Medical pharmacology
Medicines: How are they discovered and developed? Why do we need them? What do they do and how do they work?
Why study with us
Student satisfaction
100% of students were satisfied overall with their course
Excellent career prospects
95% of our Medical Pharmacology students are in employment and/or further study six months after graduating
Excellent teaching
100% of students agreed that staff were good at explaining things
Courses
Entry year
Studying Pharmacology here at Cardiff has been the most rewarding four years of education I've ever had, and I feel incredibly lucky to have been here. The degree scheme offers a unique opportunity for students who wish to launch a career in either science or medicine, whilst maintaining an intimate cohort size so you really feel supported by members of staff.
Find out more about studying medical pharmacology with us
An introduction to our Medical Pharmacology course
Dr Derek Lang, Director of Studies, gives an overview of what you can expect from our BSc course.
How will I learn?
With medicines underpinning healthcare, our BSc programme aims to encourage and develop your natural curiosity about how they work.
As a student you will embark on a high quality, in-depth exploration of modern medical pharmacology, with specialised training in internationally-recognised research laboratories. You will be taught by experts from a team of pharmacologists and clinical pharmacologists.
Throughout the course there is emphasis on providing you with transferable skills such as data analysis and organisational and problem-solving skills, making your degree highly attractive to future employers.
I liked how it incorporates clinical medicine and research, with a lot of practical and supported self-directed learning. A particularly unique part of the course is the ability to also do anatomy within the second year which was one of the reasons I chose the course as I would like to do medicine in the future.
Medical Pharmacology taster lecture
Get an insight into the kind of topics you could cover with us as a Medical Pharmacology student.
Optional professional placement year (PPY)
Between your second and final year why not extend your academic learning to the workplace. This allows you to relate facts and theories to real life issues; provides invaluable employability skills, bolsters future career prospects and imparts a competitive cutting edge in the toughest of work markets.
Continue your studies and become a doctor
Each year up to 10 places are available on the 4 year Graduate Entry Medicine (UCAS A101) scheme, allowing graduates of this BSc programme to go on to become doctors.
Pharmacology has shown me the range of medical fields that you can go into - oncology is not something I would have thought I would love so much but there are so many different options and it enables you to fully think through available opportunities for research/medical practice.
Explore Cardiff University
Our degree programme and information leaflet
School of Medicine Undergraduate Degree Programmes 2026
School of Medicine Undergraduate Degree Programmes 2026
If this document cannot be read by your assistive software, you can request an accessible version by emailing web@cardiff.ac.uk. Please include the assistive tools you use and the format you require.
BSc Medical Pharmacology - information leaflet
Details of our course structure and content.
If this document cannot be read by your assistive software, you can request an accessible version by emailing web@cardiff.ac.uk. Please include the assistive tools you use and the format you require.
British Pharmacological Society support documents
The British Pharmacological Society have a large number of useful resources available for download from their website.
Next steps
View all medical pharmacology courses
Explore our undergraduate courses.
How to apply
Interested in studying with us? Learn more about our application process.
Admissions policies
Everything you need to know about our application process.
Other subjects you might be interested in
Undergraduate
Join a community of open-minded thinkers and doers, where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we’ll work hard to build a better future—for you and the wider world.
Undergraduate prospectus 2025
Order or download a copy of our prospectus, subject brochures and other guides.
Contact us
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