Master of Science
MSc Clinical Pharmacy and Research
Combine learning with research skills development to open up various career options if you're a pharmacist based outside of the UK.
Year of entry: 2026
Duration: 1 year
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Discover more about Pharmacy at Manchester
Learn about your subject of interest and what you'll experience as a student in that community.
Discover more about Pharmacy at Manchester
Overview
Course overview
- Gain a master's qualification, which is usually a requirement to work as a hospital pharmacist, if you are a pharmacist based outside of the UK.
- Learn about a range of topics to develop clinical pharmacy and research skills for the future of healthcare.
- Study with pharmacists and other health professionals, independently and in groups.
- Develop research skills in an area of your interest.
- Study at a university ranked in the top 20 in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology (QS 2026).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4563
- pgtaught.pharmacy@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/pharmacy/masters/
- School/Faculty overview
-
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
You must have an honours degree in pharmacy (typically at least Upper Second or equivalent – refer to entry requirements from your country ).
Applicants who fail to meet the required entry criteria for the course will be considered on an individual basis and signposted to alternative courses if necessary/possible.
This course is for pharmacists based outside of the UK. It is less suitable for UK-based pharmacists in view of the recent developments to undergraduate education and the resulting development of professional roles. However, we hope to launch a new programme for UK-based pharmacists soon.
English language
International students must demonstrate English proficiency through a secure and approved testing system. We ask for English language proof from applicants from countries that are not majority English-speaking countries (a list of majority English-speaking countries, as defined by the UK Home Office, can be found on GOV.UK ).
- IELTS: 6.5 with at least 6.5 in all elements
See further information about requirements for your country .
English language test validity
Relevant work experience
You must have at least one year of experience in pharmacy practice, for example, through a placement year.
Fees and funding
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Application and selection
How to apply
To apply for a course, you will need to complete and submit our online application form. For information and guidance, see: How to apply .
Course details
Course description
Our MSc Clinical Pharmacy and Research course is aimed at pharmacists based outside the UK who want to develop their research skills in the context of clinical pharmacy practice.
You will develop in-depth knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of research and skills in research methods relevant to healthcare settings. With academics situated within the UK health service, we have the support to ensure your research project is authentic.
You will also develop a range of clinical skills geared towards the practice of pharmacy, personal and professional development, person-centred practice, pharmacoeconomics and policy, genomics, and the collection and use of health data.
The course employs a range of teaching methods, including workshops and seminars, directed learning and self-study for the research project. You will study alongside learners from across the School of Health Sciences from subject matter experts, and be supported by experienced academics and researchers.
The University of Manchester is a powerhouse of research and is ranked first in the UK and Europe and second in the world for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025).
In REF2021, the University placed in the top three for Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy with 94% of research activity assessed as 'world-leading' (4*) or 'internationally excellent' (3*) for impact.
Special features
Expert teaching
You will be taught by professionals in the field of local, national and international public health. There is an emphasis on applying learning to public health issues.
Varied learning and assessment styles
A combination of directed and taught learning is complemented by workshops, seminars and tutorials to deliver application as well as knowledge and understanding.
Learn with students from around the world
Mix with students from a range of disciplines from all over the world.
Teaching and learning
The course is fully taught through a combination of directed learning and lectures, workshops and tutorials.
Some course units are taught within the MSc course, and others with students from other professions.
The timetable is designed to meet visa requirements, and allow maximum interaction with other students, academics and researchers for an integrated learning experience.
Coursework and assessment
The course is assessed through coursework (75%) and presentations (25%).
Course unit list
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIDS67302 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| IIDS67681 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| NURS60018 | 15 | Mandatory | |
| NURS60045 | 30 | Mandatory | |
| PHAR62230 | 60 | Mandatory | |
| PHAR68020 | 30 | Mandatory |
Facilities
The University of Manchester offers extensive library and online services to help you get the most out of your studies.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
An MSc in Clinical Pharmacy allows you to transition from traditional dispensing roles to advanced, patient-focused roles within China's rapidly evolving healthcare system, particularly as a clinical pharmacist in Grade 3A hospitals.
It equips you with the expertise to participate in multidisciplinary teams, optimise drug therapy, and conduct research in hospital and industrial settings or pursue a teaching and research position in academia.
Benefiting from a range of learning styles and cohort groups, the Manchester MSc Clinical Pharmacy and Research supports you to develop the personal and professional skills to work independently and as part of a multi-professional team. Units are planned to complement each other and build through the course.
The focus on research, leadership and cutting-edge healthcare developments allowing you to build on earlier learning and develop the 'thinking' skills needed for advanced practice, working at a patient and population level and managing complexity.
Each unit prioritises evidence-based medicine by critiquing the evidence underpinning these essential topics and through your own research, which will focus on an emerging clinical role or area of practice that’s important to you and the wider healthcare community.
The University of Manchester is ranked 18th in the world for pharmacy and pharmacology ( QS 2026 ) and fifth best UK institution for employability in the 2026 Times Higher Education Global University Employability Ranking .
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.