Pharmacologist

What is the work like?

Pharmacologists study the effects of drugs and chemical compounds on cells, animals, humans and the environment. They also carry out research aimed at discovering and developing new drugs.
As a pharmacologist you would work in a team of scientists and other staff, perhaps leading and planning projects.
Your work could include:

• designing, setting up and carrying out experiments
• analysing data using complex equipment such as computers and high technology measuring systems
• testing drugs on cells and animals in the laboratory and through clinical trials on humans
• writing reports and making recommendations based on the results of experiments and research
• using the results of research to develop new products and processes
• studying the unwanted or harmful effects of drugs
• testing the safety of manufactured products.

You would share the results of your work with colleagues, for example by contributing to meetings and conferences, and writing reports. You may also supervise support staff and manage and co-ordinate projects.

What qualifications and experience will employers look for?

You will need a degree-level qualification – pharmacology is the most relevant subject, however, a degree in biochemistry, physiology, or microbiology may also be accepted by employers.

Pharmacology degree courses are available on a full- or part-time basis. There are also pharmacology sandwich degree courses, which include a year working in the industry.

To get onto a course, you will usually need:

• five GCSEs (A-C), and
• three A levels, including chemistry, biology and either physics or maths.

Check with course providers for exact entry details as alternative qualifications may also be accepted.

If you wish to work in research and development you will usually also need a postgraduate degree in pharmacology or a PhD.

With four or more GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and two science subjects, you may be able to begin a career in pharmacology at technician level through an apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Through internal promotion and training you may then be able to work towards becoming a pharmacologist, however, it is likely this will involve completing a part-time pharmacology degree.

What further training and development can I do?

Once you have completed your degree, you may be able to get into pharmacology through a graduate recruitment scheme or graduate apprenticeship. Employers often run schemes like this with the aim of finding the most promising new graduates and training them on the job.

Once you are working, you will usually be trained by your employer in the specialist areas of technical and scientific methodology.

It will be important to keep your skills and knowledge up to date throughout your career. You can do this by attending short courses offered by universities and science training centres, anb by joining the continuing professional development programmes offered by the British Pharmacological Society (BPS) or the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

Many pharmacology graduates complete postgraduate qualification – you could choose to study for a Masters degree in a specialist area, or a research degree leading to a PhD.

Alternatively, you could take further training to move into medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine - with your pharmacology degree you could apply for one of the graduate entry courses offered by many medical schools. The courses usually last for four years.

Where can I go for more information?

If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at  the Careers Advice Service, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form

Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice

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