Pharmacology and Physiology with Foundation
Pharmacology and physiology together address how the body works and how drugs act upon it, two questions that are intimately connected and mutually illuminating. Physiology examines the normal functioning of the human body at every level, from the molecular mechanisms within cells to the integrated systems of organs and tissues that maintain life. Pharmacology investigates how chemical substances interact with those systems, how they are absorbed, distributed and metabolised, how they produce their therapeutic effects and how their side effects arise.
Together, the two disciplines form the scientific foundation for understanding medicine, drug development and clinical practice.
At the University of Westminster this four-year programme begins with a foundation year designed to prepare you for advanced study, whether you need to strengthen your scientific background, want to change direction, or are returning to education after a break. Once on the main degree you will study the physiology of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological and endocrine systems alongside the pharmacological principles governing drug action and receptor biology. The programme includes a sandwich year in professional practice and a year abroad, giving you extended research or industry experience and international exposure that significantly strengthens your preparation for a scientific career.
Graduates are well placed for roles in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organisations, NHS laboratory services, government agencies and scientific publishing. Drug development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance and medical communications are all common professional paths. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study in pharmacology, physiology, drug discovery, neuroscience or clinical research, or move into graduate schemes in the life sciences industry.
The solid scientific grounding the degree provides is also recognised by medical and dental schools for graduate-entry professional programmes.