MPharm Pharmacy

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
MPharm
Duration
4 years
Typical A-level offer

AAB (including specific subjects)

Typical contextual A-level offer
ABB-BBB (including specific subjects).
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

35 points overall including:

  • Grades 6,6,5 in higher level Chemistry, alongside higher level Biology and standard level Mathematics or
  • Higher level Mathematics and standard level Biology

For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.

Please note the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer.

Full entry requirements

Number of places/applicants

165/1200

How to apply
Apply through UCAS .

Course overview

  • Study at a university ranked 14th in the world and 5th in the UK for Pharmacy and Pharmacology (QS World University Rankings 2022).
  • Gain clinical experience through placements in a range of settings each year of our GPhC-accredited course.
  • Learn in modern  facilities  using state-of-the-art equipment including specialised laboratories, SimMan 3G patient simulator, 3D Anatomage anatomy table and clinical diagnostic aids.
  • Open up a range of career options - our graduates have gone into the NHS and private hospitals, GP practices and Primary Care Networks, the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy and more.
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Pharmacy at The University of Manchester

Open days

Attending an open day is a great way to find out what studying pharmacy at Manchester is like. Find out about our  upcoming open days .

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £30,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Additional expenses

We work hard to ensure that our course can be completed without significant additional study costs over and above the tuition fee.

The two areas where additional costs can be incurred are travel to clinical placements and reading. In both of these situations, we seek to ensure that additional costs are kept as low as possible.

The University defines low cost as an annual cost that is no more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee.

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).

Contact details

School/Faculty
Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4563
Email
Website
https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/pharmacy
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.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

We require grades AAB. This must include Chemistry, either Mathematics or Biology, and one further rigorous academic subject (we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking). You are required to obtain a pass in the practical element of any science A-level taken.

Selection for interview is normally based on predicted grades matching the entry requirement (i.e. AAB). However, in some cases. we may consider an applicant whose predictions are ABB (with the A in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics).

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).  

Please note that the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer.

AS-level

We do not accept AS grades in place of A2-level grades.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

We require at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum grade B/5 (including English Language) and Mathematics at grade B/6.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 2 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4.

For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 4 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than C/4.

International Baccalaureate

35 points overall including:

  • Grades 6,6,5 in higher level Chemistry, alongside higher level Biology and standard level Mathematics or
  • Higher level Mathematics and standard level Biology

For this programme of study we will accept: Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation.

Please note the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer.

Other international entry requirements

We welcome applications from overseas students. Country-specific information can be found on the  University website . However, this is for general information only, as specific entry requirements may be different for the MPharm.

Please contact us at  ug.pharmacy@manchester.ac.uk to check specific requirements for your country before you apply for the MPharm course.

Advanced Placement Tests

554 (specific subjects required).

Scottish requirements

We require grades AABBB to include Chemistry and either Mathematics or Biology together with Grade B in Advanced Higher Chemistry. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher level.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

We accept the Welsh Baccalaureate in place of the third A-level only.

European Baccalaureate

We require an overall grade of 83% with grade 8 specifically in Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

Applicants completing either the NCUK International Foundation Year in Science programme or the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of A. For NCUK applicants your full educational background and your qualifications prior to the NCUK FY (eg High School Diploma) will factor into our decision. All applicants will need to be successful at interview.

For all applicants taking a Foundation Year, we will consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits may not be considered.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

BTEC National Extended Diploma

We require successful completion of a BTEC National Extended Diploma at grades D*DD in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.

BTEC National Diploma

We require successful completion of a BTEC National Diploma at grades D*D in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.

BTEC National Foundation Diploma

We accept the BTEC National Foundation Diploma at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grade A/B.

BTEC National Extended Certificate

We accept the BTEC National Extended Certificate at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*DD in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

Cambridge Technical Diploma

We accept the Cambridge Technical Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma

We accept the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate

We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (in any subject) at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

Access to HE Diploma

We require 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3, including a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade, plus a minimum of 15 credits in Mathematics or Biology with a Distinction grade and the remaining 15 credits at Distinction grade.

You should also have at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum grade B/5 (including English Language) and Mathematics at grade B/6.

Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted.

Students will not be considered if they have resat any units or have re-taken the full year.

Cambridge Pre-U

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken to include Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics. Grades required will be D3 - M2 and/or A-B.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (eg AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies). 

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

This course accepts grade B in Core Mathematics in lieu of the correct grade in GCSE Mathematics.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

We require one of the following:

  • GCSE, IGCSE or O-level English Language at grade 5 (B). We will accept C+ in the Northern Ireland reformed GCSE;
  • UCLES or CIE 1119 English Language at Grade B or higher;
  • IELTS grade 7 (with no component less than 6.5);
  • TOEFL (iBT) - 100.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

"Pharmacy offers so many opportunities to get to know others through social events and academic support groups.

"This means you never feel alone."

Maeve Sparks / Year 2 student

Please refer to the  application process page for further information on:

  • how to apply
  • how your application is considered
  • advice to applicants
  • personal statement guidance
  • interview requirements
  • after the interview.

Please note that all applications are considered for  first-year entry  only onto the MPharm course.

Vaccinations  

Previous guidance regarding mandatory vaccination for Covid for courses with a clinical or healthcare placement has been paused, in line with government advice. However both NHS England and NHS Improvement view getting vaccinated for healthcare staff and students as a professional duty. We therefore continue to highly recommend all students on this course to take up their COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as they are eligible.

International applicants

Please note, a satisfactory overseas police check is required for international applicants.

Resit applications

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications). 

How your application is considered

Because of the high volume of applications we receive, we will not consider those applicants who choose Phamacy as a second option and whose personal statement is geared towards a different discipline.

Interview requirements

Interviews are part of the selection process. Please refer to the  application process  page for more information.

Returning to education

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to commencing the MPharm. If your most recent qualification was taken more than three years ago, please contact the Admissions Office ( ug.pharmacy@manchester.ac.uk ). We will consider each application individually and may require you to submit further information, such as transcripts and details of employment.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

Applicants living overseas (excluding Northern Ireland, ROI and the Channel Isles) will not need to attend a face-to-face interview in Manchester. However, you will be required to attend a Zoom interview.

We will contact candidates after consideration of their UCAS form to arrange the Zoom session and will ensure it is timetabled at a mutually convenient date/time with sufficient advance notice. In some cases, we may contact applicants for additional supporting documents (eg transcripts, syllabus of courses) which may delay the timetabling of the Zoom interview.

Please note that occasionally overseas qualifications do not permit direct entry onto the MPharm course.

Becoming a pharmacist after a UK-based course (advice from the Pharmacy Schools Council)

After the successful completion of the course, you will receive an MPharm degree. There are further steps to go through before you will be able to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and practise as a qualified pharmacist in the UK.

Once you have completed an MPharm, you will need to apply for a foundation training year, where you will further develop the skills you gained during your degree as a paid employee in a professional environment.

Entrance to a foundation training year is competitive and there is no guarantee that you will receive a place. A proportion of these foundation training places are with the NHS, but the majority of placements involve working with community pharmacists.

Again, you should be aware that your place on the foundation training year is not guaranteed, as the number of available placements is dependent on different factors.

One such factor is that the availability of foundation training places offered by community pharmacies can vary from year to year. International students will require a Graduate Immigration route visa.

After the completion of 52 weeks of foundation training, and subject to you passing the common registration assessment at the end of the training, you will be eligible to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and practise as a fully qualified pharmacist.

Please see the government's visas and immigration pages for further information.

All international applicants will need to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct from their home country at the point their application status is UF.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

Pharmacy is a registered healthcare profession, and carries both privileges and responsibilities. You must demonstrate that you are able to exercise those privileges and bear those responsibilities. To join the pharmacy profession at the end of your training, you must abide by the General Pharmaceutical Council's (GPhC) Standards for Pharmacy Professionals, undergo a medical fitness assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the start of your degree.

When the time comes to apply to join the register of pharmacists, you must also make a health declaration and submit to character checks. If you wish to study pharmacy, you should note that your fitness to practise both before and/or during your studies may impair your eligibility to register and practice as a pharmacist.

Communication and dress code

We have adopted the same policy regarding dress code as set out by the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC states that non-verbal communication is at least as important as verbal communication, and so how a student or pharmacist appears to patients, relatives or colleagues means as much as what he or she says.

Students (and pharmacists) in professional settings must dress in a manner that adds to, and does not detract from, effective communication.

Furthermore, the Standards for Pharmacy Professionals states that students must learn how to listen to patients and their carers, and communicate effectively with them in a way they can understand.

This applies not only in clinical settings, but also throughout the educational elements of the undergraduate course, which is built around group work with other students and tutors.

In addition, the convention of some units may require wearing white coats, being bare below the elbow or other approved clothing (eg scrubs). Hair should be tied back if it interferes with, or adds risk, to a clinical activity. Nail polish and gel nails are an infection risk and may not be permitted in some clinical areas. Students must abide by all workplace dress codes when on placement, which may vary between sites.

You must be able to participate fully in communication and other skills training, discussion and assessment. As well as adhering to the dress code above, it means being able to interact fully with patients, standardised patients, teachers and examiners of any cultural or ethnic background or either gender. This includes conducting physical examinations that are a compulsory component of the course eg blood pressure, pulse and temperature.

Health requirements and Fitness to Practise procedures

Offers of a place are subject to satisfactory health screening. The health screening procedure is based upon the Higher Education Occupational Physicians/Practitioners (HEOPS) standards of medical fitness to train for pharmacy students.

If you are concerned that your health or disability may affect your ability to fulfil the requirements of the MPharm course, you are encouraged to contact the Occupational Health Service and/or the Disability Advisory and Support Service at an early stage in order to explore the feasibility of making reasonable adjustments.

Health screening requires you to complete a detailed health questionnaire and possibly attend an appointment with the University's Occupational Health Department. In order to be admitted and continue on the course, you must be deemed as medically fit for both campus-based learning and placements by the Occupational Health Department. You will be required to comply with any viral screening and vaccination as requested by the Department of Health.

Where a course requires the you to undertake practical training in a quasi-professional role in relation to patients, clients or service users, or where the qualification provides a direct licence to practise, The University of Manchester has a duty to ensure that students are fit to practise.

A pharmacy student's fitness to practise is called into question when their behaviour or health raises a serious or persistent cause for concern about their ability or suitability to continue on the MPharm course. A student's fitness to practise, before or during their period of study as a student, may impair their eligibility to register and to practise as a Pharmacist. For further information, please read the guidance on the GPhC website.

This includes, but is not limited to, the possibility that they could put patients, the public, other students, staff or themselves at risk, and the need to maintain the public's trust in the pharmacy profession. Issues surrounding professional behaviour and fitness to practise are monitored and investigated initially. We consider cases that are brought to us and follow initial investigations via appropriate staff.

For information specific to the University, please read:

Applicants and students should note that we treat all information disclosed by students in the strictest of confidence. Information about a student's fitness to practise will only be disclosed to the GPhC when the Faculty's Committee on Fitness to Practise has imposed sanctions upon the student.

When sanctions have been imposed, the student must also disclose them to the GPhC if they apply to join the register of pharmacists. Sanctions include:

  • conditions or undertakings
  • suspension from the course
  • expulsion from the course.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

To ensure students are of good character as part of the GPhC's fitness to practise requirements, you must complete a professional conduct declaration form at interview and then annually, and submit to a criminal records check during the first year of the MPharm course.

You must declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands received at any time before or during your studies, either in this country or in other countries.

The criminal records check is an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We will assist you in the completion of these forms.

International applicants will need to submit an overseas police check and this will be included as a formal offer condition.  

To assess good character, the GPhC Good Character Framework is used.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Requests for deferred entry are granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and are normally granted for one year only. Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).

Re-applications

If you have applied via UCAS previously, any subsequent application should provide updated information on your suitability for the course. We reserve the right to draw on any information from previous applications.

If you have already achieved your A-level grades, you must have obtained a minimum of AAB in three suitable subjects including Chemistry, and either Biology or Mathematics.

Transfers

Transfer requests are not accepted as such. All applications must be directed through  UCAS  and applicants must satisfy our specific entry requirements, ie a minimum of AAB in three suitable A-level subjects including Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics (or equivalent qualifications). We do not accept insufficient A-level grades alongside one or two years on an alternative degree course.

Advanced entry

All applications are considered for first-year entry only onto the MPharm course.

Course details

Course description

Our four-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to enter the pharmacy profession.

We integrate science and practice throughout the course, giving you a sound understanding of how to apply your knowledge to solve clinical problems. You will also learn from practising pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers throughout your studies and gain workplace experience in a range of settings and different sectors of pharmacy practice.

you will develop your consultation, clinical decision-making, professional and leadership skills in order to work effectively with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals and to adapt to the challenges and developments that may occur during your career.

Our MPharm degree is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Upon successful completion of the course, you will need to undertake a foundation training year, take the GPhC's common registration assessment and meet fitness to practise requirements before becoming a fully-fledged pharmacist.

Additional course information

Visas for the pharmacy foundation training year

All international/EU and EEA students who are graduating with an MPharm from a British university must apply for a visa to work in the UK, ie to undertake their foundation training year. 

Further information about the Graduate Immigration Route visa can be found  here .

Teaching and learning

We use an enquiry-based learning (EBL) approach to provide you with important skills that will help you become an independent, motivated and confident learner. You will benefit from a variety of teaching and learning activities throughout our MPharm course, including EBL workshops, core concepts lectures, tutorials, practical classes, group assignments, interactive online learning and a research project.

You will also go on an extensive range of placements as part of the course. Find out more about these and the other ways you will learn on the Teaching and Learning page .

Coursework and assessment

Your knowledge, understanding and practical skills will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, assignment reports, portfolios, staff observations and testimonials, group work, peer assessment and oral or alternative-format presentations.

End of semester examinations include a multiple choice question paper, calculations paper, integrated case-based papers, and web-based learning programmes.

Report writing skills are assessed throughout the course, and your practical, consultation and clinical skills are continuously assessed during classes and placements.

The final degree mark is based on the results of assessments in all four years of the course, including the Year 4 research project.

Course unit details

You will take integrated course units throughout the four-year MPharm course, each developing your knowledge and understanding, practical and clinical skills and professional attributes.

Course units are organised by body systems, which increase in complexity year on year. Within each body system block, you will develop your learning in medicines design, disease management, professional skills and clinical practice.

The taught content of the course is common to all students, however each student has their own unique learning journey, experienced through our enquiry-based learning approach, extensive range of placements, inter-professional events and a master's level research project in Year 4.

Every six weeks, throughout the course you will have the opportunity to attend organised placements which take place in NHS hospitals, community pharmacies and GP surgeries. Your placements will take place in Greater Manchester each year of the course. There may be an additional opportunity to attend an organised placement within the pharmaceutical industry.

Course content for year 1

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Foundations of Pharmacy PHAR11001 60 Mandatory
Gastrointestinal system, liver and kidneys PHAR11002 60 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Immunity, Infection and Respiratory system PHAR22001 60 Mandatory
Cardiovascular system PHAR22002 60 Mandatory

Course content for year 3

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
The Medicine (Year 3) - Drug Development Process 2 PHAR30100 30 Mandatory
The Pharmacist (Year 3): Developing Professional Practice PHAR30200 30 Mandatory
The Patient (Year 3): Pathology, Pharmacology &Therapeutics 2 PHAR30300 30 Mandatory
Integrated Research Skills: preparation for 4th year projects and evidence-based practice PHAR30400 20 Mandatory
Yr 3 Integrated Prof Practice PHAR30700 0 Mandatory
Healthcare Leadership PHAR30902 10 Mandatory
Endocrine and musculoskeletal systems PHAR33001 60 Mandatory
Brain and neurotransmission PHAR33002 60 Mandatory

Course content for year 4

Course units for year 4

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences PHAR40101 30 Mandatory
The Pharmacist (Year 4): Preparation for Professional Practice PHAR40202 30 Mandatory
The Patient (Year 4): Preparing for Clinical Practice PHAR40300 30 Mandatory
Integrated Project (Year 4) PHAR40400 30 Mandatory
Yr 4 Integrated Prof Practice PHAR40600 0 Mandatory

What our students say

The guidance and support I received helped me towards my dream of becoming a pharmacist in Canada. My time in Manchester was an amazing adventure.

Eric Huynh

Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the  Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .

Facilities

You will learn in a range of pharmacy facilities throughout the course.

You will also have access to the University's other facilities for undergraduate students .

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants from the Disability Support Office  

Careers

Career opportunities

"It's been a hard slog, training many times a week and competing, and combining that with my studies. There's lots of chemistry and biology and you really need to know your stuff.

"But my academic advisors, family and friends have helped me balance my lifestyle. They have been amazing."

Sanjida Faiza / 2017 graduate and national medallist in Taekwondo

You can feel confident that you are starting on a career in which there will always be a need for your services when you take your pharmacy degree. 94% of our graduates go into work or further study after completing our MPharm course.

To be able to use the title of pharmacist in the UK, you must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Membership is granted to graduates with a degree in pharmacy from a UK university who have completed a year's training at an approved establishment and passed a registration exam set by the GPhC.

Training is usually arranged as either 12 months in a hospital or community pharmacy, but it can be done for six months in the pharmaceutical industry and six months in either hospital or community pharmacy.

Pharmacy offers a variety of interesting careers with the possibility of flexible working across several of the sectors.

Community pharmacy

Community pharmacists work in high street, local and rural pharmacies. They use their detailed clinical knowledge to ensure that medicines ordered on doctors' prescriptions or bought over the counter are correctly and safely supplied.

Community pharmacists also give advice to patients about how to use medicines in safe and appropriate ways.

They are a readily accessible health advisor to the general public, providing both advice and counselling on the maintenance of good health, together with public health services such as smoking cessation, cholesterol management, blood pressure testing and weight loss programmes.

Learn more on the  Community Pharmacy Careers website. 

Hospital pharmacy

Hospital pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team.

In this setting, the pharmacist works directly with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to ensure that both in-patients and out-patients receive the most appropriate medicines and that those medicines are used in the most effective way.

When a patient is admitted to hospital, the pharmacist will take their medication history and see the patient every day, check their medicines and discuss their progress with the doctor. When the patient leaves hospital, the pharmacist might then liaise with their GP.

You can choose to take your skills on into management or a clinical specialism, eventually becoming a consultant with similar status to that of a doctor.

Industrial pharmacy

The pharmaceutical industry is responsible for research into new medicines and the production and marketing of proven medicines to the public.

Pharmacists are involved in every step of the process, from research and technical and medical information to product development, formulation and production.

Clinical Pharmacists in General Practice

Clinical pharmacists work as part of the general practice team to resolve day-to-day medicine issues and consult with and treat patients directly.

This includes providing extra help to manage long-term conditions, advice for those on multiple medications and better access to health checks.

Primary care

Primary care pharmacists operate at a senior level in the healthcare system.

They have a strategic role, making the best use of resources allocated for medicines and ensuring they are well spent.

They also analyse medicines and work closely with hospitals, GPs, practice nurses and other community healthcare professionals.

In recent years, there has been a big shift in focus within the NHS towards primary care to preventing people from becoming ill and encouraging healthier lifestyles to keep them out of hospital.

Prevention is better than cure, and pharmacists are ideally placed to play their part.

Regulatory pharmacy

Regulatory pharmacists work for government bodies, such as the MHRA, which are set up to help protect public health.

Their job is to ensure that medicines submitted by drug companies are safe before they can be manufactured and marketed to the public.

You need critical evaluation skills for this branch of the profession.

Other careers

Pharmacists can also work in:

  • veterinary pharmacy
  • universities
  • the armed forces
  • prisons
  • medical journalism
  • forensic service
  • the NHS
  • the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Find out more about the role of pharmacists on the  NHS Health Careers website  and see more information about possible careers through HEE's interactive Pharmacy Careers Map .

Accrediting organisations

This course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).