Overview

Our Pharmacology BSc will give you a sound understanding of the biological action of drugs and chemicals, the way they work at the molecular, cellular and systemic levels and their use in medicines to treat disease. This course is an ideal foundation for careers in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research or graduate entry into medicine and equips students with transferable skills relevant for work in many other sectors. The course also features options to study abroad or extend to a four-year MSci.

Studying a Biomedical Science degree with us means that you will be able to enjoy the flexibility to choose your degree after your first year with our Common Year One curriculum. All Biomedical Science disciplines are covered in the first year, making the decision for your future an informed one.

You will be able to choose from the following Biomedical Science degrees; Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology BSc, Biochemistry BSc, Biomedical Science BSc, Medical Physiology BSc, Molecular Genetics BSc, Neuroscience BSc, and Pharmacology BSc.

Key benefits

  • King's is ranked Top 10 in the UK for Pharmacy & Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
  • 89% student satisfaction for programme (National Student Survey 2025)
  • Teaching by internationally renowned scientists and researchers
  • Close links with pharmaceutical companies
  • Taught at one of Europe’s largest centre for medical and professional healthcare education
  • One of the UK’s best graduate employment rates
  • Flexible options to tailor your degree through overseas study, or switching to a four-year MSci with an extended research experience
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The flexibility of the Common Year One structure allowed me to study further into aspects of bioscience that correlate with the discipline of pharmacology whilst still maintaining a strong pharmacology focus.
Zayd a student at King's College London who studies Pharmacology BSc
ZaydPharmacology BSc, year 3

Course essentials

Pharmacology is the science of drugs and how they act, including the search for new drugs, investigations into how they can best be used to treat disease, and their effects on the body. Our wide-ranging Pharmacology BSc course has been designed to give you a sound understanding of the biological action of drugs and chemicals, the way they work at the molecular, cellular and systems level and their use in medicines for the treatment of disease.

It is an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or general biomedical research and for graduate entry to medicine. However, the course will also equip you with a range of transferable skills, including data gathering, analysis and interpretation, presentation and team-work that are recognised and valued by employers in both the public and private sector across a variety of industries.

This course forms part of the suite of ‘Common Year One’ courses within the School of Bioscience Education. These comprise: Anatomy, Developmental & Human Biology; Biochemistry; Biomedical Science; Medical Physiology; Molecular Genetics; Neuroscience; Pharmacology. Once you have successfully completed year 1, you can choose to switch to other courses within this suite.

In Year 2, Pharmacology becomes the main focus of study. You may also choose to study abroad at one of our partner institutions for a full year between your second and third years or apply to transfer onto a four-year MSci programme which involves a professional placement year supported by distance learning materials whilst gaining real life work experience in an industrial or academic setting.

In your third year, as well as deepening your understanding of specialist pharmacological areas, you can also undertake project work, either in one of our state-of-the art research laboratories, or in a non-laboratory setting, investigating a diverse range of exciting topics.

Special features

Optional study abroad

Key Information

Course type:

Single honours

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time

Required A-Levels:

AAA

Duration:

Three years or four years with a year abroad, or with an MSci

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026

Application deadline:

13 September 2025

Administrative bodies

Regulating body

Base campuses

King's Open Day Guy's Campus

Guy’s Campus

As a potential student, Guy’s Campus feels dynamic and focused—perfect for health and science studies. Located near London Bridge, it blends cutting-edge labs with a close-knit community, all in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant areas.

Waterloo - students walking

Waterloo Campus

Our Waterloo campus is home to the Florence Nightingale Faculty Nursing & Midwifery, and a vibrant hub for health, social science, and law students. Located moments from the iconic landmarks of South Bank and just a short walk to the Stand campus.