University of Southampton

Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (MSci)

University of SouthamptonHighfield, Southampton

Course overview

This programme will give you the skills and knowledge required for a career in pharmacology. This is the study of how drugs interact with receptors, cells, tissues, and whole organisms. The course will provide a stimulating, informed environment through a wide range of interesting and contemporary modules with flexibility and choice.

You will gain a sound scientific knowledge base in pharmacology to FHEQ level 7 and in biochemistry and physiology to at least FHEQ Level 5. This will allow you to describe and comment on specific aspects of current research in pharmacology. The course will also provide training in pharmacological laboratory skills.

This will all help you to: appreciate the limits of knowledge of pharmacological processes develop a range of transferable skills develop critical thinking skills and show that you can pursue independent study undertake an independent project on a pharmacologically related topic prepare for higher degrees and careers in pharmacological and bioc

Key highlights

  • Pharmacology studied to master's level, FHEQ Level 7
  • Biochemistry and physiology studied to at least FHEQ Level 5
  • Training in pharmacological laboratory skills
  • Independent project on a pharmacologically related topic
  • Wide range of contemporary modules with flexibility and choice
  • Prepares you for higher degrees and research careers

Entry requirements

  • A-level: AAB — to include including Chemistry and one further science subject
  • A-level: ABB — to include including Chemistry and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ; with EPQ
  • A-level: AA — combined with BTEC

Scholarships

  • Biological Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Business School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Economic, Social and Political Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Education School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Engineering Global Talent Scholarship

    Up to 5 scholarships of £2,000 are available to international students for the first 3 years of study on an undergraduate degree within the School of Engineering.

    Up to £2,000

  • Geography and Environmental Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Health Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Law School Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Ocean and Earth Science Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Physics and Astronomy Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Psychology Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • School of Mathematical Sciences Undergraduate International Scholarship

    Up to £4,500 off the first year of tuition fees.

  • Southampton Arts and Humanities Deans Global Talent Scholarship

    Successful applicants will get £10,000 towards their tuition fees.

    Up to £10,000

  • Southampton Chemistry Deans International Scholarship

    If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get £5,000 towards your tuition fees in your first year of study.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Electronics and Computer Science Global Scholarship

    There are 12 scholarships for £5000 each.

    Up to £5,000

  • Southampton Physics and Astronomy Achievement Scholarship

    The scholarships are renewable for subsequent years of study (subject to continuing academic performance) for up to £20,000 total. There are 10 stipend scholarships of £5,000.

    Up to £5,000

Careers this course leads to

  • Pharmacologist
  • Research scientist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Drug discovery scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Regulatory affairs officer

Cost of study

UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £30,300 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

Ready to start?

Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2025 place.

Apply Now
Download Free Guide