Course Overview
Course summary
Our degree courses with foundation year offer the opportunity to prepare you for advanced study before you progress onto a full honours degree at the University of Westminster. Whether you do not feel ready for degree-level study, don’t have the right qualifications, want to change your subject specialism or return to study after an absence from education, we aim to encourage a broad range of students to undertake our foundation year in order to progress onto their full honours degree with us.
The foundation year is designed to give you the opportunity to explore new ideas, opening up new perspectives on the key debates within your chosen field. Core modules accelerate your academic and professional development and you will also take modules from areas closely related to your chosen field, giving you the chance to develop a cross-disciplinary perspective on your course.
On successful completion of the foundation year, you will be able to move on to study for the Pharmacology and Physiology BSc Honours degree.
Pharmacology and physiology are two closely related disciplines. Pharmacology is the study of drug action and how medicines may modify disease states. Physiology is concerned with how the body and its systems are controlled, and in the changes that lead to disease states (pathophysiology).
This course will provide you with a sound understanding of the biological action of drugs and other biomolecules at the whole-body, tissue, cellular and sub-cellular levels, and their uses as medicines for the treatment of disease. It provides an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research, academia, the Scientific Civil Service and healthcare provision.
Opportunities exist for you to enhance your practical and related transferable skills within our research laboratories. Teaching is informed by high-quality research in relevant cognate areas, within the department.
In addition, new students will benefit from our use of the APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform, as an exciting novel teaching tool.
The Pharmacology and Physiology BSc will enable you to acquire a broad understanding of the normal and abnormal physiological function, including the biology of representative disease states.
You'll become proficient in explaining and applying information about the mode of therapeutic action, undesirable and toxic effects, absorption, distribution and elimination of exemplar drugs. You'll also develop the problem-solving skills and research strategies necessary to evaluate, critically appraise and systematically review pharmacology and physiology.
The learning and teaching strategies include a mixture of formal contact – such as large and small group lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, laboratory practical sessions and demonstrations – as well as independent work and online support activities.
Top reasons to study with us
- Build a successful career – this course will give you the knowledge and skills for a career in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research
- Make the most of our facilities – develop your skills in our fully equipped laboratories, and benefit from our APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform
- Learn from our expert teaching staff – teaching is informed by high-quality research, delivering the forefront of current and cutting-edge science to students
Course structure
The following subjects are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Subjects of study include:
- Biology
- Bioscience in Action
- Chemistry
- Critical Thinking for Academic and Professional Development
- Introduction to Academic Practice
- Introduction to Physiology
Credit Level 3
Subjects of study include:
- Applications of Biological Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biological Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Fundamentals of Pharmacology
- Human Physiology
- Professional Development in Science (PRoDS)
- Science: History Philosophy and Practice
Credit Level 4
Subjects of study include:
- Bioinformatics
- Contemporary Global Challenges in Biology
- Experimental and Therapeutic Pharmacology
- Medical Physiology
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology and Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Research Methods
Credit Level 5
Professional experience or study abroad year
Between Years 2 and 3, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake a professional placement year in industry. Completing the placement year will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Pharmacology and Physiology with Professional Experience.
Alternatively, you can undertake a period of study abroad at one of Westminster’s partner institutions. Successful completion will lead to the final award Bachelor of Science with Honours – Pharmacology and Physiology with International Experience.
Find out more about the costs involved in taking a study abroad or placement year.
Subjects of study include:
- Advanced Physiology and Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
- Drug Discovery: Bench to Bedside
- Final Year Project in Life Sciences
- Global Ethics
- Neuropharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Drug Design and Development
Credit Level 6
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
This programme has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology following an independent and rigorous assessment. Accredited degree programmes contain a solid academic foundation in biological knowledge and key skills, and prepare graduates to address the needs of employers. The accreditation criteria require evidence that graduates from accredited programmes meet defined sets of learning outcomes, including subject knowledge, technical ability and transferable skills.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
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(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm GMT)
Open days
Join us at an open day online or on campus. Get a feel for student life at the University of Westminster and talk to course leaders and our support teams.
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Careers
Develop a successful career
This course provides an ideal grounding for a career in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedical research, the Scientific Civil Service and healthcare provision.
Outstanding facilities
Students can make the most of our facilities, including fully-equipped research laboratories and our APOLLO Patient Care Simulator platform.
Employers around the world
The University’s Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Career development
Graduates of our Pharmacology and Physiology BSc can expect to acquire the core skills required for employment in a variety of settings. Typically, these might include careers in the pharmaceutical industry or other areas of biomedical research, scientific writing, academia, the Scientific Civil Service, Clinical Research bodies and hospital departments.
The course also prepares students for further study (MSc, MRes, DPhil, PhD) and careers in academia.
Graduate employers
Graduate pharmacologists and physiologists have an excellent understanding of key bioscience and applied biomedical subjects, and are able to seek careers in:
- NHS and other healthcare bodies
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Scientific journalism and copywriting
- Drug policy, regulation and pharmacovigilance
Job roles
The course prepares graduates for job roles including:
- Clinical trials associates
- Graduate research or management trainees in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Teachers, with expertise in the teaching of the Biological Sciences (after successful completion of a suitable PG teaching qualification)
- Research scientists (following completion of study to MSc, MRes or PhD level)
Many of our graduates also progress to postgraduate education, research degrees and graduate entry medicine (including MSc, MPhil/PhD, MBBS)
International Opportunities
Many of our courses offer international study and work experiences, and the University provides other global opportunities that all students can apply for - so whatever you're studying, you'll have the chance to go abroad.
Opportunities could include:
- Taking part in semester or year-long exchanges at institutions around the world
- Attending an international summer school or field trip
- Developing your CV through volunteering or work placements abroad
International experience broadens horizons, boosts self-confidence, and improves global understanding, alongside being fantastic for your career.
Find out more about our international opportunities, including funding options and where you can go.
Course Leaders
My focus is on transformational learning processes of mentoring, supervision and preceptorship, as they relate to the development of students into (clinical) professionals.
Steve Davis
Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences
Steve is the Course Leader for Foundation in Life Sciences, which includes the Foundation years of the BSc (hons) courses: Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Human Nutrition, Pharmacology and Physiology. A registered practitioner in a CAM therapy, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Steve has wide experience in developing education and training programmes for CAM student practitioners. Steve has a particular interest in designing teaching programmes that bring together the best from traditional sources, and from western science, integrating critical thinking into CAM practice. Steve focuses on the development of student-practitioners, embedding evidence-based theory into their therapeutic approaches, and supporting them develop skills as reflectively self-developing professionals able to actively engage in collaborative practice between healthcare providers.
More about meSee full profile of Steve DavisDr Bradley Elliott
Senior Lecturer in Physiology
Bradley studied for a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University of Auckland, New Zealand before completing a Master's of Science (Experimental Medicine) at Université Laval, Canada. He completed his doctorate on human and applied physiology here at the University of Westminster, examining myostatin regulation and muscle atrophy mechanisms during acute hypoxic insult.
Bradley teaches human physiology, scientific communication, and research methodologies across undergraduate and graduate programmes, as well as maintaining an active research programme into muscle atrophy, frailty, and ageing. He is course leader of the Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc and Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSci courses.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Bradley Elliott
I'm a strong believer in research-engaged teaching and therefore embed current research, discoveries, and techniques into this programme's day-to-day activities.
Course Leaders
I am interested in the novel mechanisms of action for existing antiepileptic drugs.
Dr Christopher Biggs
Senior Lecturer
Chris graduated from King’s College London with BSc Pharmacology in 1990, and spent a further nine years at UCL School of Pharmacy, both as doctoral student and postgraduate researcher. Chris joined the University of Westminster in 1999, and from that time on, has worked alongside his colleagues to build the course we offer you now. Aside from his course leadership role, Chris is a key member of the teaching team and delivers a diverse range of high quality, innovative learning material in Pharmacology and Physiology.
More about meSee full profile of Dr Christopher BiggsDr Stephen Getting
Principal Lecturer
Dr Stephen J. Getting is a Principal Lecturer in Pharmacology at the University of Westminster and Co-Course leader of BSc Pharmacology and Physiology.
Dr Getting has over 25 years of experience in unravelling the anti-inflammatory effects of novel endogenous peptides in a model of arthritis, cardiovascular disease, asthma and neuroinflammation.
He graduated from the School of Pharmacy, UCL, and completed a PhD in immunopharmacology at Bart’s and Royal London Medical Schools. He has worked in Industry (Wellcome Research Laboratories), WHRI Contract Research, and Universities, including Monash Medical School, Australia, Kings College London, Imperial College London and University of Naples, Italy, where he held a fellowship.
This has allowed for a multi-discipline research career with over 150 articles published (including 60 full publications), being awarded the Gordon Van Arman Award for Excellence in Inflammation Research from the Inflammation Research Association and Derek Willoughby Young Investigator Award, World Congress on Inflammation. He has acted as a PhD supervisor to 12 students and undertaken PhD/Chaired Examinations at QMUL, the University of Copenhagen and the University of Westminster.
He served on the Schools Research Committee, was the Cell Communication Research Cluster research lead, and returned for RAE/REF in 2008.
Specialties: Dr Getting is an experienced researcher and educator with a strong track record in delivering research outcomes, supervising students, and educating students in pharmacological research. He has strong leadership ensuring goals are met and people reach their full potential, with publications in Nature Medicine, J. Ex. Med, British Journal of Pharmacology, Journal of Immunology, Arthritis and Rheumatism, TIPS and FEBS Letters, FASEB J.
We know what we are, but know not what we may be. William Shakespeare
Course Team
Why study this course?
Student satisfaction
96% of our students agreed with the statement "Overall, I am satisfied with the quality of the course".
Source: Discover Uni (Accessed November 2020)
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Biology for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement of membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Forward-thinking learning
You'll study key bioscience and applied biomedical disciplines, with a particular focus on new and emerging technologies.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels - DDE (64 UCAS Tariff points)
- T levels – 64 UCAS Tariff points
- International Baccalaureate - 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- BTEC Extended Diploma - MPP
- BTEC Diploma - MM
- Access - 64 UCAS Tariff points from the Access course
In addition to one of the above, you should have:
- GCSE English Language grade 4/C – IB grade 4 Higher Level, GCSE Maths grade 4/C – IB grade 4
If your first language is not English, you will need an IELTS of 5.5 overall, with 5.5 in each component.
We also welcome applications from students who are taking a combination of qualifications listed above. For further information, please contact Course Enquiries.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
- International Baccalaureate – 64 UCAS Tariff points from all components of the Diploma Programme. International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis. You can refer to the UCAS calculator to determine your point score
- We accept a wide range of international high school level qualifications. Please see information on Country-specific entry requirements
- We work in partnership with Kaplan International College London who provide International Foundation Certificate courses for students who don’t meet our entry requirements. Upon successful completion, you can progress to your chosen degree at the University of Westminster. Find out about a range of university preparation courses that are accepted for entry.
English language requirements
- If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS score of 5.5 overall, with a score of 5.5 in each component. Please note we accept a wide range of English language qualifications and assessments. Find out more at English language requirements.
- If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, then we offer online and on campus pre-sessional English programmes to help develop your English language skills to the required level before you start your course. Find out more about our pre-sessional English programmes.
More information
Learn new skills
Learn a new language
From Arabic to Spanish, you can learn a new language alongside your degree with our Polylang programme.
Develop your entrepreneurial skills
Our award-winning Westminster Enterprise Network offers industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and support for your startup projects.
Gain extra qualifications
We provide access to free online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office applications, as well as thousands of specialist courses on LinkedIn Learning.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £9,250 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Funding
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Find out about undergraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £17,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme
If you are an international student accepted on an undergraduate programme starting in September 2024 or September 2025 at level 3 (Foundation) or level 4 (first year) on the basis of an eligible EU qualification only, you will be awarded a tuition fee reduction which will align your fee more closely to the one for UK students. For more information, see the EU Qualifications Welcome Award Scheme.
International student funding
Find out about funding for international students.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you'll be taught
Teaching methods across all our undergraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you'll be assessed
Our undergraduate courses include a wide variety of assessments.
Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, videos, podcasts, lab work, creating artefacts
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, reports, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2023/24
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
With state-of-the-art science and psychology labs and refurbished computer suites, our Cavendish Campus offers our science and technology students a range of learning spaces that are both dynamic and inspiring.
Located in central London, our Cavendish Campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road.
For more details, visit our Cavendish Campus page.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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