Pharmacology with Foundation Year

How are medicines created and how do they affect the human body? Study a practical degree that brings to life concepts you will come across in industry, from drug-receptor theory to the importance and implications of drugs in society. You will explore how new drugs are created, from molecule to new therapeutic agents, and how research informs this.

Preparing you for your future career

You will bring your studies to life by combining theoretical learning with the development of practical laboratory skills. Throughout the course you will explore how pharmacological principles are applied to real-world challenges, including drug action, efficacy, drug discovery and drug design.

Our lecturers are actively involved in research, meaning your learning is informed by the latest developments in pharmacology and biomedical science. During your studies you will have the opportunity to take part in a research project in your area of interest, allowing you to evidence your skills in investigation, data analysis and scientific writing.

You can choose to take a placement year between your second and third year, giving you the opportunity to make valuable industry connections and gain real work experience to strengthen your CV.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will learn through a variety of methods designed to enhance your knowledge and prepare you for your future career, learning methods include:

• Lectures
• Laboratory sessions
• Theory classes
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Debates
• Seminars
• Case studies

How you are assessed 

You will be assessed in a range of ways to allow you to demonstrate your learning. Assessment methods include:

• Essays
• Experimental Reports
• Reflective portfolios
• Case studies
• Group work
• Exams
• Computer based assessments
• Written exams
• Dissertation
• Presentations

Graduate as a highly adaptable scientist, equipped to meet the pharmacology challenges within modern healthcare and research environments. Pharmacology graduates are well placed to enter sectors such as the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, academic and clinical research organisations, regulatory agencies, and healthcare systems. 

You could explore graduate roles such as:

• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry
• Clinical trials associate/ coordinator
• Pharmacovigilance officer
• Regulatory affairs associate
• Post-graduate research training
• Progress to the MSc Biomedical Science or MRes Molecular Medicine
• Research scientist
• Scientific officer in medical laboratories
• Toxicologist
• Academic
• Teaching

The fees for this course will be released once applications are open.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.