BSc (Hons) Pharmacology (International)
ApplyKey facts
1st in the UK for Pharmacology & Pharmacy & for Subjects Allied to Medicine
(Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)Top 25 in the world for Pharmacy & Pharmacology
(QS World University Rankings by subject 2026)Open to international applicants only
Study with us
This course combines core pharmacology with hands-on laboratory training and modern computational approaches used in drug discovery.
- develop in-demand computational skills, including programming, modelling and AI-based approaches used in modern pharmacology
- gain practical laboratory experience, working with experimental models and techniques used in pre-clinical research, alongside emerging pharmacological methodologies
- undertake an independent research project in your final year, applying your knowledge in laboratory, computational or industry-focused settings
- build essential scientific skills, including data analysis and visualisation, critical thinking, scientific communication and project management
- learn in a research-active environment, with access to specialist laboratories and computational facilities within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences
- study content aligned with industry and global healthcare needs, preparing you for careers in pharmaceutical research, medicines development and regulatory science
The Place of Useful Learning
UK University of the Year
Daily Mail University of the Year Awards 2026
Scottish University of the Year
The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2026
Why this course?
This course prepares you for careers in drug discovery, pharmaceutical research, and the wider life sciences sector by combining core pharmacology with modern, in-demand skills.
You’ll develop a strong understanding of how drugs interact with biological systems, alongside practical experience in experimental and computational pharmacology.
Based within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences (SIPBS) – one of the UK’s leading centres for pharmacological research – you'll learn from internationally recognised researchers working across areas including:
- molecular pharmacology
- drug delivery
- computational pharmacology
- pharmacotherapeutics
A distinctive feature of this course is its integration of computational pharmacology, where you'll develop skills in programming, modelling and AI approaches used in modern drug discovery.
A further strength of the course is its integration within Strathclyde’s wider biomedical sciences community. From Year 2, you’ll study alongside MSci Pharmacology and Joint Honours students, gaining experience of interdisciplinary learning that reflects how pharmacology is applied in research and healthcare.
Alongside a strong foundation, you’ll develop specialist skills in:
- computational pharmacology and data-driven approaches
- drug discovery and development
- experimental pharmacology techniques
- contemporary pharmacotherapy, including personalised medicine and digital health
By the time you graduate, you’ll have the scientific knowledge, practical skills and research experience needed for roles in pharmaceutical research, medicines development, regulatory science and healthcare innovation.
What you’ll study
You'll normally enter into Year 2.
Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll build a strong foundation in pharmacology by exploring how drugs interact with biological systems across four core disciplines:
- pharmacology
- biochemistry
- immunology
- microbiology
You’ll study these alongside students from across our biomedical sciences degrees, gaining a broad understanding of how these fields connect in real-world research and healthcare.
Practical laboratory work runs alongside your studies through the Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2 module, where you’ll begin to apply your knowledge. You’ll explore how pharmacology links across biological systems – from molecular mechanisms to immune and microbial responses – developing core principles that underpin modern drug discovery.
Years 3 & 4
Throughout Years 3 and 4, you’ll study alongside BSc (Hons) Joint Pharmacology and MSci Pharmacology students in shared lectures and laboratories.
Year 3
In Year 3, you’ll specialise in pharmacology and explore the full drug discovery and development pipeline — from how drugs interact with receptors to their effects within complex disease systems.
You'll also develop in-demand computational skills through a dedicated module, including:
- programming and data analysis
- pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) modelling
- AI-based approaches used in modern drug research
Year 4
In your final year, you’ll apply your knowledge in advanced experimental and computational settings, preparing you for careers in pharmaceutical research and biotechnology.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in:
- receptor assays
- cell culture techniques
- experimental design and data analysis
- non-animal alternatives in pharmacology
You’ll also explore contemporary pharmacotherapy, including pharmacogenomics, personalised medicine and the growing role of digital health.
A major part of the year is your independent research project within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. You’ll plan, execute and present your own research, which may be:
- laboratory-based
- computational
- focused on commercial challenges in the pharmaceutical or biotechnology sectors
Chat to a student ambassador
Want to know more about what it’s like to be a Science student at the University of Strathclyde? A selection of our current students are here to help!
Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all your questions about courses and studying at Strathclyde and offer insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.
Our facilities
The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, based in the purpose-built Hamnett Wing, offers extensive teaching and research labs, advanced analytical instrumentation, specialist tissue culture and molecular biology facilities, and shared computational resources for bioinformatics, cheminformatics and pharmacological modelling.
Semester 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 2 – 40 credits
The aims of this module are to give you the fundamental:
- practical skills required for a biochemist
- practical skills required for an immunologist
- practical skills required for a microbiologist
- practical skills required for a pharmacologist
- skills in presentation and teamwork
Semester 1
Introduction to Biochemistry – 20 credits
The aims of this module are for you:
- to understand gene structure and function and the regulation of gene expression
- to understand how human genetic variation arises and its uses in medicine and forensics
- to understand the basic structure and function of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates
- to appreciate the key metabolic pathways in the absorptive and post-absorptive states
- to understand the pathways involved in cell growth and cell death
Introduction to Immunology – 20 credits
By studying this module, you'll be able to demonstrate an understanding of:
- how immune cells recognise antigens
- key concepts in induction of acquired immunity
- effector mechanism of the immune system
- helpful immune responses
- harmful immune responses
Semester 2
Introduction to Microbiology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you to:
- understand the fundamental taxonomic grouping and evolutionary relationships of microbes
- appreciate physiological, structural and molecular differences between different microorganisms
- understand the role and control of microorganisms in disease
- learn how organisms adapt to hostile environments and appreciate the biotechnological exploitation of extremophiles
Introduction to Pharmacology – 20 credits
This module aims to develop your understanding of:
- systems biology and homeostasis
- the somatic, autonomic and central nervous systems
- the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- the hepatic and renal systems
- the endocrine and reproductive systems
Compulsory modules
Semester 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 3 – 40 credits
The aims of this module are to:
- give you generic practical skills in biomolecular science
- further develop your practical skills in pharmacology
- enhance your report writing and presentation skills
Semester 1
Fundamental Pharmacology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to develop you understanding of:
- how drugs act at receptors and how these actions can be quantified
- the major cell signalling mechanisms in cells
- the properties and distribution of adrenoceptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- the properties and functions of eicosanoids and autacoids and therapeutic uses of related drugs
- the properties and distribution of GABA and glutamate receptors and therapeutic uses of related drugs
Computational Pharmacology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you develop and apply the principles of:
- quantitative pharmacology
- pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modelling
- data science skills in pharmacology
- network and systems pharmacology
- artificial intelligence and machine learning in pharmacology
- reproducible and open science
Semester 2
Biomedical Pharmacology – 20 Credits
The aims of this module are to develop your understanding of:
- cardiovascular pathophysiology
- respiratory disease
- chronic inflammatory diseases
- liver and kidney dysfunction
- haematopoietic-linked diseases
Drug Discovery & Development – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you develop and apply the principles of:
- discovery and development processes for pharmacologists
- the drug discovery pipeline: target identification, target validation, hit identification, lead optimisation, candidate selection
- modern target discovery approaches: genomics, proteomics, phenotypic vs target-based screening and chemical biology approaches
- hit-to-lead and lead optimisation
- preclinical development
- pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery
Semester 1 & 2
Being a Biomolecular Scientist 4 – 40 credits
The aims of this module are:
- to give you the opportunity to carry out original research
- to provide you with the skills to critically interpret data and develop conclusions or hypotheses based upon your findings
- to provide you with the skills to analyse and present your data
- to provide knowledge in a key area that is relevant to your career aspirations.
Semester 1
Advanced Pharmacology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you develop an understanding of:
- advanced topics in pharmacology
- P2X and P2Y receptors as novel therapeutic targets
- models of stroke and therapeutic targets
- optogenetics
- the roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate in cancer
- the study of leukocytes in angioplasty
Experimental Pharmacology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you develop and apply the principles of:
- experimental design in pharmacology
- in silico models in pharmacology and deep learning models for target identification and hit prediction
- receptor pharmacology assays
- cell culture for pharmacology
- tissue and organ pharmacology
- in vivo pharmacology
- non-animal methods (NAMs) and human-relevant models
- data quality, rigour and reproducibility
- research integrity, image data integrity and good laboratory practice in pharmacological research
Semester 2
Clinical Pharmacology – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to develop your understanding of:
- neurodegenerative disorders and the common themes of protein aggregation and inflammation in the brain
- the pharmacological control of global activity within the nervous system: epilepsy, anaesthesia and analgesia, use of sedatives and hypnotics
- psychiatric disorders
- drug dependence
- endocrine disease and oral contraceptives
Contemporary Pharmacotherapy – 20 credits
The aims of this module are to help you develop and apply the principles of:
- pharmacogenomics fundamentals
- translating pharmacogenomics into practice
- personalised and stratified medicine
- pharmacotherapy of major non-communicable diseases focusing on emerging global trends, mechanisms and stratification
- advanced and emerging therapeutics
- emerging concepts in digital health, technologies and therapeutics
- equity, access and the future of medicines
Learning & teaching
The programme combines lectures, small-group tutorials, problem-based workshops and practical laboratory and computational sessions, alongside journal clubs and an independent research project in your final year.
Teaching is delivered by academic staff from SIPBS, supported by postdoctoral researchers, technical specialists and guest lecturers. Based within one of the UK’s leading centres for pharmacological research, staff bring insight into current research and emerging approaches in the field.
In Year 3, dedicated skills workshops develop your research and professional skills, including data analysis and visualisation, scientific communication, critical appraisal and project management.
Assessment
Assessment includes written exams, coursework, laboratory and computational reports, presentations, critical appraisal exercises, case-based scenarios, group projects and a final-year research thesis.
The balance shifts from exam-led assessment in Years 2 and 3 to more project- and research-based assessment in Year 4.
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year. This cap will apply to fees from 2026/27 onwards, which will not increase by more than 10% from the previous year for continuing students.
| International | £29,350 |
|---|---|
| Additional costs | You should budget for a laboratory coat, safety glasses, recommended textbooks (most core texts are available digitally via the University Library), and any optional conference attendance in Year 4. |
| University preparation programme fees | International students can find out more about the costs and payments of studying a university preparation programme at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre. |
| Visa & immigration | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information. |
Please note: All fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.
Careers
Pharmacology sits at the heart of one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. This course prepares you for roles across the global pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
You’ll graduate with a combination of laboratory experience, computational skills and a strong understanding of the drug development pipeline – a skill set increasingly valued as the industry adopts data-driven approaches to drug discovery.
Your experience with programming tools, PK/PD modelling and data analysis will give you an additional advantage in this rapidly evolving field.
Graduate careers
Our graduates go on to roles in:
- drug discovery and development within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- clinical research and trials, working alongside healthcare professionals to bring new treatments to patients
- medicines regulation and policy, including roles within national and international agencies
- pharmacovigilance and drug safety, monitoring the use and effectiveness of medicines
- academic and scientific research, in laboratories or through postgraduate study
- healthcare consultancy, medical devices and scientific communications
Further study
Many graduates continue their studies at MSc or PhD level in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences or related disciplines, leading to careers in advanced research and specialist roles in industry.
Transferable skills
Throughout the course, you’ll develop skills that are valued across a wide range of careers, including:
- scientific problem-solving
- data analysis and interpretation
- project management
- communication and teamwork
Apply
Start date: Sep 2026
Pharmacology (International) (2 year entry)
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