Pharmacologist : Entry requirements

The complex investigations involved in pharmacology require a sound scientific education. The following academic subjects may increase your chances:

• pharmacology;
• biochemistry;
• biology;
• biomedical sciences;
• chemistry;
• molecular and cell biology;
• physiology;
• toxicology.

Occasionally, it may be possible to start a career in pharmacology with an HND, but this is not common, and further study would be required to progress within industry.

Competition for jobs can be high, particularly if you aim to enter research and development (R&D). A postgraduate qualification such as an MSc in pharmacology or a related subject, or a relevant PhD, is advantageous and sometimes essential for employment with a major pharmaceutical company. The most common subjects taken by pharmacology graduates at postgraduate level include pharmacology, biochemistry, molecular biology and neuroscience.

Students undertaking postgraduate research are usually registered for a PhD. Completion of a PhD demonstrates advanced skills in the formulation of research enquiries relating to complex scientific problems as well as good technical research, laboratory and communication skills. For those considering further study with a view to working in industry, choosing a PhD funded by industry is a useful way to gain relevant experience and contacts. Academic tutors, research directories and websites such as Jobs.ac.uk and Find a PhD  can help identify appropriate opportunities.

Any relevant work experience is also extremely valuable in order to gain experience and skills, to demonstrate interest and commitment to potential employers, and to help you find out what the work is really like. Undertaking a vacation placement or a year’s industrial placement with a pharmaceutical company during your studies is advantageous when applying for jobs and going for interviews. Experience can also be gained through laboratory assistant work or vacation studentships at your place of study and through workshadowing. The British Pharmacological Society (BPS)  offers vacation studentships to undergraduate students and bursaries to postgraduate students to pursue research and attend national and international conferences.

Most of the major pharmaceutical companies have graduate training schemes, but graduate entry-level positions are also frequently advertised on company websites as individual job roles, rather than as part of a formal scheme. For jobs with larger organisations in industry, formal online applications are typical. Check each organisation's website for details and application deadlines. For smaller organisations, a speculative letter and CV may be acceptable. Many organisations also use contract staff or employ scientific recruitment agencies to fill their vacancies for them.

Candidates need to show evidence of the following:

• a methodical approach and a high level of attention to detail;
• problem-solving skills and the ability to find and employ creative solutions;
• strong IT skills, including data retrieval and analysis;
• the ability and desire to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams;
• the ability and enthusiasm to learn new skills and techniques;
• good time management and organisational skills;
• strong communication skills for writing papers and reports and giving presentations;
• networking skills and the ability to build effective links with external organisations;
• leadership potential and the skills to manage and motivate others.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.