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It combines biology, chemistry and healthcare, and prepares you for a professional role as a pharmacist. Pharmacists are experts in the safe use of medicines. They advise doctors, treat patients, and ensure people get the right medicines and understand how to use them. If you’re interested in science, enjoy working with people and want a career in healthcare, Pharmacy could be a great choice.
What Is Pharmacy Like at University?
A Pharmacy degree covers both the science of drugs and the skills needed to work with patients. You’ll learn how medicines are made, how they interact with the body, and how they’re used to treat illness. You’ll also study communication, ethics, law and patient care. Most courses combine classroom learning with practical lab work and placements in hospitals and community pharmacies. By the end of your degree, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to work in a wide range of healthcare settings.
How Long Does It Take and What Are the Options?
In the UK, you’ll study for a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree, which takes four years. After this, you must complete one year of foundation training in a paid placement, usually in a hospital or community pharmacy. You’ll also need to pass the General Pharmaceutical Council’s registration assessment to become a fully qualified pharmacist. Some universities offer five-year integrated programmes that include the foundation training year within the course.
How Will You Be Taught and Assessed?
Pharmacy is taught through lectures, seminars, lab practicals, workshops and supervised placements. You’ll study modules in pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, microbiology and pharmacy practice. You’ll also take part in role plays, case studies and patient simulations. Assessment is a mix of exams, coursework, lab reports, presentations and observed practical exams. You’ll also be assessed on professionalism and communication during placements.
What A Levels or Subjects Do You Need?
Most universities require:
Chemistry — essential
Biology — usually required or strongly preferred
Maths or another science — often accepted as a third subject
Some courses may accept applicants with Chemistry and Maths plus a relevant third subject. You’ll also need good GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. Work experience in a pharmacy is helpful and sometimes expected, especially when writing your personal statement or attending interviews.
What Skills Will You Develop?
A Pharmacy degree builds strong scientific and professional skills, including:
In-depth knowledge of medicines and drug interactions
Analytical and lab skills in chemistry and microbiology
Clinical decision-making and patient communication
Understanding of healthcare systems and public health
Ethical reasoning and professional responsibility
Organisation and attention to detail
Problem-solving and collaborative working
You’ll learn how to apply your knowledge to real-world problems and support patients safely and effectively.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree?
After qualifying, most graduates become registered pharmacists. Career options include:
Community pharmacy — advising patients and dispensing prescriptions in high street pharmacies
Hospital pharmacy — working in NHS or private hospitals, managing drug treatments and supporting medical teams
Industrial pharmacy — researching, developing or testing new medicines for pharmaceutical companies
Regulatory affairs or medicines safety — ensuring new drugs meet legal and safety standards
Academic or clinical research — investigating new treatments or contributing to healthcare studies
Pharmaceutical sales, marketing or consultancy — supporting the business side of healthcare
Some pharmacists also work in prisons, the armed forces, care homes or international health programmes. A Pharmacy degree also opens pathways to further study in areas like clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, medicine or public health.
Studying Pharmacy Abroad
Many countries offer high-quality pharmacy degrees, but you’ll need to make sure the course meets UK registration standards if you plan to practise here. In some cases, extra exams or bridging courses may be required.
USA
In the US, Pharmacy is studied at postgraduate level. You must first complete at least two years of pre-pharmacy undergraduate study, then apply to a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme. Admission is competitive and includes the PCAT entrance exam. After graduation, US pharmacists must pass licensing exams for their state. UK students returning from the US may need additional training or exams to register in the UK.
Canada
Canada follows a similar model to the US, offering the PharmD as a postgraduate degree. Undergraduate science or health courses are required before entry. Pharmacy schools are highly respected, especially those at the University of Toronto and University of British Columbia. Returning to the UK may require further assessment by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
European Union
Several EU countries offer Pharmacy degrees taught in English, including Ireland, Poland, Hungary and Spain. Courses usually last five years and include practical placements. Some programmes align well with UK standards, but if you study outside the UK, you must apply for recognition and registration through the General Pharmaceutical Council. Always check the programme is listed and approved.
Australia
In Australia, you can study Pharmacy at undergraduate or postgraduate level. The Bachelor of Pharmacy takes four years and includes clinical placements. The University of Sydney, Monash and the University of Queensland are highly regarded. UK recognition may require an assessment process or adaptation training.
New Zealand
New Zealand offers the Bachelor of Pharmacy as a four-year degree, mainly at the University of Otago. Students gain strong practical and clinical experience. To practise in the UK after graduating, you’ll need to apply through the GPhC and may need to meet additional requirements.
Studying Pharmacy abroad can be a great option, but always research carefully to make sure your degree will be recognised in your home country or any country where you want to work.
Is Pharmacy the Right Course for You?
Pharmacy is an excellent choice for students who enjoy science, want to work in healthcare and are interested in how medicines improve people’s lives. It suits people who are detail-oriented, good communicators and want a job that blends science with real-world impact. Whether you're working face-to-face with patients or helping to develop new treatments, a career in Pharmacy offers responsibility, variety and the chance to make a positive difference every day.
