Dhara
University of East Anglia UEA
Literature and Creative Writing
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Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
- BSc (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14/09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
- Awarded by:
- University of East Anglia
Course summary
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.
The course brings together scientific disciplines – biology, chemistry and physical sciences – focusing on human disease and medications. Within integrated modules, you’ll study major diseases and the science behind the drugs used to treat them. You’ll also learn about designing experiments and writing reports in the form of scientific papers.
Our Pharmacology and 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, synthesising, and manufacturing new drugs. You’ll conduct your own original research in a real research lab.
Our course is centered around research, which is crucial for Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, and will prepare you for a career at the forefront of pharmaceutical research. This engaging course is designed to inform and inspire your journey to becoming a researcher in pharmaceutical sciences, healthcare, and toxicology. You may also pursue other careers such as analytical chemist, biomedical scientist, or medical sales representative.
Disclaimer
Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider's website: www.uea.ac.uk
Modules
The modules you study in Year 1 will provide you with an understanding of how drugs work, what they target and how they are developed. Your first year modules will include Cells, Physiology and Pharmacology and Life Sciences Chemistry. In Year 2, you will build on the knowledge you acquired in your first year, as you begin to apply your knowledge to systems of the body. Modules include, Drug Design and Mechanisms of Drug Action and Gastrointestinal Disease and Cancer. In your final year, you will complete a research project in collaboration with a research active faculty member. You will also have the opportunity to undertake modules such as Advanced Drug Discovery and Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14/09/2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B210
- Institution code:
- E14
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of East Anglia UEA has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- B210
- Institution code:
- E14
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Pharmacology and Drug Discovery at University of East Anglia UEA: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
POWERED BY 
Hi! I'm Dhara, I’m in my third year at UEA and I study English Literature and Creative Writing, having transferred degrees from Psychology. I’m also a student ambassador, student content creator and student of colour ambassador! I'm interested in all things sports, books and creative writing, in particular, historical fiction and fantasy. I also do Taekwondo, having been the Vice-President, Publicity Officer and First Year Representative in my first and second years. Feel free to ask me any questions about my degree, student life, societies/clubs, part time jobs at UEA, advice on starting university and more! Aimée
University of East Anglia UEALiberal ArtsHi! I'm Aimée, a 4th year Liberal Arts with a Year Abroad student at UEA. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about the uni, my studies, student life or anything else. :) Annabelle
University of East Anglia UEAGlobal DevelopmentI’m a mature student studying global development with anthropology with a placement year. I have completed a foundation year and I’m currently in my 2nd year of my degree! I love going out to eat in Norwich, going for cocktails, driving to the beach and charity shopping. Alfie
University of East Anglia UEABiochemistryMy future plans involve working in a lab to progress research in genetic diseases that affect the immune system. This comes from a place of personal interest because I had a chronic genetic disease but am now cured and wish to help on this front by getting into research. Daisy
University of East Anglia UEAAmerican StudiesHi! I'm really interested in the history of American music and how it has shaped, and been shaped by, American culture over time. I also love twentieth century and modern American literature. I started at UEA when I was 22 and I'm so happy I made the decision to come to UEA as a mature student, I'm loving my course and spent a semester studying at a college in Vermont this year! Norwich is a great city and I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about living here! Beth
University of East Anglia UEAArt History and World Art StudiesIn the future I don't know exactly what I want to do but I would like to work in a museum or with conservation. I am currently completing my study abroad in Ghent, Belgium and it has been one of the best opportunities of my life, I have been able to meet people from all across the world and study new and interesting classes. I love crafts, museums and the gym. Ayesha
University of East Anglia UEAMedicineI enjoy developing myself as a student, learning new skills and interacting with people. A favorite pastime of mine is reading, especially thrillers but I'm open to other genres as well. I'm originally from India, specifically from Lucknow, the city of Nawabs (and Tunday kababs), and relish trying new foods and connecting with people from different cultures through their traditions :) Having grown up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that is the place I call home. The links I have to all these different places has given me a broader worldview, and allowed me to experience life from a different lens. Benjamina Efua
University of East Anglia UEAArt History and World Art StudiesBefore starting my PhD I was working in the museum sector, in collections management. I am passionate about heritage and culture, and after graduating I would like to go back to this field. Alexandra
University of East Anglia UEADramaHi, I'm Alexandra and I'm a 2nd year Drama and Creative Writing undergraduate student at UEA. I'm Spanish/Bolivian but have lived most of my life in Bolivia. As someone with a passion for stage and screen, I chose the Drama and Creative Writing course at UEA to develop and acquire more skills that would allow me to succeed in my career path. I am particularly passionate about scriptwriting, acting and filmmaking, so in the future, I hope I can dedicate myself to all of them. I was previously studying graphic design in Bolivia, but I decided to apply to UEA to pursue my goals; however, I still dedicate some time to it because I love it. I also enjoy photography (especially nature photography), drawing and painting, writing and dancing. Amelia
University of East Anglia UEAGlobal DevelopmentHi! I’m Amelia, a second year undergraduate Global Development student at UEA, and the president of Devsoc. Being from Norwich, I know all the best spots, both on-campus and in the city! I would be happy to answer any questions about student life, Global Development, accommodation, campus amenities, Norwich, or anything else :) Albert
University of East Anglia UEAMedicineI'm Albert, a second year medical student at UEA from Vietnam. Outside of academia, I enjoy cycling, playing musical instruments, and walking in nature. Alena
University of East Anglia UEABiological SciencesHi, my name's Alena. I'm a second year student studying Biological Sciences at UEA. I'm loving my time here at university and can't believe it's going by so fast already!
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - 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. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science). Specific modules required (Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis) or A level Chemistry grade B.
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science). Specific modules required (Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis) or A level Chemistry grade B.
Please see UEA website for further information on accepted combinations.
Excludes Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.
Access to HE Diploma - Not accepted
Scottish Higher - AAABB
including A in Chemistry.
Scottish Advanced Higher - BCC
including Chemistry. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
including HL 5 in Chemistry.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Principal subjects and A-level combinations are considered - please contact us.
T Level - M
Accepted Subjects: Health, Healthcare Science and Science.
GCSE Requirements: GCSE English Language grade 4/C and GCSE Mathematics grade 4/C.
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 – please see our website www.uea.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate/contextual-admissions for further information.
We welcome a wide range of qualifications - for further information please visit our website www.uea.ac.uk
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) |
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including speaking, listening, reading and writing)
We will also accept other English language qualifications. Please check our website for details: https://www.uea.ac.uk/apply/our-admissions-policy/english-language-equivalencies
English Language Equivalencies https://www.uea.ac.uk/apply/our-admissions-policy/english-language-equivalencies
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
This course may make contextual offers. This means that we use additional information to understand and recognise your potential to succeed at UEA. Using this insight, we could provide you with an offer with reduced entry requirements to study at UEA. You don’t need to do anything to be considered – if eligible we will process your contextual offer automatically, based on the data we hold in your application. We do not make contextual offers during clearing. Check our website for eligibility.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
- Data from:
- This course and 2 other pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacy courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- A*AA
- Highest grades
- BCC
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| International | £29300 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Tuition fees increase annually for all students in subsequent years of study. Any fee increase is based on the fee for the year that you register. Home undergraduate fees, whose rates are regulated by the UK Government, will be amended in line with any alteration advised by the UK Government. Fees not regulated by the UK Government will increase by a maximum of 4% or RPI-X whichever is the higher. RPI-X is the Retail Prices Index excluding mortgage interest.
For further information about additional costs for your course and information on fee status please see our website.
University of East Anglia UEA
Norwich Research Park
Norwich
NR4 7TJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Service
Email:admissions@uea.ac.uk
Phone:01603 591515
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