Pharmacology (with Foundation Year)

Our passion for pharmacology stretches over half a century of studying drugs and how their application affects the prevention and treatment of disease. This is why we look to the future by emphasising emerging therapeutic strategies and research opportunities on our new, revamped course. Our pharmacology degree offers a solid foundation for understanding pharmacology and its impact on healthcare.

Our comprehensive pharmacology BSc programme is designed to meet the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry, combining cutting-edge research with practical application to prepare graduates for successful careers in drug development and therapeutic innovation.

Our lecturers' calibre has been recognised by the British Pharmacology Society (BPS) with the 2014 Rang Prize for excellence in pharmacological teaching. They will give you a thorough introduction to every area of pharmacology through our diverse and flexible approach. If you're exploring clinical pharmacology or the broader aspects of the field, this pharmacology course will prepare you for a variety of pharmacology career opportunities.

As a pharmacology undergraduate student, you'll have access to personalised mentorship from award-winning faculty members who are actively engaged in groundbreaking research across multiple therapeutic areas.

A foundation year at the University of East London (UEL) is more than just an extra year—it’s your pathway to success. It helps you adjust to university life, build confidence, and develop essential skills for levels 4-6 of your chosen degree. With dedicated support, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to thrive in your studies and future career while becoming part of a supportive community.

Foundation Year
Modules include Mental Wealth and Professional Fitness, Health and Education Study Skills, Health and Education Analytical Skills, Media and Communication Skills, and Fundamental Chemistry and Biology. The year builds essential knowledge and skills for biosciences, including maths, ICT, biology, chemistry, and physics, with an optional short work placement for early industry exposure.
Year 1
Students complete modules in Professional Practice in Science (Mental Wealth), Essential Chemistry, Cell Biology, Introduction to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fundamentals in Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Fundamentals in Microbiology. This year provides a core scientific foundation with practical lab skills and academic development. A short work placement is available as an optional module.
Year 2
Core modules include Infection and Immunity, Physiological Regulation, Fundamental and Experimental Pharmacology, Drug Discovery, Development and Regulation, Cellular Biochemistry, and Research & Career Development (Mental Wealth). Students may also opt for a short work placement or a year-long sandwich placement for applied learning in a professional setting.
Year 3
Final-year modules include Neuropsychopharmacology and Emerging Therapeutics, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Pharmacology, Immunopharmacology and Chemotherapeutics, Toxicology, New Frontiers in Pharmacology, and a Research Project with a Career Enhancement Portfolio (Mental Wealth). An optional short work placement further supports graduate employability.

For more information about individual modules, please visit our course pages via the link below.

We'll assess you with a mixture of coursework and exams. Coursework includes essays, research reports, group and seminar presentations and a final-year project. Most of the assessment in your first year is by coursework and we'll give you as much feedback as possible.

Year 1 - 58% Portfolio/Coursework, 42% Laboratory/Practical/ICT
Year 2 - 35% Portfolio/Coursework 32% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 25% Laboratory/Practical/ICT, 8% Group Project/Presentation
Year 3 - 57% Portfolio/Coursework, 28% Written Exam/Timed Assessment, 10% Case Study/PBL, 5% Group Project/Presentation
You'll always receive detailed feedback outlining your strengths and how you can improve. We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 14 working days, although you will receive immediate feedback following many of our face to face assessments.