Gain a deep understanding of how medicines work, how they’re developed, and how pharmacology plays a vital role in global health as science evolves to develop new and better treatments for disease. At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree is grounded in world-class research, and taught by experts with strong connections to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Youll study the science of drug action in detail and investigate specialist critical areas such as neuropharmacology, toxicology, and personalised medicine.
Designed with flexibility and the f...
Gain a deep understanding of how medicines work, how they’re developed, and how pharmacology plays a vital role in global health as science evolves to develop new and better treatments for disease. At Aston University, our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree is grounded in world-class research, and taught by experts with strong connections to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Youll study the science of drug action in detail and investigate specialist critical areas such as neuropharmacology, toxicology, and personalised medicine.<br/><br/>Designed with flexibility and the future in mind, the programme builds your scientific knowledge and practical skills year by year, allowing for specialisation in advanced pharmacology during your final year of study. The degree provides a broad foundation in physiology, biochemistry and neuroscience, alongside specialised modules in pharmacology and drug development, giving you the knowledge and practical skills to pursue a range of biomedical, pharmaceutical, or clinical careers.<br/><br/>Our BSc (Hons) Pharmacology degree at Aston University is built on our internationally recognised research into the mechanisms of disease and how innovative drug therapies can be used to improve the health and well-being of both humans and animals. You’ll study how modern medicines work at the molecular and cellular level, and how cutting-edge pharmacological approaches are helping to tackle some of the world’s most urgent health challenges.<br/><br/>Our expert academic staff are active researchers with longstanding global collaborations across academia, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. As the development of new drug treatments becomes an increasing priority for the government and global health leaders, you’ll be learning in a context that is both highly relevant and future-focused.<br/><br/>Using our sector-leading and recently refurbished practical laboratories, you will learn how receptors, proteins and cells around the body can be influenced by pharmacological treatments. You’ll find out how we discover the mechanisms of cellular communication and brain function, and how these complex processes go wrong in disease. <br/><br/>**Key course benefits:**<br/>• Research-led teaching: Delivered by staff with proven research and industrial experience, with active research projects.<br/>• Career-focused: Includes dedicated key skills stream to develop employability and critical thinking, incorporating Aston Power Skills.<br/>• Flexible learning: Optional placement year to enhance real-world professional experience. <br/><br/>**Facilities**<br/>Our labs are some of the best in the sector. With organ-bath rigs for drug action studies, brain slice rigs for advanced neuropharmacology practicals, human EEG and EMG recording systems and a wide range of molecular biology equipment, we’ve got everything needed to learn the skills that scientists use to discover disease mechanisms and develop new drugs. Alongside this, we’ve got a wide range of dedicated software and well-equipped computer labs and library collections to make sure you’ve got the resources needed to follow your intellectual curiosity. Many of our faculty are world-leading researchers in their field and have high-spec research laboratories so you can see how science is done at the cutting edge.<br/><br/>**Career prospects**<br/>Graduates of the course will be equipped with the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed for a wide range of careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. Potential career paths include roles in drug discovery and development, clinical research, toxicology, medical sales, regulatory affairs, and healthcare consultancy. This degree also provides a strong foundation for further study at MSc or PhD level in pharmacology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences, opening the door to academic research and specialised scientific careers.
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Sandwich
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
14/09/2026
Campus
Main Site
14 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
B210
Institution Code
A80
Points of Entry
Year 1
Not Accepted
A,B,B,B,B
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
D:15,M:30,P:0
Successful completion of the QAA-recognised Access Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3. You must obtain a minimum of 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits. Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification so you must meet the GCSE entry requirements. Subjects accepted: Applied Science, Biology combined with Chemistry, Biomedical Science, Biosciences, Combined Sciences, Health Sciences, Health Sciences Professions, Life Sciences and Sciences. Please note that we do not accept Health and Social Care as it does not contain the amount of core science material required for subsequent undergraduate studies on this degree.
31
28
STANDARD: 31 Overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 5, 5 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Maths and English Language. OR CONTEXTUAL: 28 points overall and three Higher Level subjects at 5, 4, 4 which must include one science subject from Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. You must also have Standard Level grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
DDD
DDM
STANDARD: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science with grades DDD (you do not require an additional A Level). CONTEXTUAL: This BTEC must be RQF National in Applied Science with grades DDM (you do not require an additional A Level). ___________________ STANDARD: This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science with grades DDD plus grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: This BTEC must be QCF in Applied Science with grades DDD plus grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready. ___________________ STANDARD: If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC, which is QCF or RQF National then you must achieve grades DDD and grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: If you are studying a non-science subject in this BTEC, which is QCF or RQF National, then you must achieve grades DDD and grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the cr
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4
Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with 5 subjects at Higher Level. Must achieve H3, H3, H3, H3, H4 and includes one core science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics at grade H3 or above.
Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above which must include Mathematics and English. Please note that we do not accept Key Skills or Functional Skills in place of these.
DD
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grade B at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC you must also achieve grade C at A Level in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
B,B,C
must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.
D
STANDARD: With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Levels, including one science subject in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. CONTEXTUAL: With this BTEC, you must also achieve grades BC in two A Levels, including one science subject in either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. Contextual offers are made as part of Aston University's Aston Ready Scheme. Please see the criteria and further details at https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready.
B,B,B
B,C,C
BBB in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics. BBC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics plus grade B in an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or Core Maths. BCC in three A Levels which must include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics for Contextual Offer students (more details https://www.aston.ac.uk/undergraduate/contextual-offer-aston-ready). RESITS: We welcome applications from students who have retaken exams to improve their grades. Only the highest grades achieved will be considered and resit applications are treated the same as all others. PREDICTIONS AND ACHIEVED GRADES: At Aston University, we are committed to an inclusive admissions process, ensuring every applicant has the best possible opportunity. While our listed grades are the official entry requirements, we understand that predicted grades are estimates. We typically offer candidates predicted to achieve CCC or higher, provided they meet the subject-specific requirements. This approach gives applicants the opportunity to improve upon their predicted grades. However, the offer made will contain the listed grade requireme
Not Accepted
This will accepted in place of one A Level but not in place of the subject specifics stated.
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Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales | £9,535 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |
International | £21,500 | 2025/26 | Year 1 |