Pharmacology

A degree in pharmacology provides a solid grounding in scientific knowledge. It also teaches specific knowledge and skills in the formulation and operation of clinical trials, drug regulation and the marketing of pharmaceuticals.

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

Prospects

Pharmacology degrees are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry - an industry which offers numerous opportunities, challenges and rewards. Bear in mind that Britain is a world leader in pharmaceuticals, investing more than £12million a day in research and development (R&D). As well as initial drug discovery, expertise in pharmacology can also be used in areas such as clinical trials, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, patenting, sales and marketing, IT, finance and scientific writing.

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, one third of pharmacology graduates were in employment in the UK or overseas. Of those, 11% found jobs in scientific research, analysis or development, 7% were in health and associate professions, 9% had gone into commercial, industrial and public sector management, and 16% were in other techical or professional roles.

Where are the jobs?

Common employers of pharmacology graduates include:

• pharmaceutical companies;
• The National Health Service (NHS);
• Department of Health (DH);
• The UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

The following sectors may provide a possible career path for pharmacology graduates:

• Health - the UK health sector employs approximately two million people across a range of organisations within the public, independent and voluntary sectors.
• Science - the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry employs scientists to discover, develop and market new drugs and treatments against deficiency and disease.
• Manufacturing - although the sector is undergoing significant structural change, it remains one of the largest sectoral employers and offers many opportunities for graduate jobs.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Pharmacologist
• Research scientist (medical)
• Clinical research associate
• Analytical chemist
• Immunologist
• Forensic scientist
• Biomedical scientist

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Scientific journalist
• Medical sales representative
• Marketing executive
• Higher education lecturer

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it's not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk