Woman in white coat in a lab

Available with:

  • Foundation year

Course Summary

Study the process of new drug discovery and the development of therapies for treating human disease on our Pharmacology degree. Pharmacology is a science central to modern medicine. Understanding the causes and progression of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, asthma and HIV, can inform our approaches to designing effective drug molecules and relieving symptoms, or treating disease. This course takes a modern approach to studying drug design, with many different pathways.

Pharmacology is taught by enthusiastic academic and professional staff who will provide continuous support throughout your studies at Chester Medical School. They are research active and continually strive to promote new thinking and discovery; publishing research findings and discussing their work at national and international conferences. You will have the opportunity to join a research team to undertake your research dissertation in the final year. Our pharmacology graduates are highly sought after in medical research laboratories and in the pharmaceutical industry.


What you'llstudy

Module content:

  • Reading and writing critically.
  • Constructing and evaluating an argument.
  • Note-taking techniques for reading and listening.
  • Understanding plagiarism and academic integrity.
  • Introduction to reflective practice.
  • Preparing for, and delivering, powerpoint presentations.
  • Referencing and citation.
  • Summarising and paraphrasing written sources.
  • Literature searching.
  • Report writing.
  • The culture and expectations of higher education.
  • The assessment process including the role of assessment criteria and feedback.
  • The nature of research journal publishing.

Whilst much of the content above is generic, students will be encouraged to situate skills within the context of the undergraduate discipline they are entering, which leads to some variation in emphasis for certain skills.


Module aims:

1.To raise awareness of the range of study skills required for successful higher education studies, including the process of academic writing, reading strategies, seminar skills, organisation of time and materials, planning for and meeting deadlines, understanding and responding to feedback.

2. To introduce students to concepts such as plagiarism, academic integrity and appropriate use of artificial intelligence tools.

3. To facilitate an effective transition into higher education by exploring, and providing guidance in, the key elements of successful undergraduate studentship including students' understanding of taking responsibility for their own learning.

4. To teach students how to undertake a literature, visual or data review for their discipline and be able to differentiate between a valid, reliable source and an unsubstantiated or irrelevant source.  

Module content:

  • Research and planning skills.
  • Becoming familiar with topics that comprise their undergraduate degree subject.
  • Developing a knowledge base for a discipline of study.
  • Identifying areas of interest.
  • Application and development of critical analytical skills.
  • Development of self-directed study.
  • Use of learning resources.

Module aims:

1. To develop students' skills in planning and writing an essay.

2. To familiarise students with the process of tutor supervision for a written piece of work.

3. To give students an opportunity to focus on a topic within their undergraduate degree subject.

4. To write a piece of work that allows the student to broaden and deepen knowledge on a topic of their choice.

5. To prepare and deliver an academic poster presentation outlining the student's research topic.

Module content:

  • Cells and organ systems
  • Biologically important molecules and their role in physiological function
  • Inheritance and selection
  • Causes of disease and the maintenance of health
  • The role of biotechnology in contemporary biology
  • Biology in forensic science

Module aims:

  1. To facilitate an understanding of biologically important molecules and their roles in cells.
  2. To provide an introduction to some key physiological processes, the organ systems involved and their control via hormonal, nervous and genetic systems.
  3. To foster an understanding of how organisms interact with their environment and vice versa, and the short and long-term consequences of these interactions.
  4. To apply biological knowledge in the interpretation and analysis of contemporary biological contexts.

Module content:

  • Defining health in the 21st century
  • Culture and health 
  • The biomedical, social and biopsychosocial models of health
  • Health inequality: definition, examples and impact
  • Current health issues
  • The emergence of the UK National Health Service
  • Health promotion 
  • Individual Health behaviours 
  • Introduction to reflective theories (Nurses and Social Workers only)
  • Introduction to big data (Life Sciences)

Module aims:

1. To introduce students to the social, biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health.

2. To explore contemporary issues in health care.

3. To consider the impact of inequality on health.

4. To explore examples of health promotion.

 

 

Module content:

  • Fractions, ratios and percentages
  • Standard form, significant figures and scientific units and notation
  • Errors and inaccuracies
  • Basic algebra and its use in units and indices
  • Shapes, volumes and area
  • Graphs and equations of a line
  • Using arithmetical functions in laboratory applications
  • Statistics – variation and averages
  • Statistical tests and their uses in the life sciences
  • Symmetry in living systems
  • Logs, exponential growth and rates of change

Module aims:

1. To provide a foundation-level knowledge of mathematics in preparation for progression to Level 4 of a Life Science degree.

2. To introduce students to fundamental concepts within maths using a selection of applications relevant to Life Sciences.

 

Module content:

  • Atomic structure and its influence on properties of elements
  • Bond formation in chemical compounds
  • Intermolecular forces and their effects on properties
  • Calculating amounts in chemical reactions
  • Carbon chemistry, functional groups and isomerism
  • Rates of reaction
  • Enthalpy change in reactions
  • Equilibria
  • Acids, bases and buffers
  • Energy transfers in living systems
  • Techniques in biochemical analysis

Module aims:

  1. Develop an understanding of the arrangement of subatomic particles in atoms, and how these influence the properties and chemical behaviour of substances
  2. Develop practical laboratory skills and procedures, including calculations of amounts
  3. Understand the importance of carbon chemistry to living organisms
  4. Describe energy changes that take place in reactions and the mechanisms of energy transfers in living systems
  5. Describe the underlying scientific concepts and applications of some modern analytical techniques in biochemistry

In Year 1, you will gain an understanding of fundamental concepts such as biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, and physiology. You will also gain core knowledge and competency within a lab environment.

Module content:

The biology of cells of higher organisms to include their structure and function and synthesis of cell membranes and cell organelles.

Transport of molecules in, out and around the cell; endocytosis, exocytosis, vesicular transport, membrane receptors and intracellular signalling.

The cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix and movement of cells.

The cell cycle and its regulation.

Stem cells and differentiation.

Cell death.

Genetic basis of cancer and personalized treatment.


Module aims:

The module aims to give an understanding of the structure and function of eukaryotic cells, how they are regulated and some of their basic functions. 

Module content:

Mendelian genetics.

Cytogenetics. 

Modern evolutionary theory.

Molecular genetics.

Transcription and translation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Regulation of gene expression.


Module aims:

The module is designed to provide students with an understanding of:

the basic principles and concepts in classical and modern genetics.

the application of genetic analysis to human disease.

bacterial genetics.

the processes of gene transcription and translation and how they are regulated in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Module content:

The study of the systems of the body at the organ and cellular level to include:

Nervous system.

Cardiovascular system.

Musculoskeletal system.

Digestive system.

Respiratory system.

Renal system.

Reproductive system.

Study the interdependence of the various systems in health and how homeostasis is maintained.

How cells communicate and send signals to other cells, hormones, cytokines, electrical impulses.  


Module aims:

To give the student a thorough knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the human body and how it works in health and how that healthy state is maintained at both organ and cellular level.

Module content:

Literature & referencing skills

  • Types of scientific literature and different writing styles
  • Literature searching skills
  • Reading academic literature
  • When and how to reference (APA referencing style)
  • Use of reference management software (e.g. EndNote)

Numerical skills

  • Basic laboratory maths

Practical, analytical and data-interpretation skills

  • Laboratory health and safety regulations
  • Basic laboratory practical skills and techniques
  • Recording and analysing data in the laboratory
  • Data entry and spreadsheet design (Excel)
  • Statistics – statistical significance and basic statistical tests
  • Data entry and statistical analysis using appropriate software (e.g. SPSS or Jamovi)
  • Interpretation of statistical analysis

Communication, presentation and IT skills

  • Data presentation
  • Forms of academic writing within life sciences and the use of appropriate scientific language
  • Report writing (Word processing)
  • Oral presentation skills
    (PowerPoint including audio capture function)
  • Poster presentations

Professional development skills

  • Independent and group work
  • Time management
  • Note-taking skills
  • Revision skills
  • Professional practice
  • CVs, cover letters and interviews 

Module aims:

The main aim of this module is to introduce and develop skills relevant to life science students with a specific focus on the following areas: literature and referencing, numerical skills, practical and data-analysis skills, communication and IT skills and professional development skills. The module provides students with the opportunity to understand and develop key skills and concepts required to support the material covered in other modules at Level 4 and in preparation for more advanced study at levels 5 and 6.

 

Module content:

Module contents

  1. An overview of the chemical components of the cell
  2. Amino acids and proteins
  3. Lipids and carbohydrates
  4. Energy in Biochemistry - thermodynamics, bioenergetics and the role of ATP
  5. Properties of enzymes
  6. Principles of metabolism and regulation
  7. Glucose metabolism -glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and the Krebs cycle,
    etc
  8. Mitochondria and the electron transport chain
  9. Spectroscopic techniques in biochemistry – UV-visible, fluorescence IR, NMR and Mass Spectrometry
  10. Protein structure and function
  11. Protein and DNA purification methods

Module aims:

The module is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the structure, properties and function of biologically important macromolecules. It will also provide them with the concept of bioenergetics, enzymes and metabolism. additionally the use of spectroscopy in biochemistry and how macromolecules are purified will be covered. 

Module content:

Introduction to Physical chemistry

  • Introduction to reaction kinetics
  • Thermochemistry
  • Chemical equilibria
  • Gibbs energy and entropy

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

  • Organic nomenclature, structure and reactivity
  • Introduction to fundamental reaction mechanisms

Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry

  • Introduction to structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry
  • Structure of simple solids and materials
  • Acids and bases

Introduction to Analytical Chemistry

  • Introduction to concepts in measurement
  • Standardisation and calibration
  • Introduction to qualitative and quantitative analysis, including dealing with experimental uncertainty.

Practical chemistry

  • Experimental techniques and laboratory safety
  • Recording observations and writing reports
  • Understanding experimental uncertainty

Module aims:

The Chemistry Fundamentals module aims to provide a broad introduction of the basics of theoretical and practical chemistry across organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry. The module is evenly split between practical and classroom and will introduce the basics techniques of laboratory chemistry and an introduction to recording experimental data and writing of reports apply the theories introduced in the classroom and the directed reading.

Year 2 introduces pharmacology, toxicology and medicinal chemistry, and covers more advanced topics in pharmacology. You will enhance your laboratory and research skills whilst gaining a deeper understanding of pathological processes and therapeutic approaches.

Module content:

    • The nature of disease and pathology
    • Tissue damage and cell death processes
    • Basics of cancer biology, cancer detection and treatment
    • Haematology (functions & dys-functions of the blood)
    • Ageing and age related disease
    • Cardiovascular disease and obesity
    • Role of reactive oxygen species and cytokines in disease
    • Pregnancy related complications.

Module aims:

The module is intended to provide students with an introduction to the biology of disease that is applicable to human science. It will:

  • Develop understanding of fundamental concepts of aetiology, pathology and epidemiology which may be applied in further studies.
  • Review the causes and effects of a range of significant diseases, especially those prevalent in the UK.
  • Provide an opportunity for students to develop written and presentation skills.
  • Provide an opportunity to take on self-directed research of relevant topics.

Module content:

Module content

  1. Overview of metabolic regulation
  2. Carbohydrate metabolism
  3. Amino acid metabolism and the Urea cycle
  4. Lipid metabolism and nucleotide metabolism
  5. The pentose phosphate pathway and its role in red blood cells
  6. Methods of studying metabolism and metabolomics
  7. Rate controlling steps in metabolism
  8. Allosteric enzymes and covalent modification
  9. Metabolic control by hormones
  10. Whole body metabolism and the role of the liver
  11. Blood lipids in health and disease
  12. Inborn errors in metabolism
  13. Obesity and diabetes
  14. Metabolic related clinical case studies

Module aims:

This module aims to provide the student with an understanding of key biochemical concepts such as regulation of enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways (carbohydrate, protein and lipids), metabolic regulation, and pathological metabolism (including inherited metabolic diseases). The practical work aims to give students an opportunity to further investigate and reinforce knowledge of key lecture biochemical topics through practical sessions.

 

 

Module content:

• Review of the major disease processes and their descriptive terminology.

• Risk factors for, classification and aetiology of the major diseases (e.g. disorders of the immune system, organ dysfunction, cancer).

• Clinical assessment, diagnosis and treatment interventions (medical and surgical) in the management of major diseases and disorders.

  • Biochemical tests for selected disorders of organ function and human biochemistry.
  • Interpretation of histological sections.

• Integration of physiological systems and their impact on disease progression and management, including monitoring of measurable outcomes.

• Specific classes of therapeutics, mode of action, distribution, metabolism, elimination.


Module aims:

A detailed understanding of diagnostics and medicine in a clinical setting.

An understanding of major diagnostic methods, therapeutic interventions and treatment strategies.

An appreciation of current research which underpins the evaluation and development of drugs in clinical and experimental settings.

The module will communicate pharmacological and bioanalytical knowledge relevant to the Biomedical Scientists and Health Care Professional.         

Module content:

Support lecture programme (which will include seminars and interviews).

Programme will include standard operating procedures (SOPs), Health & Safety (COSHH, Risk Assessments), reflective writing, time and record keeping.

Specialised lectures on career pathway guidance in academia, research, industry/ NHS opportunities.

The laboratory sessions will cover the following Pathology disciplines:

Clinical Biochemistry.

Haematology & Blood Transfusion Medicine.

General Microbiology & Medical Microbiology.

Virology.

Immunology.

Histology & Cytopathology.

Databases and Bioinformatics.

During the self study period, students will be expected to complete a professional skills log and write up their laboratory reports.


Module aims:

To develop an understanding of regulatory issues, health and safety, and the application of academic knowledge in a pathology and general laboratory context.

Students will gain experience of applying and developing skills in an appropriate and relevant setting to make students increasingly responsible for their own learning and encourage them to value and evaluate learning through experience.

Module content:

General pharmacology and toxicology

  •            Definitions and aims
  •            Experimental methods
  •            Data acquisition and extrapolation
  •            Mathematical models

Pharmaco- and toxicodynamics

  •            Drug/receptor interactions
  •            Dose/response curves
  •            Principles of cell signalling

 

Pharmaco- and toxicokinetics

  •            Introduction to ADME processes
  •            Biotransformations
  •            PKPD models
  •            Dose and dosage calculations

 

Overview of dosage forms


Module aims:

This modules is designed to complement MD5018-Diagnostics and Therapeutics and will provide students with a sound understanding of the basic principles of cellular communication; that is, the concept of receptors and how their interaction with endogenous ligands and synthetic drugs/poisons is measured.

Approximately 50% of the module will cover key aspects in pharmacokinetics, which are pivotal in determining dose, dosage, and dosage form to administer, as well as introducing concepts that will be expanded at level 6 in MD6035, MD6036, and MD6037.

Module content:

The module will introduce the students to the history of medicinal plants and their status globally.

The module will cover a brief introduction to natural products and also introduce students to the ethnopharmacological concepts, remedies and phytotherapy, and political challenges that currently exist.

The module will introduce the students to the basics of medicinal chemistry, pharmacognosy and the drug preparation techniques used with respect to natural products will be considered in this module.

Practical: Throughout the course, students will engage in a project that flows from extraction, identification, and qualitative analysis of molecules and secondary metabolites to an oral presentation.


Module aims:

This modules is designed to complement MD5018 and MD5029 and will provide students with a sound understanding of the 

  1. This module is designed to complement MD5018 and MD5029 and will provide students with a sound understanding of the basic principles of medicinal chemistry.
  2. This module aims to provide students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the aspects of preparation, extraction, and synthesis of natural products.
  3. Introduce the students to the idea of structure-activity relationship by analysing the molecular properties of natural and synthetic compounds and their pharmacologic activity.
  4. Enhance the students understanding of key (bio)synthetic steps involved in the production of natural products.
  5. These principles are transferable to other areas of chemistry and pharmacology and will be pivotal in the Level 6 module MD6035-Drug discovery and design.

In Year 3, you will heighten your awareness of current advances in the field of pharmacology. During your dissertation project, you will be able to specialise and focus on a specific area of interest within pharmacology.

Module content:

Content will include some or all of the following:

1. Toxins and Toxicity - definitions and classification

2. Toxicity testing procedures and terminology. Toxicity data analysis and limitations.

3. Responses to toxicant exposure and levels of organisation. Inter and intra-specific variation, genetics and environment.

4. Metabolism of toxins. The central role of the liver and liver damage.

5. Metabolism of toxins. The cytochrome P450 system. Detoxification and excretion.

6. Case studies of selected toxicants: distribution, mode of action, metabolism and detection.

7. Xenobiotics e.g. dioxins and PCBs

8. Synthetic insecticides e.g. organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides

9. Biotoxins e.g. Botulinum, algal toxins, ricin, aflatoxins

10. Heavy metals. e.g mercury, cadmium, lead

11. Forensic applications - Analytical technologies for scene of crime and counter-terrorism.


Module aims:

To develop an understanding of the mechanisms of toxic action.

To appreciate the importance of metabolism and genetics in the response of individuals to toxin exposure.

To develop an understanding of the analytical techniques and their deployment relevant to the field of forensic toxicology.

Module content:

The module offers students the opportunity to engage in extensive independent study with supervision from a tutor/s. Primary scientific sources should be used to a significant extent in addition to a thorough grounding in the secondary literature.

Students will be given an introduction to the Dissertation during the Professional Skills modules, where guidance will be given on procedures that need to be carried out before any data is collected, e.g. ethical permission and risk assessment.

In Level 6 a small number of lectures will take place during the module to advise on what is expected of students, how to present data and organise work. Students will mainly be prepared for the dissertation during modules in levels 4 and 5.


Module aims:

To enable the student to engage in empirical research and interpretation of a selected topic relevant to their programme of study through the scholarly use of primary and other sources.

Module content:

1- Principles and practice of clinical immunology, screening and diagnostics

2- Immune diseases and their mechanisms, including systemic and organ specific disorders

3- Immunology of body systems, including neuroimmunology and pregnancy

4- Primary and secondary immunodeficiencies

5- Immunology of tumours and neoplastic diseases and Immunotherapy.

6- Transplantation.

7- Prevention and Therapy of Immunologic Diseases.

 

 


Module aims:

The aim of the module is to give students an appreciation of the specialist area of clinical immunology in the biomedical sciences. The module will encompass various aspects related to clinical immunology such as the immunological basis of systemic and organ specific disorders, clinical signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Module content:

This module introduces students to the basic principles of drug discovery and design and assesses their knowledge in the application of these principles in the design and optimisation of these compounds.

The module will cover the following topics split into two sections of drug discovery and drug design.

Students will be tutored on the history of drug discovery and the significant milestones.

The module will also introduce students to the screening systems used in drug discovery.

The development from discovery through the bench to the bedside will also be elaborated upon.

The module will delve further into the design of these compounds starting with the classic targets including proteins and the resultant effects on these targets.

The module will introduce students to molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design.

Newer drug delivery platforms and advanced therapies (pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics) will be introduced to the students.


Module aims:

This module aims to introduce pharmacology students to the basic processes underlying drug discovery and drug design, from lead identification to drug optimisation including the role of genetics in these processes. The drug discovery section will provide the rationale behind drug discovery strategies, as well as elements of regulatory milestones. The drug design section will allow students to understand the key parameters that dictates the physicochemical properties and the mechanism of action of selected drugs. Moreover, students will be able to use modern tools in computer-aided drug design and optimise the structure of simple lead compounds.

Module content:

Up to 25 hours lectures / small group discussions that comprises of:

Genomic sequencing and analysis

General principles of transmembrane signalling

Receptors: protein structure

G-proteins and GPCRs interactions

Properties of ion channels

Intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis

Phosphoinositide signalling: phospholipase C, Ca2+ and protein kinase C, PI3Kinase and their role in intracellular membrane trafficking.

Action of inactivation of second messengers

Receptor tyrosine kinases & receptor tyrosine phosphatases

Signalling via nuclear receptors

Cross talk and transactivation of signalling pathways

Mass spectrometry analysis

Cell signalling in cognitive disease

Cancer therapeutics


Module aims:

The module aims to:

  • Provide an integrated treatment of the biochemical / molecular basis of signalling processes downstream of diverse extracellular stimuli,
  • Emphasize signalling pathways which are mediated by cell-surface receptors.
  • Provide an introduction to methodologies and data analysis of cell signalling experiments
  • Develop skills in presenting data from research fields

How you'll learn

Teaching on the course comprises of a diverse range of methods and styles including lectures, small group tutorials, seminars, computer-based workshops, laboratory practical sessions, e-learning, and problem-based learning.

Learning is assessed by an equal balance of examinations and coursework. Coursework assessments may consist of laboratory reports, data handling exercises, essays and poster and oral presentations, allowing for a full range of skills to be developed.

The end-of-module assessment is normally by examination, consisting of a combination of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and both short and long answer questions.

Entry Requirements

112UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 112 points
GCE A Level Typical offer – BCC-BBC
Must include A Level Chemistry
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science - as long as there are sufficient Chemistry units): DMM
International Baccalaureate 28 points, including 5 in HL Chemistry

Irish / Scottish Highers

Irish Highers: H3 H3 H3 H3 H4, including H3 in Chemistry
Scottish Highers: BBBB including Chemistry
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma (Science), to include 45 credits at level 3, of which 30 must be at Merit or above, including 15 in Chemistry 
T Level T Level Science - Merit
OCR Cambridge Technicals OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): DMM
Extra Information Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs.

Students from countries outside the UK are expected to have entry qualifications roughly equivalent to UK A Level for undergraduate study and British Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) for postgraduate study. To help you to interpret these equivalents, please click on your country of residence to see the corresponding entry qualifications, along with information about your local representatives, events, information and contacts.

We accept a wide range of qualifications and consider all applications individually on merit. We may also consider appropriate work experience.

English Language Requirements

  • IELTS Academic: Undergraduate: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each band)
  • Postgraduate: 6.5 (minimum 5.5 in each band)

For more information on our entry requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

72UCAS points

UCAS Tariff 72 points
GCE A level 72 points overall, including grade D in A level Chemistry
BTEC BTEC Extended Diploma (Applied Science - as long as there are sufficient Chemistry units): MMP
International Baccalaureate 24 points, including 4 in HL Chemistry
Irish / Scottish Highers Irish Highers: H4 H4 H4 H4 H4, including Chemistry
Scottish Highers: CCDD including Chemistry
Access requirements Access to HE Diploma (Science) – Pass overall including 15 Chemistry units 
T Level T Level (Science): Pass (D or E on the core)
OCR Cambridge Technicals OCR Extended Diploma (Applied Science): MMP
Extra Information Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced and A level General Studies will be recognised in our offer.  We will also consider a combination of A Levels and BTECs/OCRs. If you are a mature student (21 or over) and have been out of education for a while or do not have experience or qualifications at Level 3 (equivalent to A Levels), then our Foundation Year courses will help you to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to succeed in your chosen degree. 

Fees and Funding

£9,535per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for Home students entering University in 2025/26 are £9,535 a year, or £1,590 per 20-credit module for part-time study.

You can find more information about undergraduate fees on our Fees and Finance pages.

Students from the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey, Jersey and the Republic of Ireland are treated as Home students for tuition fee purposes.

Students from countries in the European Economic Area and the EU will pay International Tuition Fees.

Students who have been granted Settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans.

Students who have been granted Pre-settled Status may be eligible for Home Fee Status and if eligible will be able to apply for Tuition Fee Loans.

£14,450*per year for a full-time course (2025/26)

The tuition fees for international students studying Undergraduate programmes in 2025/26 are £14,450 per year for a full-time course. This fee is set for each year of study.

The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee. You will automatically be considered for these scholarships when your application is reviewed, and any award given will be stated on your offer letter.

For courses with a Foundation Year, the tuition fees for Year 1 are £10,750 and £14,200 for Years 2-4 in 2025/26.

For more information, go to our International Fees, Scholarship and Finance section.

Irish Nationals living in the UK or ROI are treated as Home students for Tuition Fee Purposes. 

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Who you'll learn from

Dr Mohammed Amali

Senior Lecturer
Dr Mohammed Amali

Where you'll study Exton Park, Chester

Your future career

Job Prospects

This course has a strong practical focus, allowing you to develop the lab skills you need to become an employable pharmacology graduate. Laboratory practical sessions will be delivered in modern, spacious teaching laboratories. The degree is designed to give students the opportunity to undertake a career in molecular life sciences, particularly at MSc and PhD levels. Students will also be prepared for working in pharmaceutical companies or in biology/ biochemistry laboratories thanks to the wide range of techniques covered in the programme.

Progression options

  • Biomedical Science MSc
  • Biotechnology MSc
  • Cardiovascular Disease MSc
  • Diabetes MSc
  • Exercise Medicine MSc, PGDip, PGCert
  • Haematology MSc
  • Infection and Immunity MSc
  • Medical Genetics MSc
  • Medical Science MRes
  • Oncology MSc
  • Orthopaedics MSc
  • Physician Associate Studies MSc
  • Respiratory Medicine MSc
  • Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine MSc

Careers service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs and postgraduate study.