Unlike many universities that start with a general core science year, you'll learn pharmacology from the outset. This means you'll be confident going into your placement or research project, knowing you already have two years of specialist knowledge and practical experience.

In your final-year project, you'll put these skills to the test, working in small groups in the laboratory to design and carry out scientific investigations. During your project, you will enhance your practical, analytical and presentational skills as well as gaining essential lab experience ready for your future career.

Our labs reflect the practical settings found in industry. This hands-on approach ensures you'll learn to apply theory to the real world and develop practical competencies for your future career.

During the course, you'll be able to develop your experience in a wide range of traditional and molecular lab techniques, including the opportunity to complete the Home Office Licence Training Course.

'I like the course because there is a focus on lab work and I get placement opportunities at top companies. I've gained a deeper understanding of the drug discovery pipeline and how medicines work.' — Jasmine Sim, MPharmacol Pharmacology

On our BSc course, you can choose to go on placement. These can be in the UK or overseas, and in academia or industry.

As part of the MPharmacol, you’ll undertake a laboratory-based placement in a pharmaceutical company, research institute or university.

Many placements are paid or funded, allowing you to earn valuable income to help support your studies, while increasing your skills and knowledge for future career opportunities.

With over 50 years of experience offering placements and links with some of the world’s leading research institutions and global companies, you can apply for a wide range of professional placements, from lab-based to marketing roles. Some students have even had papers published based on their placement work.

You will receive dedicated support from our specialist placements team when you're looking for, and throughout, your placement.

Our links with industry help ensure the course is well aligned with current developments, so you can benefit from the latest research and discussions in pharmacology. Industrial experts contribute to teaching with guest lectures, exposing you to approaches and techniques applied in the real world of drug discovery.

The industry links also help with placements, projects and career opportunities. Industry links include GSK, AstraZeneca, Heptares, UCB and Boehringer-Ingelheim.

Many of our graduates go on to develop their research career by undertaking a PhD or further postgraduate study. Others enter industry through graduate programmes such as those offered by AstraZeneca and GSK.

We’re ranked top 10 for Pharmacology and Pharmacy in the Complete University Guide 2025, and top 5 in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

We're also ranked 2nd for teaching satisfaction and joint 3rd for career after 15 months for Pharmacology and Pharmacy in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Bath is ranked top 5 for student experience for Pharmacology & Pharmacy in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.