The University of Edinburgh
Pharmacology BSc (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Course Description

Pharmacology is the study of how drugs can affect the body - whether to treat disorders or change bodily functions. It brings together:

  • physiology

  • biochemistry

  • molecular biology

You will study:

  • the effects of drugs on molecules, cells and tissues in the body

  • side effects

  • the factors that affect absorption, distribution and excretion

Research in pharmacology aims to better understand drug action and to produce new drugs that improve patient care.

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews for 63 graduates of Pharmacology BSc (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Pharmacology.

Overall student satisfaction
78 /100
63 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates of Pharmacology BSc (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Pharmacology BSc (Hons) at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23500 £23500 £29500
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £27000 £18000 - £28000 £22500 - £40000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Pharmacology

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24605 £25840 £31529
25-75 percentile range £20773 - £28692 £19657 - £34820 £23538 - £42767

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Pharmacology, BSc (Hons) you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans

Utilise skills from studies

Work is meaningful

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% Skilled jobs

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Pharmacology BSc (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh

15% Business and public service associate professionals
10% Finance Professionals
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
10% Artistic, literary and media occupations
10% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Elementary occupations
5% Administrative occupations
5% Caring personal services
5% Teaching Professionals
5% Natural and social science professionals

Grading & Study Time

Assessment Methods

Study Time Distribution



Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

These grades should be achieved in one set of exams. Required subjects: A Levels: Biology and Chemistry at B. Mathematics or Physics is recommended. GCSEs: Mathematics at B or 6 and English at C or 4.

AAAB-ABBB by end of S5 or AAAA-AABB/ABBBB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: Biology and Chemistry at B. Higher Mathematics or Physics and Advanced Higher Biology and Chemistry are recommended. National 5s: Mathematics at B and English at C.

36 points with 665 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: Biology and Chemistry, one at 5 and one at 6. Mathematics or Physics is recommended. SL: English and Mathematics at 5. From 2021, both the Mathematics Analysis & approaches and Applications & interpretation pathways will be accepted. If Mathematics and English Language do not form part of your IB diploma we will also accept GCSE Mathematics, or equivalent, at B/6 and GCSE English Language or equivalent at grade C/4.

Please apply for only one Biomedical Sciences degree. You will have the opportunity to switch between degrees in later years provided the required courses have been passed. Direct entry to second year is available. Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT) 92 92 or above with 23 in each section (including Special Home Edition). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advanced 176 overall with 169 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiency 176 overall with 169 in each component.
Trinity ISE ISE II with a distinction in all four components.
Do you not fulfill the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements?
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still be able to join Pharmacology, BSc (Hons).

Costs

Tuition Fees Pharmacology BSc (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
EU £30400 year 1
International £30400 year 1

Additional fee information

Scotland In 2021-22 the fee level set by the Scottish Government was £1,820. The 2022-23 fee rate is expected to be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2022. Students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland SAAS for payment of their tuition fees.

England/Wales/N Ireland The Rest of UK RUK rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2021 entry. For 2022 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union EU students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme -

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Medicine & Health

    • #2 
    • #9 
    Pharmacology & Pharmacy
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 13 June, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #37 
    Pharmacy & Pharmacology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 20 April, 2022]

See all university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

What students say about studying Pharmacology in the UK?

  • Jemima's 60 second challenge: day in the life of a pharmacy student
  • What makes Biomedical Sciences at Leeds so special? | Undergraduate Degrees at University of Leeds
  • UCD for All Student Experience: Pharmacology
  • STUDYING PHARMACY: A SHORT OVERVIEW|COURSE, REQUIREMENTS, JOBS
  • Studying pharmacology at university
  • A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PHARMACY STUDENT PY2

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

Where is this programme taught

Central and Kings Buildings
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Central area campus
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