- UCAS course code
- B231
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)
MPharm Pharmacy with a Foundation Year
Duration: 5 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: B231 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: See full entry requirements
- Typical contextual A-level offer: BBC-CCC
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBC-CCC
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: See full entry requirements
Course description
Our five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) with a Foundation Year prepares you for degree-level study if you do not have the right qualifications for direct entry to the four-year course .
The foundation year will help you adapt to the higher education system and is taught at Xaverian College , which is a short walk from the main campus.
You will still be registered with The University of Manchester, with access to all of our facilities and support systems.
Students are accepted from a wide range of educational backgrounds and each application will be considered individually.
Entry to the four-year MPharm course is automatic on satisfactory completion of the foundation year.
Teaching and learning
Teaching for the foundation year runs from the middle of September to the end of June, a total of 34 weeks including six weeks for revision and examinations. This is four weeks longer than the standard university year to maximise preparation for degree-level study.
Regular laboratory work reinforces some of the subject material and helps to develop practical skills. Study skills and help with the core content are provided through fortnightly tutorials.
In addition to academic tutorial support, you will be allocated a personal tutor (Academic Advisor) for pastoral support. Tutors will be available for one-to-one meetings and will become well-known to students.
Additional academic support will be provided by our foundation team at Manchester and additional pastoral support will be available from the counselling services at Xaverian College and at the University.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed through formal examinations (80%) in January and June, and coursework and tests throughout the year.
The coursework assessment in Biology and Chemistry will be mainly based on laboratory work.
Course unit details
The foundation year is a one-year full-time course following a modular structure. All units on the course are compulsory.
Course units in Chemistry and Biology - both of which feature Mathematics - and a specific unit on Orientation to Pharmacy provides appropriate learning opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
The rest of the MPharm degree follows the same structure as the four-year course .
You will study the following units during the foundation year:
- Cells and Foundation Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
- Health and Disease
- 1A Principles of Chemistry
- 1B Principles of Chemistry
- 2A Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- 2B Inorganic and Organic Chemistry
- Orientation to Pharmacy
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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
| Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Project (Year 4) | PHAR40400 | 30 | Mandatory |
| Advanced therapies 1 (infection) | PHAR44001 | 30 | Mandatory |
| Advanced therapies 2 (cancer) | PHAR44002 | 30 | Mandatory |
| Special patient groups | PHAR44200 | 30 | Mandatory |
What our students say
The Foundation Year made Year 1 of the MPharm easier by offering a head start in learning and the university experience. We had supportive teachers and a tutor who were not just concerned about our academic achievements. Although we spent a lot of time at Xaverian College, we felt very much part of the University, as regular classes were held there.
Valentine Sibanda
Find out more about what it's like to study at Manchester on the Biology, Medicine and Health Student Blog .
Facilities
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Support Office