop the next generation of drugs for treating bacterial infection, Cancer, AIDS, and heart failure. Our Pharmacology degree will equip you for careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, scientific officer roles, teaching, forensic medicine and managerial roles in business. There is also the opportunity to go on to study for a higher degree such as an MSc or PhD. Key features of the course: - Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research - Learn the major concepts and principles of pharmacology in years one and two, through core topics, then complete a research project of your own in your third year - Benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff who are actively involved in pharmacological research, in areas such as nerve damage and recovery, developmental biology, oncology and the development of new antibiotics, which is integrated into our modules - Have the opportunity between years two and three to spend a year in employment, putting your skills to use in the pharmaceutical industry, or spend a semester at a partner university aboard during year two - Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025). Student support From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study. Further information Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.
A Level: ABB | ABB to include Chemistry and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry. | Scottish Higher | We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4. | Access to HE Diploma: 30 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma: 15 UCAS points | Access to HE Diploma | 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied. | Scottish Advanced Higher | Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DD | We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in suitable science subjects and in conjunction with one A-level in Chemistry. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be DD + B at A-Level to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical component must be passed in A-level Chemistry. | Extended Project: A | BBB in 3 A-levels to include Chemistry and one further science subject plus Grade A in EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. | International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme: 32 UCAS points | Pass with overall score of 32 points, with 16 points required at higher level, including 5 and 6 points at Higher Level in Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) , Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information. | WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales: B | AB from 2 A levels including Chemistry and one further science subject + B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): DDM | We accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in suitable science subjects | Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017): H2H2H3H3H3H3 | H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science subjects considered include Biology, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016): D | D + AB at A-Level to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. | Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016): D | D + AB at A-Level to include Chemistry and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. | Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal: D3M2M2 | D3, M2, M2 to include Chemistry and one further science subject. A level science subjects considered include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, Geography and Geology. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. Year 1: You will acquire the core knowledge in biology, biochemistry, physiology, laboratory practice and problem-solving skills that the scientific foundation required to understand molecular pharmacology. Example of modules you’ll take in part 1: BIOL1024, BIOL1030, BIOL1025 Year 2: In year 2 you will begin your specialization in pharmacology, sharpening your skills and knowledge to an advanced level to understand how drug affect biological pathways, within the context of different pathologies, from the molecular up to the clinical levels. Example of modules you’ll take in part 2: BIOL2058, BIOL2010, BIOL2051 Year 3: In year 3 you will acquire the knowledge necessary to address outstanding research questions in pharmacology, developing specific skills in laboratory and/or computational research, or in (bio)pharmaceutical entrepreneurship, or in science education during a year-long hands-on cap project, working side-by-side with our professional staff and postgraduate teams. Example of modules include BIOL3034, BIOL3058, BIOL3018 For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees. We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026. — UG 2027 Entry - Home Confirmed, International TBC
Comparing courses? Match them against your grades.
Open the course explorer