Pharmacology

Are you fascinated by the intricate workings of medicines and their effects on human health? Our Pharmacology BSc investigates some of the most exciting areas of current life sciences research. From understanding how drugs work in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, to exploring emerging technologies in drug development, you will gain the analytical, problem solving, practical and employability skills to pursue careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research or graduate entry into medicine. .

Why choose this course?


• Top 10 in England for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (Guardian University Guide, 2026)



• Focus on the applications of biochemistry, physiology and molecular cell biology to pharmacology and modern drug discovery



• Apply your learning in our state-of-the-art laboratories



• Innovative and authentic assessments are designed to foster creativity, leadership and self-reflection



• Comprehensive programme of academic and professional development workshops to enhance your employability skills



Pharmacology provides a unique opportunity to explore the science behind how drugs interact with the body, and in turn how the body modifies drugs and their role in treating diseases. It’s a field that sits at the heart of pharmaceutical advancements, combining biology, chemistry, and physiology to improve healthcare and save lives.

Studying Pharmacology at Keele provides a diverse and comprehensive coverage of modern biological and chemical sciences with a focus on molecular pharmacology and drug discovery.

Building on this foundation, you will delve into the mechanisms of drug action for treating various conditions, including cardio-metabolic disorders and central nervous system diseases. You will also gain foundations in drug discovery, and explore the concept of selective toxicity, its application in addressing microbial infections, cancer therapies, and the effects of drugs of abuse and poisons.

In your final year you will investigate the drug development pipeline, from drug candidate selection to clinical trials, while developing an awareness of experimental methodologies and ethical considerations. The wider societal impact of pharmacology is also examined, including medicines management and agricultural applications, such as the action and health implications of pesticides.

About Keele
Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Career focused courses, a vibrant student community and a beautiful 600-acre campus – this is Keele.

Whether you’re a passionate natural scientist, or eager to explore law, business, humanities or social sciences, our innovative courses are designed with your future in mind. Many of our courses offer a placement opportunity – just one of our initiatives that prepare you for real-world success.

Recognised for outstanding student experience and teaching quality, we were ranked a Top 10 UK university for student satisfaction across 15 subjects (National Student Survey 2025, broad-based English universities) and achieved Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (2017 and 2023).

Located in the Staffordshire countryside, but within easy reach of a bustling town, vibrant city and our noisy neighbours of Manchester and Birmingham, Keele truly offers the best of both worlds: a close-knit campus community and an exciting local area to explore.

We’d love to see you on campus soon.