Pharmacy Courses in UK

Updated on 12 September, 2024

Pharmacy is a discipline revolving around the science of creating, monitoring, dispensing, and reviewing medication. It combines health science with natural and pharmaceutical sciences to supply patients with safe and affordable medicines.

Pharmacy courses in the UK are popular among international students aspiring to study in the country. Here are some reasons that make the UK a popular destination:

  • An integrated curriculum that provides valuable exposure to practical learning.
  • Emphasis on short work placements and networking with existing professionals in the healthcare industry.
  • Incorporation of research projects to better understand the pharmacy industry’s fundamentals.
  • State-of-the-art healthcare infrastructure with access to modern learning tools.

Start Your Study Abroad Journey with upGrad Abroad

Read on to get a clearer idea of the state of pharmacy courses in UK for international students and the career prospects after completion.

Top 5 Universities Offering Pharmacy Courses in the UK

Some top universities offer a master’s in pharmacy for candidates looking to dive deeper into the subject. Most of these institutions do not have a separate program for B.Pharm in the UK.  

According to the QS Subject Rankings 2022, some of the top universities offering an MSc pharmacy in the UK, along with other important details, are listed below.

Name of the University QS Subject Ranking: Pharmacy & Pharmacology Tuition Fee (per year) Courses available
University College of London #4 GBP 29,000
  1. M. Pharm
  2. Advanced Pharmacy Practice
  3. Clinical Pharmacy
  4. Drug Discovery and Pharma Management
University of Nottingham #5 GBP 27,200
  1. M. Pharm
  2. Drug Discovery
University of Manchester #14
  1. GBP 9,000 for years 1 and 2
  2. GBP 11,000 for year 3
  1. M. Pharm
  2. Clinical Pharmacy
King’s College, London #17 GBP 28,740
  1. M. Pharm
Cardiff University #55 GBP 25,450
  1. MSc. Clinical Pharmacy
  2. M. Pharm

The duration of the pharmacy-related courses in UK varies according to the university. For instance, the University of Manchester offers a three-year program, while King’s College offers a four-year course. 

Living and Learning in the Heart of the UK: Experience the Vibrant Student Life!

Eligibility Criteria

The guidelines for admission differ according to the university. Some of the standard criteria for pharmacy courses in the UK are as follows.

  • The applicant must appear for an English proficiency test (IELTS or TOEFL)). The minimum scores required are specified individually by each university.
  • The candidate must have taken Chemistry in prior educational levels, along with one of math, biology, or physics.

Some institutes might also prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy-related subjects. 

Documents Required for Admission to Pharmacy Courses in UK

To assess the candidates and their goals, universities in UK require certain mandatory documents from the applicant’s end. These documents are as follows.

  • Two to three academic or professional letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose detailing the candidate’s background and motivation for pursuing an MSc Pharmacy in the UK.
  • CV or resume.
  • Test scores for English proficiency examinations like IELTS or TOEFL.
  • Official transcripts.

Most institutes offering a master’s in pharmacy in the UK have an online application form. Candidates seeking admission to their desired courses should fill out the form and upload the relevant documents to be eligible for consideration.

Exploring the Advantages of Studying in the UK versus India: A Comparative Analysis

The Admission Process and Deadlines for Top Universities Offering Pharmacy Courses in UK

The M.Pharm course in the UK is considered an undergraduate degree which has an integrated master’s program. Hence, all admissions take place through the UCAS portal. Applicants planning to apply for their respective courses can acquire the application form from the official website at least 12 months before the desired intake.

UCAS allows applicants to apply for up to five pharmacy courses in different institutions in the UK. The portal stops accepting applications on January 15 every year. 

The UCAS application form is then analyzed and assessed by the relevant universities. If an applicant fulfills all the criteria for admission and the admission committee deems them suitable, the university reaches out to the candidate through email.

After a callback, the students will be asked to undergo an online interview to help the admission committee understand their overall conduct. 

Scholarships for Pharmacy Courses in UK

Multiple private and government entities offer scholarships to help students pursue pharmacy courses in the UK. Some of the most prestigious scholarships include the following.

  • The JN Tata Endowment: It covers the tuition fee of the desired course and is open to all Indians planning to pursue graduate studies abroad.
  • Education Future International Scholarships: This scholarship offers a remuneration of GBP 2,005 to GBP 10,000. It is a partially-funded scholarship open to all Indian students considering higher studies abroad, subject to certain conditions.

Applicants can also avail of university-specific scholarships after receiving an unconditional admission offer from the institute.

Job Prospects After Completing Pharmacy Courses in UK

After completing a masters in pharmacy UK, candidates are equipped to work in a variety of specialty roles in the healthcare domain, such as:

Job Title Expected Remuneration (annually)
Clinical research associate GBP 30,967
Product development scientist GBP 28,257
Medical science liaison GBP 53,988
Military pharmacist GBP 50,061

Is the UK’s Education System the BEST in the World? Find Out Why Students Are Flocking to Study Here!

Read More About Studying in UK

Journalism courses in the UK Marine Engineering in UK MSc Bioinformatics in UK
MSc Forensic Science In UK Criminology Courses in UK BSc Forensic Science in UK
BSc Biotechnology in the UK MBA in Pharmaceutical Management in UK

FAQs

How many years is a pharmacy degree in UK?

The typical duration of pharmacy courses in the UK is anywhere from 3 to 4 years, depending on the university.

 

 


 

Which pharmacy course is best in UK?

According to the QS Subject Rankings, University College of London offers the best pharmacy courses in the UK. It is ranked #2 in UK and #4 worldwide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Did you find this article helpful?

Jyotsna Singh

With over a decade of expertise in international education, Jyotsna has held impactful roles at the British Council, Unilodgers, a prominent UK university, and IDP Education, empowering countless students by not only enhancing their educational experiences but also by offering them guidance in securing essential scholarships and financial aid. She is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals through tailored guidance and financial support.

See More

Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹40000

Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.