Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK – Your Complete Guide

The UK is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) reports that the industry contributes around £20.2 billion annually to the UK economy. Thus, pursuing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK can lead to a lucrative career.  

If you are thinking of pursuing your master’s in pharmacy in the UK, you can apply for a full-time course, most being 1-year.
The MPharm courses offered in the UK lasts for four years. Graduates can expect to find high-paying job opportunities with pharmaceutical giants in the UK, such as Novartis, Pfizer, Merck & Co, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Bayer, etc.

Read this article to learn in-depth about pursuing a Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK.

Overview

When deciding to study abroad, knowing the key factors of a course is crucial. 

Doing a Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK opens up career opportunities as an international professional. Some key highlights of the course are:

After completing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK, graduates typically make £40,000 a year as per Payscale. If you choose to study at top universities such as the University of Lincoln or Coventry University, the return on investment (ROI) for a master's degree in pharmacy in the UK may be higher. 

What is Master’s in Pharmacy

A Master's in Pharmacy is a comprehensive postgraduate degree course. Some universities offer it as part of an integrated undergraduate and postgraduate program. 

The program is designed to provide thorough training and preparation for a career as a pharmacist.

Most courses combine teaching of core concepts with practical experience to prepare professionals for various work settings, such as hospitals. 
These programs in the UK are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, with most students benefiting from the institutes’ strong links with pharmaceutical industries.

After the successful completion of an MPharm, students can also build careers in pharmaceutical and clinical research, pharmaceutical marketing, and lecturing.    
 

Reasons to Study Master’s in Pharmacy in UK

A master’s in pharmacy in the UK for international students is beneficial for several reasons, as mentioned below: 

• It is home to the best global universities in this sphere, many of which rank highly on QS and THE World Ranking lists. More than 28 universities in the UK appeared on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Pharmacy & Pharmacology.

• Completing MPharmacy from the UK helps aspirants land high-paying positions at leading domestic and global companies. Starting salaries for MPharm graduates are around £37,000 per annum in the country.

• The UK’s pharmaceutical industry contributes a substantial £19.2 billion to the country’s life science sector. 

Top Universities for Master’s in Pharmacy UK

Here are some of the top universities in the UK for master’s in pharmacy: 

Master’s in Pharmacy in UK Subjects & Specializations

Some of the usual modules included within an MS in Pharmacy in the UK are: 

• Pharmacists’ Role in Healthcare
• Body Systems and Therapeutics
• Chemistry of Medicines
• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Psychopharmacology
• Cell Signaling
• Neuropharmacology
• Drug Discovery
• Future Design, Delivery, and Administration of Medicines

Some of the industry specializations that MPharm students can opt for are: 

• Clinical Pharmacy 
• Industrial Pharmacy 
• Community Pharmacy 
• Hospital Pharmacy 
• Regulatory Pharmacy 

Cost of Studying for Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK

The approximate tuition fees for studying master’s in pharmacy UK are between £17,000-30,000, while student visa application charges are approximately £490.  

Accommodation costs are usually around £550-650 per month, while food and housekeeping costs are £160-200 monthly. Utility costs hover between £40 and £50 per month, while other living costs can be around £250 monthly. You may also require £32 in monthly transportation costs.

Important Exams to Study Abroad

Requirements for Admission 

The requirements for admission include the following: 

• An undergraduate degree in pharmacy, biology, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, or any related educational field. Typically, a 2:1 honors degree or equivalent is required in your subject.
• Scores in English language proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. Some universities may waive the English language requirements if you have scored 75% in your class 12th (CBSE/ICSE Board). However, most universities will ask for a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score : 92.
• Work experience, if required. Some institutions may require 18 months of work experience in a clinical setting.

Master’s in Pharmacy in UK Documents Required

International students applying for a Master’s in Pharmacy in UK are required to submit their personal information as per the specifications of their university of choice. However, students are usually expected to submit the following:

• Copies of academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• IELTS or TOEFL Test Score 
• 2 to 3 Letters of Recommendation 
• Updated CV/Resume 
• Personal Statement
• A copy of the passport’s photo page
• UK VISA Application Form 
• SOP for Student VISA Application  

Job Prospects After MS in Pharmacy in UK

There are excellent job prospects for aspirants after completing their MS in pharmacy in the UK. Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists should have General Pharmaceutical Council registration for practicing in the country. At the same time, international students can pick up two options: getting EEA pharmacist qualifications or registering as overseas qualified pharmacists.

Professionals can find jobs as hospital or community pharmacists after graduating while finding work in pharmaceutical and academic sectors, regulatory organizations, and bodies. Other job positions include assistant pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, pharmaceutical sales managers, pharmaceutical researchers, hospital pharmacy technicians, and pharmaceutical research scientists. Average salaries are around £37,000 - £52,000 per year as per Glassdoor.

Visa Procedure

You will need a valid student visa to pursue your master’s in pharmacy in the UK. You will have to submit the following documents for your student visa: 

● Passport details

● Recent photograph (passport size)

● Criminal records (if any)

● Proof of funds

● Sponsor’s consent 

You will also have to carry the email print-out confirming your appointment details, travel documents and passport, visa application form, all other documents, and registration information for your visa interview. 

Scholarships for Students

Here are some scholarships that you can consider for pursuing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK:

Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate and subject to change depending on various conditions.

Master’s in Pharmacy in UK Work Permit Visa

The graduate immigration route allows international students to work in the UK for a minimum of two years after completing their courses. It offers an excellent opportunity to build a career in the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Immigration Route: 

• You currently reside in the UK. 
• You must have completed a graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral program successfully with confirmation from the university or institute. 
• You must currently hold a valid Student Visa.

Check Eligibility to Study in UK