Pharmacy

Do I need work experience and if so, how much?

Competition for a place on the MPharm course is high and when selecting candidates the admissions team is not just looking for evidence of academic achievement although that is very important. The selection panel is also looking for evidence that an applicant is committed to studying Pharmacy and has investigated Pharmacy as a career. Work experience such as job shadowing, talking to community pharmacists, visits to community or hospital pharmacies or work placements however brief, are all evidence of this commitment.

What are the differences between the 4 and the 5-year courses?

On completion of the 4-year MPharm graduates undertake 12 months of Foundation training. Normally, this would mean that after obtaining the 4-year Master's degree in pharmacy you would be required to undertake one year of 'Foundation Experience' in a pharmacy approved by the regulatory body and under the supervision of an experienced pharmacist. 
The 5-year course is described as a sandwich or practice-intercalated course because it contains two six-month periods of professional training. These two periods together satisfy the Foundation requirements of the regulatory body and are undertaken in between periods of academic study.

When do I have to choose between the 4- and 5-year courses?

On application, a student may choose either course, and most students make their choice during the UCAS cycle. Students need to make up their minds about which course they would like to be registered on during the UCAS cycle and should think carefully about the differences for them personally. The final decision must be made prior to enrolment as changes during the 1st year are by exemption only.

What are we looking for in our applicants?

We are looking for evidence of work experience, ideally in a health related environment. You will need to be able to show your motivation to study pharmacy, demonstrate that you have experience of taking responsibility, and that your values are congruent with those of a future healthcare professional.

Do you accept graduate entry?

We do accept students who have already completed degrees in relevant subjects (first class or upper second class) however we still require applicants to hold suitable GCSE and science A-level qualifications, including chemistry. Please note that tuition fees for graduate entry are usually classed as ELQ (Equivalent or lower qualifications) and have a different fee structure.

Can I transfer from another course (into year 2?)

We do not normally accept students after studying for one or two years on courses at other Universities. We may consider students who hold A-level qualifications that meet our standard entry criteria but any offer will be for entry to YEAR 1 ONLY.

How do I register as a pharmacist?

Entry to the profession of pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). In order to be eligible to register as a pharmacist you must:

• Hold a Master's level degree in pharmacy awarded in the UK which has been accredited by the GPhC
• Satisfactorily complete one year of Foundation experience in an approved pharmaceutical establishment under the guidance of a pharmacist
• Pass the registration assessment at the end of the Foundation year
• Complete the application process by declaring your fitness to practise and a health declaration

Please note that completion of the MPharm degree alone does not guarantee that you will be successful in securing a Foundation training placement or registering as a pharmacist. However, we will provide you with help and support to optimise your ability to do so. Please note that the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) does not offer prospective registration advice, if registration is refused then an applicant can appeal against this decision via the GPhC’s Appeals Committee.