BSc Pharmacology

Develop the scientific knowledge and analytical skills to help shape the medicines of the future, with our BSc Pharmacology degree.

Every medicine that improves lives – from painkillers and antibiotics to vaccines and cancer treatments – exists because of pharmacology. On this course, you’ll gain the expertise to make a difference in a vital area of science.

Choose BSc Pharmacology at the University of Reading

You’ll be based in our School of Pharmacy, which provides an environment where you can develop and thrive.

• We are a top 5 university in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology (Daily Mail University Guide, 2027).
• 100% of BSc Pharmacology students say teaching staff are good at explaining things (National Student Survey 2026).
• 96% of our graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation. (Based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, all Reading School of Pharmacy responders.)
• We are 6th in the UK for graduate salary. On average, our pharmacology graduates earn £47,100 five years after graduating – 13% higher than the average graduate salary. (Based on The Telegraph’s analysis of DfE data on the earnings of first degree graduates from English higher education institutions, August 2026.)

What you’ll learn

Our BSc Pharmacology degree has been designed to align with the British Pharmacological Society's core curriculum.

Pharmacology is a discipline that combines biology, chemistry and quantitative science. Your studies will teach you:

• how drugs interact with molecular targets to modify the functions of cells, tissues and organs
• how medicines affect major body systems
• how drugs are tested, developed into medicine and translated into treatments for patients
• how drugs can be used safely and effectively in patients.

You’ll learn how to:

• design and conduct scientific experiments
• use scientific methods and technologies employed in drug discovery, including mathematical and computer modelling
• collect, analyse, and interpret results using statistical analysis techniques
• communicate findings to a range of audiences.

Throughout the course, you will explore systems pharmacology and integrated biological responses. You’ll also gain an understanding of the role of pharmacology in clinical trials, regulation and drug approval.

In your third year, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your learning with optional modules. Explore a specific area of pharmacology in greater depth, or focus on drug discovery and product development.

Skills you’ll gain

You will develop a range of skills and abilities that are essential for your future career. You’ll graduate with:

• practical pharmacology laboratory skills
• expertise in experimental design
• quantitative and statistical analysis skills
• research analysis and critical evaluation skills
• the ability to communicate scientific concepts.

To prepare for your career, we also offer opportunities to develop your professional skills. You can enhance your employability by applying for a placement year, or by taking our four-year BSc Pharmacology with a Year in industry. We’ll provide you with support throughout the application process.

How you’ll learn

Pharmacology is a multi-faceted subject, with input from several academic departments. You’ll work with experts from:

• School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy
• School of Biological Sciences
• School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences.

You will develop knowledge and skills in these different settings, with the support of a wide range of academic staff. By the time you graduate, you’ll be confident working across all of them.

Academics at the University of Reading are actively involved in drug discovery and delivery, so your learning will incorporate the science that is shaping healthcare today.

A collaborative learning environment

Our pharmacology academics work closely with colleagues in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry. In this collaborative environment, you’ll have opportunities to work with experts in drug discovery, medicine delivery methods and medicine kinetics. You will also benefit from a range of scientific perspectives, and see how teams work together to develop new medicines.

Pharmacology at the University of Reading

At Reading, we take a hands-on approach to teaching pharmacology. You’ll learn pharmacology by doing it.

You will develop core scientific knowledge through lectures and seminars. You’ll put your learning into practice in laboratory practicals and workshops, and use the knowledge you’ve gained to interpret and analyse research.

Your learning will reflect how professionals work in the pharmacology sector. You’ll conduct experiments to develop and test ideas, interpret experimental data, then refine your ideas and experiments. You’ll also develop the communication skills required to share and explain this scientific information.

This approach to problem solving and communication provides valuable transferable skills for a wide range of careers, industries, and further study.

Assessment and projects

We offer a number of assessment methods on our pharmacology course, with plenty of opportunities to develop professional skills.

• You’ll work on a wide range of coursework, including written reports and oral presentations, as well as simulations and problem-based learning.
• Group projects will enhance your teamwork and collaboration skills.
• Project work will help you develop time management, organisation, and project planning skills.

Working with industry

Our pharmacology degree has been developed with input from industry experts, ensuring that it reflects the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research today.

You will have opportunities to attend guest lectures and meet industry experts, enabling you to benefit from their knowledge and experience.

Facilities

You’ll have access to purpose-built teaching labs and research facilities, including:

• modern pharmacology laboratories and equipment, supporting practical, research-led learning
• tissue culture facilities used to study disease mechanisms and evaluate potential medicines
• electrophysiology laboratories that explore how drugs affect cellular and tissue function
• advanced imaging technologies, including fluorescence, confocal and time-lapse microscopy
• high-content imaging systems that support drug discovery and biomedical research.

These facilities support your learning and research throughout the course, helping prepare you for careers in the pharmaceutical industry or further study.

Placement opportunities with BSc Pharmacology

At the University of Reading, all undergraduate students have the option to undertake a placement year. This enables you to gain real-world experience, build skills and confidence, and make professional connections.

If you choose a professional placement year, our Placement Team will support you at every stage, including:

• help with finding placement opportunities
• support and guidance to help you prepare for your placement, including CV advice and interview preparation
• liaising with placement providers, managing legal and regulatory requirements
• supporting you during your placement, and helping you transition back to university for your final year.

We also have dedicated placement co-ordinators within the School, so you’ll receive advice tailored to your subject and career goals.