BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Course
options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- Typical Offer
- ABB including Chemistry
- Contextual Offer
- BBC including Chemistry
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
How can we support an ageing population and fight the increasing number of cases of diseases such as cancer? How can we help one in four people suffering from mental health issues? These are just some of the challenges you’ll explore on our pharmacology and drug discovery degree. You’ll be able to apply your passion for chemistry and biology and put it to use for the good of human health, developing the life-changing medicines of the future.
Study at the internationally renowned School of Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Pharmacology, with world-class research in areas such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, antibiotic resistance and tissue engineering. Your instructors will be academic researchers, including pharmacologists, cell biologists, medicinal chemists, and pharmaceutical chemists. They specialize in pharmacology and drug discovery, and they'll teach you everything you need to know.
The course brings together scientific disciplines – biology, chemistry and physical sciences – focusing on disease and medications. Within integrated modules, you’ll study major diseases and the science behind the drugs used to treat them. We also include business studies to provide you with an understanding of management practice focused on the pharmaceutical industry, which are important skills in today’s corporate world. You’ll also learn about designing experiments and how to write reports in the form of scientific papers.
Our Pharmacology Drug Discovery programme is the only BSc of its type in the UK and is innovative in its multidisciplinary approach. You'll explore how drugs fight diseases and, along with drug discovery, you'll learn about the process of designing, synthesizing, and manufacturing new drugs. One of the most exciting parts of the course will be conducting your own original research in a project that you'll do individually. You'll work in a real research lab, which makes it even more special.
Our course is centred around research, which is crucial for Pharmacology Drug Discovery. It's designed to prepare you for a career at the forefront of pharmaceutical research. The course is designed to inform and inspire your journey to becoming a researcher in pharmaceutical sciences, healthcare, and toxicology. You may also pursue careers as analytical chemist, biomedical scientist, or medical sales representative.
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Study and Modules
Structure
In your first year, you’ll gain a solid base for understanding how drugs work, what they target, and how they’re developed. You’ll be introduced to medicinal chemistry, principles of pharmacology and neuropharmacology, drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. You’ll then apply your knowledge in laboratory practicals.
You’ll also take a course in business studies at the Norwich Business School, which will provide you with an understanding of the world of management and the key concepts of management practice.
On top of this, you’ll develop your professional skills – including how to write an eye-catching cover letter and C.V.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year one, you’ll learn about medicinal chemistry, principles of pharmacology and neuropharmacology, drug delivery and pharmacokinetics. We’ll use a range of innovative teaching methods, like lectures, tutorials and practical classes, there’ll be case studies, problem-based learning, team-based learning, presentations and research and business management projects.
Assessment
We use a combination of assessment methods to best reflect each module and what we hope you’ll gain from it. You'll have plenty of chances to practice what you've learned and get ready for assessments. Before the actual assessments, you'll have practice sessions (called formative assessments) where you won't get grades but can learn and improve. You'll also receive feedback on your work to help you get better.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll apply your knowledge to individual systems of the body. You’ll explore topics such as cancer, infectious disease and immunology, plus the diseases and medicines of the cardiovascular, renal and gastro-intestinal systems. In studying the central nervous system you’ll learn about neurodegenerative disease and mental health. You’ll also develop your knowledge and understanding of the principles of medicinal chemistry – how drugs are designed and synthesised. The practical component supports your learning including a series of molecular pharmacology practicals to give you hands-on experience of techniques used in current pharmacological research.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, you’ll study subjects like cancer, infectious diseases and immunology. Additionally, you’ll learn about the diseases and medicines related to cardiovascular, renal and gastro-intestinal systems. In our new state-of-the-art teaching laboratories, you’ll conduct experiments based on the subjects covered in the lecture programme. The sessions will be supervised by your lecturers and postgraduate student demonstrators, who’ll ensure the safe execution of the experiments and discuss the theory behind them.
Assessment
Like year one, we use different assessment methods to evaluate your learning. All along, formative assessments will help you get detailed feedback without being marked.
Structure
In your third year, you’ll apply knowledge gained in years one and two to a final year project, working with a research-active faculty member. Your project will focus on pharmacology, drug design or delivery in one of many areas, including the major contemporary challenges of cancer, inflammation, age-related disorders and epigenetics.
In addition to your final research project, you’ll have the opportunity to select further modules covering a broad range of topics as well as studying more advanced pharmacology including toxicology. And you’ll complete a module in project management, in collaboration with the Norwich Business School. The module will arm you with the key management skills required for your future career, giving you the opportunity to work with a team that manages real projects for external sponsors.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, you'll use what you've learned in the first two years for a big project. You'll team up with a faculty member who's actively involved in research. You'll get to choose from additional modules covering various topics. You'll also delve into more advanced pharmacology, including toxicology.
Assessment
Your optional modules will be assessed similarly to your modules in your first and second years. Your project will be assessed through a combination of written dissertation and presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Chemistry
Contextual offer: BBC including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking and General Studies not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science). BTEC only accepted alongside A level Chemistry at grade B unless the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science). BTEC only accepted alongside A level Chemistry at grade B unless the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus grade B at A-Level OR DDM plus grade B at A-Level Chemistry. BTEC only accepted alongside A level Chemistry at grade B unless the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Diploma: DD in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus grade B at A-Level OR DDM plus grade B at A-Level Chemistry. BTEC only accepted alongside A level Chemistry at grade B unless the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
Extended Certificate: D plus BB at A-Level to include Chemistry. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted.
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as - BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with a Foundation Year
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Chemistry
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Chemistry
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A in Chemistry.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Chemistry
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking and General Studies not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Chemistry
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career in drug design or development, within academia, the health sector or industry.
You could also choose a broader life science career, for example with a grant-funding body, charity, learned society or in academia, regulatory affairs or publishing.
We embed employability skills throughout the course with sessions developing CVs, interview techniques, presentation skills, teamwork, research and business skills.
For entrepreneurial students who want to turn their work into a business in the future, there are dedicated facilities in the Norwich Research Park, with state-of-the-art labs and office spaces right on our doorstep.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Research scientist in industry or university
- Healthcare scientist
- Analytical chemist
- Biomedical scientist
- Medical sales representative
- Toxicologist
Discover more on our Careers webpages.