Pharmacy MPharm

Pharmacy is the study of medicines and how they affect the human body.

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

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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.

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.

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Pharmacy Students

Reading around the subject can strengthen your application and broaden your knowledge. Suggested books include:

“Bad Pharma” by Ben Goldacre

A critical look at the pharmaceutical industry, highlighting the importance of ethics and transparency.

“Drugs: Without the Hot Air” by David Nutt

A clear and evidence-based look at drugs, their effects and how society manages them.

“Pharmacology: A Very Short Introduction” by Michael Angastiniotis

A concise guide to how medicines work in the body.

“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot

Explores medical ethics and the history of biomedical research, relevant to anyone entering healthcare.