Studying Pharmacy in the UK
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 are generally a 4-year degree with modules focusing on pharmacology, biology and organic chemistry etc. 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.
The Integrated Master of Pharmacy degree (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).
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.
Pharmacy Entry Requirements*
Entry requirements for Pharmacy may vary depending on 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 2025 below:
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:
- Pharmacists Gateway Canada
- Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
- English Language Requirement Test
- 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.
