UCAS B210, three years
UCL describes a three-year BSc, with a four-year version that adds an industrial placement year.
Undergraduate · UCL Pharmacology
UCL Pharmacology: how drugs work, not how they are dispensed
UCL's Pharmacology BSc studies the science of drug action, from molecular interactions to whole-body physiology, in a laboratory-focused degree. It is often confused with Pharmacy, which at UCL is a separate degree. Its entry rule asks for Chemistry plus one other subject at AAB, lower than UCL's physics degrees. The decision is between research science and the pharmacy profession.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What UCL asks for in Pharmacology
Taken from UCL's Pharmacology BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes) and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
AAB with Chemistry plus one other subject
The A-level requirement is AAB, with Chemistry plus one of Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics.
IB 17 points with Chemistry
17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics, with no higher level score below 5.
The science of drug action
UCL says the course covers drug action from molecular interactions to whole-body physiology.
A different degree from professional Pharmacy
This BSc studies drug mechanisms in the laboratory; UCL's pharmacy degree is a separate course with its own guide.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on UCL's Pharmacology BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes), which describes 2027 entry. UCL's department pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The course
Drug action, from molecules to organisms
UCL describes a prestigious and flexible BSc that explores the science of drug action, from molecular interactions and cellular mechanisms to systems-level and whole-body physiology, while developing a broad range of practical laboratory skills. An optional placement year is available on the four-year version.
Is it the right degree?
Pharmacology against Pharmacy and its neighbours
The two names sound alike but lead to different careers.
Choose Pharmacology if
you want to study how drugs work and are drawn to laboratory research.
Choose Pharmacy if
you want the professional pharmacist degree. Avandy's UCL Pharmacy guide covers it.
Choose Biochemistry if
your interest is molecules more broadly. Avandy's UCL Biochemistry guide covers it.
Entry rules
Chemistry plus one other subject, at AAB
A-level applicants need AAB with Chemistry plus one of Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics, and at least two A-levels from UCL's list of preferred subjects. IB applicants need 17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics. UCL's page lists no admissions test or interview. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.
Is laboratory science your aim?
The course develops practical laboratory skills.
Do you take Chemistry?
It is required at A level and Higher Level.
Would a placement year help?
It is a separate four-year version.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
Grades, the subject requirements and the preferred-subject guidance: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the required subjects, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does UCL Pharmacology BSc require?
AAB at A level with Chemistry plus one of Biology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics or Physics, in UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
What is the IB requirement?
17 points in three higher level subjects including Chemistry and one of Biology, Mathematics or Physics.
How does Pharmacology differ from Pharmacy?
Pharmacology studies drug action as laboratory science; Pharmacy at UCL is a separate degree with its own entry rules.
Is there a placement year?
UCL says students may opt for the four-year Pharmacology (with Placement Year) BSc.
Does Avandy state offer scores?
No. This page records UCL's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores or probabilities.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about UCL Pharmacology
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Chemistry and a second science, whether laboratory research or professional pharmacy appeals and whether a placement year helps, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.