• Question: in most universities they offer pharmacology with another subject for example pharmacology and chemistry. Is it better to do it on its own or?

    Asked by paria to Alex, Laura, Lesley, Richard, vediacan on 16 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Richard Prince

      Richard Prince answered on 16 Jun 2015:

      Hi Paria,
      Good to talk to you today! The answer to which type of course is best depends on what you are interested in, and what you want to do when you finish. We don’t offer pharmacology + chemistry but we do have pharmacology + physiology. That is a very popular choice and is great if you want to go on to study medicine after you graduate. If you want to study pharmacology, then you are best off going to the university with the strongest research in that area because you will get taught by world famous scientists. That is probably more important in the long run that doing a more specialised course. In the UK, University College London is one of the best pharmacology departments. Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Nottingham and Bath are all safe bets too, as are we in Manchester!
      Best wishes
      R

    • Photo: Laura Newton

      Laura Newton answered on 16 Jun 2015:

      Hey Paria,

      In my opinion, it’s better to stick to one subject if you can. You’ll learn more about it without having to keep switching your focus. Most pharmacology degrees will include some chemistry anyway so even if you decide you want to work more in a chemistry field after your degree you should still have some skills to be able to.

      But that’s my opinion. These links go into more detail about the good and bad sides of it and explain more eloquently than me!
      http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/universityeducation/clearing/10226371/Joint-honours-degrees-are-two-subjects-better-than-one.html

      http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/aug/09/studying-a-joint-honours-degree

      Best wishes,
      Laura

    • Photo: Vedia Can

      Vedia Can answered on 16 Jun 2015:

      Hey Paria,

      Yes, I think it is better to study a degree that is combined with another subject. For example, at the University of Westminster we offer Pharmacology with Physiology. I think this is a good combination in terms of career prospects; you have a wider area of jobs to pick from.

      Best Wishes,

      Vedia

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