Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Pharmacology and Drug Discovery sits at the frontier of biomedical science, investigating how drugs interact with biological systems and how new medicines are identified, developed, and brought to patients. From the molecular binding of a compound to its receptor to the complex clinical trials that determine safety and efficacy, this field encompasses the full arc of medicine development. The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest and most research-intensive in the world, and pharmacologists occupy central roles within it as well as in academic research and regulatory science.
At Queen Mary University of London, this three-year full-time programme also has a distance learning component, giving you flexibility in how you access parts of the curriculum. You will study the principles of pharmacology, including drug targets, receptor pharmacology, and mechanisms of drug action, alongside the drug discovery process from target identification and lead optimisation through preclinical and clinical development. Molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology underpin the pharmacological content, and you will develop practical laboratory skills alongside your theoretical knowledge.
Queen Mary's location in east London gives you access to a rich biomedical research ecosystem, including proximity to the NHS trusts and research institutes that cluster in the area.
Pharmacology graduates are employed across pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, clinical research organisations, the NHS, regulatory agencies, and academic institutions. Roles in drug discovery research, clinical pharmacology, regulatory affairs, medical writing, and pharmacovigilance are common career paths. The degree also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study, including PhDs in pharmacology or drug discovery and professional qualifications in clinical research.
For students interested in medicine, the scientific depth of this degree provides an excellent background for graduate-entry medicine programmes.