Course Overview
Overview
Pharmacology is about the discovery and characterisation of drugs that are used either as medicines or as experimental tools for advancing our understanding of the body in health and disease.
Pharmacology is concerned primarily with the characterisation of the properties and modes of action of drugs and with the discovery of new drugs. The study and practice of pharmacology also includes drug toxicity, the way drugs are used and the processes by which drugs are absorbed, distributed in the body, metabolised and excreted.
This degree programme aims to instil a broad base of knowledge about drugs at the molecular, cellular, tissue and systems level. Additionally, you will gain an in depth understanding of selected aspects of Pharmacology, which reflect the research expertise and strengths of the School e.g. neuropharmacology, cancer and toxicology. This research-led approach delivers a modern, relevant and cutting edge programme equipping graduates with the experience and skills required for success in Pharmacology (and other) careers.
5 year MSci degree
This degree offers you the opportunity to undertake a year’s placement in an industrial, commercial or research environment and graduate after five years with an MSci (an undergraduate Masters degree) instead of a BSc.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
A degree in Pharmacology is taught via a selection of compulsory and optional courses to enhance your learning and prepare you for a future career or further study. In each year you will take courses adding up to 120 credits. Depending on the number of compulsory and optional courses offered by your degree, you can also choose other eligible courses which fit your timetable.
How You'll Study
You will be taught using a variety of methods and styles and we continually seek to make the teaching engaging, exciting and responsive to the latest research in your subject area. The research we carry out in the School directly informs and guides our teaching, particularly in the final Honours year. Our commitment to teaching is recognised by the range of University of Northampton Student-led Teaching Awards given to staff from our School.
As a student, your learning is supported by Northampton, our virtual learning environment from which you can access the lecture Powerpoint slides, online practice tests, links to related reading, and tutorial support material.
We make innovative use of ‘educational voting’ handsets in class, remote control ‘clickers’ that allow each and every student to electronically respond in class by anonymous vote to questions posed by the lecturer.
Your academic development is supported from year 1 through to year 4 by an assigned personal tutor, who acts as adviser and mentor throughout your University career.
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In year 1 you will take courses in Medical Sciences and Chemistry for Life Sciences plus additional courses selected from science and other areas.
Compulsory Courses
- Introduction to Medical Sciences (NT1001) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to the Science of Sport, Exercise and Health (NT1002) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 1 (NT1020) – 15 Credit Points
- The Cell (NT1501) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences 2 (NT1512) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credit points from courses of choice.
In year 2, courses cover Human Physiology. Parallel recommended courses include Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Chemistry combined with courses delivering key skills applicable to Pharmacology.
Compulsory Courses
- Physiology of Human Cells (NT20B2) – 15 Credit Points
- Molecular Biology of the Gene (NT20M3)
- Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2001) – 15 Credit Points
- Physiology of Human Organ Systems (NT25B2) – 15 Credit Points
- Energy for Life (NT25M7) – 15 Credit Points
- Research Skills for Medical Sciences (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
In year 3 courses give you a broad introduction to pharmacology. Laboratory work is carried out largely in groups and provides extensive experience of computer-based techniques for acquisition, manipulation and presentation of scientific material.
Compulsory Courses
- Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology (NT3004) – 30 Credit Points
- Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology (NT3501) – 15 Credit Points
- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology (NT3502) – 15 Credit Points
- Mechanisms of Disease and Principles of Chemotherapy (NT3802) – 15 Credit Points
- Neuroscience Research Topics (NT3804) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
The Honours year aims to explore in depth, specific aspects of pharmacology. An important feature is the ten-week research project, carried out in research laboratories at the University or in local research institutes.
Compulsory Courses
- Advanced Molecules, Membranes and Cells (NT4004) – 30 Credit Points
- Molecular Pharmacology (NT4005) – 15 Credit Points
- Pharmacology Project (NT4501) – 60 Credit Points
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Pharmacology?
- You will receive cutting edge, applicable training and practical experience in classical pharmacology, toxicology and cell and molecular pharmacology.
- The people involved in your teaching are at the forefront of pharmacology research and some may also be involved with successful spin-out companies.
- Pharmacology teaching at the University was graded ‘Excellent’ in the last Teaching Quality Assessment.
- Pharmacologists at the Northampton University have been involved in fundamental scientific discoveries such as morphine-like and cannabis-like substances in the brain.
- The University has been recognised by the British Pharmacological Society as a site of special scientific interest based on its achievements in pharmacology.
- You will receive training in both specialist and employment-related skills.
- The University is one of the top 10 UK Universities for spin-out company formation.
- Award winning research on opioids and cannabinoids was carried out by world-renowned Professors Kosterlitz and Pertwee at the University.
- Equal 1st for overall student satisfaction in pharmacology, National Student Survey 2018
- The Northampton University was named Scottish University of the Year, (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019)
- The Northampton University is a World Top 170 University (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020)
- The Northampton University is a Top 30 UK University, Complete University Guide 2020
- The Northampton University is ranked 13th in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Guardian League Tables 2019
Careers
The degree offers good prospects for research careers in academia, industry, the scientific civil service and hospitals. It can be used as an entry qualification for certain postgraduate courses, including MSc Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology, Endocrinology, Nutrition or IT. Alternatively, it may lead on to careers such as marketing, publishing or teaching.
The degree focusses on developing detailed understanding of all aspects drugs and bioactive substances from discovery through to clinical use, and therefore provides a strong underpinning for many careers including Pharmacy. However, as Pharmacy is a patient-centred regulated health profession, substantial further study is required to account for these aspects which are outside the scope of the Pharmacology degree programme.
Our degree programmes are built to enhance your employability and three flagship options give our degrees a distinctively different flavour from many others. All our degrees offer:
- A 10-week full time research project in the final year which will provide you with valuable experience of working in a medical science research environment
- The option of an industrial placement year and graduation with an undergraduate MSci
- Highly relevant and sought after experience in bio-business aimed at giving you an understanding of the commercialisation of scientific ideas and an opportunity to learn about the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions