Pharmacology and Physiology: The University of Manchester

Course description

Pharmacology and physiology investigates drugs and their physiological effects on body systems. These programmes provide an opportunity to study these two closely related disciplines, and will equip you for careers in either field, or in areas in which knowledge of both subjects is valuable.

This three-year degree programme provides an opportunity to study these two closely related disciplines, and will equip you for careers in either field, or in areas in which knowledge of both subjects is valuable. You may be able to spend the first semester of your second year on exchange at a university in the USA.

In the final year your personal tutor will help to ensure that your programme of study involves a balance between both subjects. Popular current topics include: Advanced Neuropharmacology, Molecular Physiology, Human Reproductive Biology, Molecular Toxicology, Neurobiology, Renal Physiology, Cardiovascular Studies and Ion Channels and Enzymes as Drug Targets.

Career opportunities

Bioscience graduates from the University of Manchester go into a variety of careers. About half stay in the life sciences and related disciplines, choosing either to study further research or taught courses such as a Masters or PhD, which could lead onto a career in bioscience, or medicine/dentistry degrees. A significant number go on to complete a science teaching qualification, such as a secondary science PGCE. Those that choose a career outside of the life sciences are highly sought after by large multinationals. Graduate programmes in accountancy, finance, law, marketing and publishing are particularly popular choices for graduates from the Faculty who do not wish to stay in science.

Entry requirements

• English language: Either GCSE grade C, IELTS 6.5 (with not less than 6.5 in any component) or an equivalent qualification.
• A level: Grades AAB-BBB. This should include:
  • 1 of Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths and
  • 1 of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geography, Psychology, Environmental Studies or PE.

  General Studies is welcomed, but is not normally included as part of the offer.

• AS level: 2 AS levels are acceptable in place of the third non-science A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: Minimum grade C in English Language and Mathematics.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 35-32 points overall including 5 or 6 points in two sciences at Higher level, normally Biology and Chemistry.