Study pharmacology abroad

Pharmacology is the study of medicines and other drugs, and how they affect the body and fight against diseases. It is essential to all medical disciplines, and by studying pharmacology abroad you’ll cover aspects of a range of subjects including biochemistry, physiology, microbiology, neuroscience and genetics.

As a pharmacology graduate, you could help develop and improve medical treatments. Recent advancements in the field have resulted in better treatments for a range of diseases like AIDS, heart failure and malaria. If you’re interested in learning about how drugs work and want to play a part in discovering new treatments, then pharmacology could be the ideal program for you.

Studying pharmacology abroad means you can choose from a wide range of universities, colleges and medical schools from all over the world. You’ll be able to take advantage of facilities and quality teaching you might not be able to get at home, all while broadening your personal horizons and experiencing a new culture.

Pharmacology programs abroad are available at all levels including bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. Bachelor’s are offered as a BSc, or some universities offer an MSci (sometimes called an MBiol), which gives you the option of extending your program by an extra year of research to convert it to a master’s.

Most bachelor’s programs are taught over three or four years, and if you study at a liberal arts college in the US you can study pharmacology as a major or minor subject. You can study a separate master’s program over one or two years if you already have a bachelor’s in pharmacology or a closely related subject.

At some of the top universities you’ll be taught and supported by leading researchers in the field, and you’ll learn through group tutorials, lectures, interactive workshops and practical laboratory work. In most modules you’ll be assessed by a combination of examinations and coursework, with a research-based dissertation in your final year.

The program content and modules offered by each university will differ, but there are some core subjects most will cover, including:

• Biochemistry
• Laboratory and scientific skills
• Molecular biology
• Genetics
• Systems physiology
• Biomolecules
• Disease and defense
• Diagnostics and therapeutics
• Dissertation and research skills

Pharmacology graduates are well placed to pursue a career in a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, molecular sciences, biochemistry, and many others. Some of the most common roles for pharmacology students include:

• Pharmacologist
• Biochemist
• Medical research scientist
• Clinical scientist
• Medicinal chemist
• Medical salesperson
• Medical/science writer
• Science teacher
• Toxicologist

A lot of pharmacology students who have graduated with a bachelor’s choose to continue their studies with a master’s in a related subject, and some go on to study for a doctorate degree.

To help you work out what career path to follow, your program may offer work placement opportunities that can help you gain valuable work experience. Most universities will also have a career service that can help you find the best route to your ideal job after graduation.