Pharmacology and Drug Discovery

About this course
Gain an advanced understanding of how drugs interact with receptors, cells, tissues, and whole organisms on this four-year integrated master's degree, which will equip you with a sound scientific knowledge base in pharmacology to FHEQ level 7 and in biochemistry and physiology to at least FHEQ Level 5.

You'll graduate with the research skills that are vital for further study and the tools needed for a broad variety of professions including laboratory-based research, jobs in the pharmacology and neuroscience sector, and the media.

Key features of the course:

• Study in our multi-million pound Life Sciences building, surrounded by researchers who shape the programme with their world-changing research

• Learn the major concepts and principles of pharmacology in years one and two, through core topics, then complete a research project of your own in your third year

• Benefit from the expertise of our teaching staff who are actively involved in pharmacological research, in areas such as nerve damage and recovery, developmental biology, oncology and the development of new antibiotics, which is integrated into our modules

• Have the opportunity between years two and three to spend a year in employment, putting your skills to use in the pharmaceutical industry, or spend a semester at a partner university aboard during year two

• Complete extended projects in a specialised area of your choice as you are taught and work alongside academics who are leaders in their research fields

• Join a University where 96% of Biological Sciences graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support
From day one, you'll join a welcoming and supportive Biological Sciences community home to researchers who are paving the way for advancements in science and eager to share their findings with their peers and our student community. You'll be supported by your personal academic tutor and guided throughout your degree to ensure you graduate primed and ready for your future career in industry, in research, or in further study.

Further information
Biological Sciences programmes at Southampton are accredited by the Royal Biological Society, meaning you'll graduate from a course commended across the sector.

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate.

Year 1: You will acquire the core knowledge in biology, biochemistry, physiology, laboratory practice and problem-solving skills that the scientific foundation required to understand molecular pharmacology. Example of modules you’ll take in part 1: BIOL1024, BIOL1030, BIOL1025

Year 2: In year 2 you will begin your specialization in pharmacology, sharpening your skills and knowledge to an advanced level to understand how drug affect biological pathways, within the context of different pathologies, from the molecular up to the clinical levels. Example of modules you’ll take in part 2: BIOL2058, BIOL2010, BIOL2051

Year 3: In year 3 you will acquire the knowledge necessary to address outstanding research questions in pharmacology, developing specific skills in laboratory and/or computational research, or in (bio)pharmaceutical entrepreneurship, or in science education during a year-long hands-on cap project, working side-by-side with our professional staff and postgraduate teams. Example of modules include BIOL3034, BIOL3058, BIOL3018
Year 4: The integrated MSci will give you an advanced and focused knowledge of pharmacology through both modules and hands-on research, where you will be joining one of our research groups for the year and work on their active research projects. Current and ongoing interest in the areas of neuroscience, cancer biology, viral and pathogens infection, immunology, glycobiology and more. Examples of modules include BIOL6105, BIOL6053, BIOL6013.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

You'll learn, and be assessed, through a range of methods designed to equip you with the skills you need for success after graduating.

The learning activities include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning.

The assessment methods include coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations, written and practical exams.