1. Home
2. Popular Subjects Listing
3. Pharmacy

UK Pharmacy Courses

Introduction to Pharmacy

Whether you are working at a local drug store, dispensing medication from a General Practitioner or working in a hospital, a Pharmacy degree is perfect for students interested in chemistry and how medicine assists patients with their conditions.

Pharmacy courses generally last for four years and modules will look at pharmacology, biology and organic chemistry. Students will also benefit from work placements within the industry to provide valuable insights and professional experience. State-of-the-art labs will help finesse your skills with replica medicine-dispensing stations, consulting areas and software used by the Pharmacy industry.

MPharm

The MPharm degree is an integrated degree, meaning that students enter at a Bachelor's level, complete their 3-year Bachelor's degree and then go on to complete their 1-year Master's qualification. Students apply for this course as an Undergraduate degree through UCAS but graduate with a Master's degree. It should be noted that some UK universities offer a 5-year MPharm degree that includes two six-month blocks of practical training. 

When applying to study Pharmacy in the UK you will need to apply to universities that offer MPharm programs as this is the only valid Pharmacy degree, recognized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC). Click here for more information about returning to Canada with your UK Pharmacy degree. 

Careers in Pharmacy

There are three main roles that a Pharmacy graduate can move into.

Pharmacist: The majority of pharmacists work in hospital pharmacies or community pharmacies, ensuring that over-the-counter medicines are prescribed correctly. They ensure that patients receive their correct medicine, as well as advise on treatments and how to manage their doses, and work closely with doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.

Pharmacy Assistant: Assistants work alongside technicians and perform many activities on an ad-hoc basis. This can involve taking in and handing out prescriptions, helping order stock to ensure demand is met within various departments, and answering queries from customers on the best course of action. 

Pharmacy Technician:  Technicians tend to work in two areas – hospitals and community pharmacies - and they ensure the correct supply and dosage of medicine is delivered to patients. Pharmacy technicians can specialize in a number of roles such as manufacturing, quality control and clinical trials.

What do Pharmacy Graduates earn in Canada as Pharmacists?

• Average entry-level Pharmacist salary: $85,625 
• Average experienced Pharmacist salary: $107,250

Pharmacy Entry Requirements*

Entry requirements for Pharmacy vary depending upon whether you wish to become a technician, assistant or pharmacist, but qualifications in chemistry and one other science subject are generally required.

• Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points.
• Canadian High School requirements: At least 65% (All provincial High School diplomas accepted) 
• US High School Requirements: 3 APs (or SAT subject tests) are generally required

*Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.

Where can I study Pharmacy in the UK?

To learn more about the best Pharmacy courses in the UK, find details on the top ten ranking Pharmacy and Pharmacology universities in the Times Good University Guide 2022 below:

=1. University of Cambridge 

=1. University of Dundee *

=3. Queen's University, Belfast 

=3. University of Strathclyde 

5. Ulster University

6. Cardiff University

=7. University of Bath

=7. University of Nottingham

9. University of Glasgow *

10. University of Bristol *

*Does not offer MPharm course

Returning to Canada with an MPharm degree

The MPharm program is the only valid UK Pharmacy degree, recognized by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) if you wish to return and practise/work in the pharmaceutical industry. Upon completion of the MPharm program, students returning to Canada will go through the following steps: 

1. Pharmacists Gateway Canada
2. Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
3. English Language Requirement Test
4. Application to the Provincial Regulatory Authority (PRA)

For more information about the details of each step visit our page on returning to Canada with a Pharmacy degree. 

If you are interested in studying Pharmacy in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Click here to learn more about our Pharmacy Service.