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Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics

Entry Year: 2024

4 study options

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
3 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
B211
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Biological Sciences with Foundation BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
CCX2
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£23,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics with Year Abroad BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
B21Y
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees

Year abroad cost

Finances for studying abroad on exchange

View details

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics with Year in Industry BSc (Hons)

Key information

Degree
BSc (Hons)
Duration
4 years
Start
September 2024
UCAS code
B2Y1
Institution code
Q50
Typical A-Level offer
Grades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
Home fees
£9,250
Overseas fees
£28,350
Funding information
Paying your fees
Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics
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Overview

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries need pharmacology experts. Could you be the next pioneer?

Explore basic, molecular and clinical pharmacology. Get practical experience using scientific instruments in modern labs. Understand the clinical trial and regulatory pathways for bringing new drugs from an initial idea through to the patient. 

Taught by the School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, this course combines their strengths, their academic experts and facilities. As well as the drug development cycles, the team will teach you about the practical aspects of managing a pharmacology business, from research and development costs to marketing and licensing.  

And did we mention you can complete a year in industry or a year abroad? 

Research that saves lives

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is home to the William Harvey Research Institute, a world-leading pharmacology centre. All of the research happening here underpins our teaching. 

Were carrying out research on basic sciences aiming to identify novel targets for drug development, such as our research into the control of cell division which will help develop cancer treatments. Other academics are focused on evaluating the efficacy of drugs further down the development pipeline. Feel inspired by everyone you connect with and discover how youll make an impact. 

 

Structure

You can complete your Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics degree in three or four years. If you choose to study abroad, this will take place in Year 3, and the Year 3 modules will instead be studied in Year 4.

Year 0

Foundation Programme

Semester 1

Compulsory

  • Communication in Science and Technology 

Year-long modules

Compulsory

  • Science and Engineering Success
  • Foundations of Chemical Science
  • Foundations of Physical Science
  • Foundations of Engineering
  • Foundations of Biological Science
  • Mathematics A

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 1

  • Biomedical Physiology I - Exchange, Movement and Integration
  • Biomolecules of Life
  • Cells
  • Human Anatomy
  • Introduction to Pharmacology
  • Genetics
  • Research Skills for Pharmacologists
  • Tissue Biology

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 2

Compulsory

  • Basic Immunology
  • Biomedical Physiology II - Cardiovascular and Respiratory
  • Clinical Pharmacology and the Assessment of Drug Safety
  • Drug Target Identification
  • Human Molecular Biology
  • The Business of Pharmacology

Choose two from

  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Essential Biochemistry for Human Life
  • Human Genetic Disorders
  • Membrane and Cellular Biochemistry
  • Research Design and Analysis

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Year 3

Compulsory

  • Classic Papers and Current Topics in Pharmacology
  • Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs
  • Drug Design
  • Translational Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics

Choose from

  • Project: Engaging the Public with Science
  • Structured Research Project in the Life Sciences
  • Research Project in Pharmacology

Choose two from

  • Advanced Human Genetic Disorders
  • Advanced Immunology
  • Biomarkers in Neuroscience
  • Cancer Biology
  • Molecular Basis of Personalised Medicine
  • Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Please note that all modules are subject to change.

Study options

Apply for this degree with any of the following options. Take care to use the correct UCAS code - it may not be possible to change your selection later.

Year in industry

To successfully secure a placement before the start of the 3rd year students need to meet the progression hurdle of achieving a Year 2 average module mark of at least 60% with no failed modules across Years 1 and 2.

Students will be responsible for seeking industrial placements with the support of an industrial placement co-ordinator. However, it is highly competitive and placements are not guaranteed. 

Successful students will study 120 credits made up of BMD5555. The year in industry is pass/fail and students who don't pass their year will be transferred onto the standard 3 year programme. 

Students will apply for industrial placements during their second year. If you do not secure an industrial placement, choose not to undertake a year in industry, or do not pass the year, you will be transferred to the standard three-year BSc degree.

 

Year abroad

Go global and study abroad as part of your degree – apply for our Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics BSc with a Year Abroad. Queen Mary has links with universities in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia (partnerships vary for each degree programme).

Find out more about study abroad opportunities at Queen Mary and what the progression requirements are. Learn more about financing your year abroad here.

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Testimonial

‘The highlight of my course has been the practical lab sessions. They have really helped bring the course to life! I recently went on a field trip to AstraZeneca with the Queen Mary William Harvey Research Institute Society and feel the scientific skills I have learnt throughout the course have helped prepare me for a lab-based career.

Shaumiyah Manivannan, Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics (Graduating 2025)

Teaching

Teaching and learning

We use a mixture of teaching styles - lectures, tutorials, classroom activities and laboratory work.

Outside of classes, you’ll need to spend 20 to 25 hours per week preparing, writing up and reading.

Assessment

Each module is assessed by written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).

Final-year students undertake a research or investigative project, assessed with a detailed written report, poster and interview.

Resources and facilities

The School offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:

  • newly refurbished lecture theatres
  • up-to-date IT facilities
  • modern, well-equipped labs.

You’ll also benefit from the expertise of the William Harvey Research Institute, a world-leading pharmacology centre based within Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry.

View tour of Fogg Building

View tour of Blizard Building

View Charterhouse Square campus images

Entry requirements

A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
Contextualised admissions

Our standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

A-LevelGrades CCC at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 26 points overall, including 4,4,4 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at Higher Level. A second science subject at Higher Level of Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Physics or Psychology is also required.
BTECSee our detailed subject and grade requirements
Access HEWe consider applications from students with the Access to Higher Education Diploma in a science discipline e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. The minimum academic requirement is to achieve 60 credits overall, with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 15 credits must be at Distinction, 15 credits at Merit and 15 credits at Pass or higher. Applications are considered on a case by case basis, and we may request an interview. Due to the high volume of applications, we do not make offers of study purely on the basis of meeting grade requirements.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
Contextualised admissionsWe consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages.
A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.
A-LevelGrades ABB at A-Level. This must include A-Level Biology or Chemistry. A second science subject at A-Level, of Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics is also required.
IBInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum of 34 points overall, including 6,5,5 from three Higher Level subjects. This must include Biology and Chemistry at Higher Level.
BTECBTEC qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
Access HEAccess qualifications are not considered for entry to this programme.
GCSEMinimum five GCSE passes including English and Maths at grade C or 4.
EPQAlternative offers may be made to applicants taking the Extended Project Qualification. For further information please visit: qmul.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry/epq
Contextualised admissionsOur standard contextual offer: Grades BBB including Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

Our enhanced contextual offer (for care experienced students, refugee/asylum seekers or students who have completed Realising Opportunities or Access to Queen Mary): Grades BBC including BB in Biology or Chemistry and a second science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Life and Health Sciences, Maths or Physics at A-Level. Excludes General Studies, Critical Thinking.

More information on how this information is used for a contextual offer can be found on our contextualised admissions page.

Non-UK students

We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.

English language

Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.

You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.

Further information

See our general undergraduate entry requirements.

Funding

Loans and grants

UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.

Scholarships and bursaries

Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.

Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.

Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.

Support from Queen Mary

We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.

Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:

  • additional sources of funding
  • planning your budget and cutting costs
  • part-time and vacation work
  • money for lone parents.

Careers

Medicine or dentistry

The Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics programme provides a strong background for medicine or dentistry, as you will have studied a wide range of biomedical subjects and developed an in-depth knowledge of medicines.

The 19 highest-ranked students from our Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience and Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics programmes are guaranteed an interview for the five-year A100 Medicine MBBS degree at Queen Mary University of London. For the top seven ranked students, there is a guaranteed interview for the five year A200 BDS dentistry programme. Students are selected at the end of the second year on the basis of an aggregate of academic ranking (50%) and UCAT score (50%) and start the programme after they have completed their final year. Of these students, the top five will also be considered for the four-year A101 MBBS Graduate Entry Programme.

Other careers

93 per cent of our graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation (HESA GOS 2020/21).

  • Some graduates pursue a career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, within a regulatory agency or in a wider biomedical area.
  • Some opt for postgraduate study. Top graduates will be eligible for fully-funded PhD training within Queen Mary’s William Harvey Research Institute.
  • Others transfer their skills to careers in diverse fields, including media, technology and management.

Examples of careers recent Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics graduates have gone on to do include:

  • Analytical R&D Scientist at Lonza
  • Healthcare Scientist at Public Health England
  • Trainee Healthcare Partner at McKesson
  • IPU Senior Classifier at Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
  • Clinical Research - Data Manager at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
  • PhD student at the William Harvey Institute

 

Career support

The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences has a careers consultant, who can offer specialist advice and organise subject-specific events. We also have a dedicated internships coordinator.

The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:

  • specialist advice on choosing a career path
  • support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
  • feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
  • interview coaching.

Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.

Data for these courses

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics - BSc (Hons)

Biological Sciences with Foundation - BSc (Hons)

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics with Year Abroad - BSc (Hons)

Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics with Year in Industry - BSc (Hons)

The Discover Uni dataset (formerly Unistats)

About the Schools

School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences

The School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences is a large and dynamic school with strong links to industry. We offer a stimulating and supportive learning experience.

You’ll experience inspirational teaching from high-calibre staff who are leaders in their field. According to the Research Excellence Framework, 91 per cent of our Biological Sciences is either world-leading or internationally excellent. You’ll stay up to date with weekly departmental seminars on new research findings.

Medicine and Dentistry

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is one of the oldest medical schools in the UK.

We’re in an unrivalled position to offer you the very best student experience. You’ll be taught by experts who are passionately engaged with their subject, and our degrees have extremely high satisfaction rates – in the most recent National Student Survey, 92 per cent of our students were satisfied overall with the quality of their programme.

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