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Pharmacology explores how drugs and medications interact with cells and subcellular components to create beneficial or potentially adverse effects. This program delivers a comprehensive understanding of bioactive compounds, especially those utilized in treating human illnesses. Through rigorous study, you'll acquire skills valued by academic institutions and various industries involved in biomedical research and product innovation. Upon graduation, diverse pathways open up—some pursue advanced postgraduate training for research roles in academia or industry, while others enter pharmaceutical careers or related biomedical sectors. The program primarily cultivates research-oriented scientists, though qualified graduates may also qualify for Cardiff University's four-year Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) program after completing this BSc—note that transferring to Medicine requires finishing this degree first. Key highlights: Instruction by leading medical and biomedical specialists ensures a rich pharmacological education blending foundational science with clinical applications. You'll gain hands-on research experience under globally recognized scientists, lead laboratory/library/data analysis projects, master contemporary pharmacological concepts, and develop skills to design studies while effectively presenting findings. This degree serves as a springboard for scientific advancement. Professional Placement Year (PPY): Opting for a PPY offers invaluable career exposure through positions in pharmaceutical firms, research labs, or similar organizations. This 9-12 month experience enhances employability by teaching data analysis, research methodologies, and potentially business operations. Career opportunities: Graduates enter medical/scientific research, biopharmaceutical industries, or pursue advanced degrees (PhD, Medicine). Others leverage this qualification for dentistry, veterinary science, NHS labs, science communication, patent law, management training, or teaching. Potential roles: Pharmaceutical Researcher, Drug Development Specialist. Placement details: B210 Medical Pharmacology students may apply for the four-year PPY variant, where Year 3 involves professional placement. While coursework mirrors the three-year program, placement arrangements begin in Year 2 with coordinator support—though students must independently secure positions, as the Medical School typically doesn't provide placement opportunities.
A level: AAB-ABB. Must include Chemistry and one other science subject from Biology, Maths, Physics, or Statistics. You will need to pass the science practical element of the A-level if this is part of your programme of study.
International Baccalaureate: 34-32 overall or 666-665 in 3 HL subjects. Must include grade 6 in HL Chemistry and a second science subject at HL. Acceptable second science subjects are Biology, Maths, Physics, or Statistics.
Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.
You must have or be working towards:
English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade B/6 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements.
- GCSE Maths grade B/6 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If you are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.
We do not accept Critical Thinking, General Studies, Citizenship Studies, or other similar equivalent subjects.
We will accept a combination of BTEC subjects, A-levels, and other qualifications, subject to the course specific grade and subject requirements.
GCSE - Grade B or grade 6 in GCSE English Language. IELTS (academic) - At least 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each subskill. TOEFL iBT - At least 100 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill.