MPharm Pharmacy

Overview

Set yourself on the path to a career as a qualified pharmacist, and develop the skills and knowledge needed in this constantly evolving sector with this MPharm Pharmacy course.

An MPharm is the only degree that will allow you to register as a qualified pharmacist, following a year of pre-registration training (see careers section below). This degree is accredited by the pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council, and has been designed to reflect the changing roles of pharmacists.

You will learn how the body works, how medicines affect it, and how these medicines are designed. The course content focuses on the different areas of the body, such as the heart, and you will learn how, for each one, the chemistry, biology and pharmacology, pharmaceutics and pharmacy practice are interrelated. This will enable you to apply information to patient care right from the first year.

We will also provide you with information and techniques essential for work in pharmacy, including law, storage of medicines, processes for reducing errors, assessing prescriptions, and professional behaviour. Our pharmacy practice suite uses professional dispensing software and real medicines, in order to build up your experience of key processes and handling substances

As part of the course, all MPharm students will benefit from business and leadership lectures run by the award-winning Henley Business School. You will then have the option to invest in an additional module and assessment to gain a Certificate in Business Administration.

Additionally, you will develop your research skills throughout the course, and spend part of your final year working alongside internationally recognised researchers on a project of your choice. Past topics have included molecular pharmacology, medical technology, pharmacy practice, and drug synthesis, analysis and formulation.

Placement

Throughout the course you will gain an insight into professional practice by carrying out observational visits and placements in hospital and community pharmacies, as well as GP practices. Our annual pharmacy careers fair is attended by numerous employers and is a good source of work experience and job opportunities.

Entry requirements

Background check

Candidates from the UK will need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, arranged by the University. All non-UK candidates need to provide a certificate of no criminal convictions or letter of good standing – provided by their own country before entering the UK. Candidates must also complete an occupational health questionnaire, provided by the University, and complete a declaration of health. Evidence is required of up-to-date vaccinations, including MMR, varicella (chicken pox) and tuberculosis.

Typical offer

ABB including minimum grade B in Chemistry and another science.

Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, ICT).

GCSE Mathematics at Grade 5 (B).

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including 5 in Chemistry and in another science, both at higher level

Extended Project Qualification

In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM (Modules taken must be comparable to A level subjects specified)

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250

New international students: £24,500

Careers

In order to become a fully qualified pharmacist, you will need to complete a year of pre-registration training following graduation. During this time you will complete a portfolio of evidence of competence and take a further assessment, which is run by the pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council. During this year we will provide you with further support, including study documents and mock examinations.

95% of our graduates were in work and/or study within 15 months of graduating. Most students go on to work for community or hospital pharmacies, with a few moving into industry. A small number decide to embark on careers in other areas, such as teaching, or move on to further study.

deadlines

We process applications all year round but recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you can have a place in your chosen degree. Please be aware that to ensure there is enough time to complete all administrative procedures, and VISA requirements, applications may need to be submitted no later than a month (or longer) before the start of the courses.