Pharmacology MSci

Course overview

In the first year, all modules are compulsory. They cover chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, statistics and, of course, pharmacology. The first year is thus designed to give you a solid foundation that prepares you for years two, three and four. Year two also mainly comprises compulsory modules but these are focused on pharmacology. There is a major emphasis on laboratory practicals and experimental pharmacology and you will take one large module devoted entirely to this area. In addition to the compulsory elements, you will have a choice for one of your modules in your second year. By the third year you will take only one compulsory taught module (alongside a literature-based research project), leaving you free to fill the rest of your year with a wide range of specialist pharmacology modules such as Immunopharmacology, Psychopharmacology, and Drug Design and Development.

As an MSci student you will undertake a literature-based research project in year three as this can act partly as a preparation for year four, when you will take a compulsory, laboratory-based research project that accounts for at least 50% of the year's work. You may find this laboratory project particularly helpful in making choices about your future career and whether you would like to pursue postgraduate study.

You may also consider applying to take a year out in industry. This is usually taken between years three and four, spending your time in the pharmaceutical industry or another pharmacology-related area. These placements are not guaranteed because they are offered by industry on a competitive basis, but contacts between our staff and colleagues in industry often open up many opportunities.

This Pharmacology MSci programme is intended for students who want to pursue careers or further study in pharmacology, or related disciplines. It offers an additional year on top of the Pharmacology BSc in which you can undertake your own major, cutting-edge research project, alongside advanced, taught modules.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 4

The foundation of your career

The MSci Pharmacology programme is relatively new so we are particularly proud of how well many of our alumni are already doing at the start of their careers. Their occupations include Clinical Vascular Scientist at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, PhD student at the Institute of Cancer Research and Senior Finance Business Partner at Merck Group. The degree prepares you for a wide range of careers in the public and private sectors, including government, public administration, journalism, regulatory bodies, the pharmaceutical industry, teaching and research, as well as non-governmental organisations.

Employability

This programme not only provides detailed knowledge of the subject, but also trains you in planning, executing and analysing scientific projects and in quantitative and analytical skills. In addition, you will understand how to present your work effectively in both written and oral forms. This will equip you with a versatility that will be very attractive to many employers. The Graduate Outcomes Survey of students graduating from 2019-2021 showed that 80% of students went on to work or study.