MPharm Pharmacy
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Pharmacy
- UCAS Course Code
- B230
- Typical Offer
- AAB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBB (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our GPhC accredited Pharmacy degree helps you develop the knowledge, skills and attributes required of a modern pharmacist. From day one you'll work with patients and other healthcare practitioners in placements and simulations. Learning in an enjoyable and supportive environment to maximise your potential.
Our MPharm degree programme has a global reputation for exceptional, innovative teaching, backed by world-class research. You’ll focus on clinical skills development and practical experience to develop your professional attributes and competencies. You'll benefit from the support of our friendly staff, who are leading researchers and practitioners. Furthermore, your learning will be integrated with placements from the very beginning of this four-year course.
Whatever your focus, your course will reflect the most up-to-date developments in pharmaceutical science and the most recent advances in clinical practice. This course is intended for UK and EU students who wish to later register as a Pharmacist in the UK following a 12-month period of foundation training undertaken after graduation. If you wish to register as a pharmacist overseas, we recommend you check this course is acceptable for this purpose in that country.
The programme aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attributes required to become modern pharmacists. From the first day of the course, students will engage in placements and simulations, working alongside healthcare practitioners and patients to gain practical experience. The learning environment is supportive and enjoyable, with a focus on maximizing students' potential.
The course is designed to provide students with the necessary foundation to pursue a rewarding career in pharmacy. We’re proud of our graduates, and their early career destinations are a testament to the employability prospects provided by our degree. You may become a professional scientist or pursue careers in hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy, primary care and GP practices.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
In your final year, you’ll carry out a project, giving you the chance to gain a greater insight into a specialist subject area. You can choose to undertake it at an English-speaking provider. We currently have arrangements with pharmacy schools in Germany, France, Spain, and Vietnam.
Accreditations
The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Study and Modules
Structure
Our course covers topics in an integrated way, centred on different diseases and clinical topics. Throughout your degree, you’ll develop your skills through patient-facing experiences and placements. Some parts of your learning will be alongside other healthcare professionals, just like it would be in the workplace.
In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the different areas of pharmacy: the biology behind how drugs work (pharmacology), dosage form design (pharmaceutics), how medicines are designed and made (medicinal chemistry), and patient care and the practice of pharmacy. Building from this, the degree is taught around different clinical topics, starting first with hypertension, which is one of the most commonly treated clinical symptoms.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our course combines a variety of teaching methods, designed to help you make the most of your learning and your ability to perform the professional role of a pharmacist.
We promote active learning, with a large proportion of workshops, practicals and simulations designed to help you get to grips with applying your knowledge to deliver benefits to patients and the public.
You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, and in teams to help you recognise your own strengths and weaknesses, and to support your development to becoming a healthcare professional.
We give you plenty of practice of the things you'll need to do as a working Pharmacist: from the production of a professional portfolio to counselling a patient and preparing a pharmaceutical care plan, everything is taught in context.
Independent study
The course is designed to give you space to reflect on your experiences to help you to maximise your potential. You’ll have opportunities to research, test and apply your knowledge in your own time, supported through tasks and activities delivered via our virtual learning environment.
Assessment
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you'll use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
- Optimise your learning and development
- Develop professionalism
- Develop clinical decision-making skills
- Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
- Mock assessments and feedback for exams
- Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
- Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
- Short answer and multiple-choice tests
- Essays and laboratory reports
- Pharmaceutical care plans
- Clinical observations
- Professional development portfolios
- Oral and poster presentations
- Scientific paper writing
- Staff and peer assessment
Structure
In your second year, you’ll build on your knowledge in areas relating to the management of common conditions such as diabetes, asthma, infectious diseases and cancer.
You'll also start to develop your skills as a healthcare practitioner whilst developing your own consultation style and skills to enable you to work in a modern healthcare team.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our course combines a variety of teaching methods, designed to help you make the most of your learning and your ability to perform the professional role of a Pharmacist.
We promote active learning, with a large proportion of workshops, practicals and simulations designed to help you get to grips with applying your knowledge to deliver benefits to patients and the public.
You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, and in teams to help you recognise your own strengths and weaknesses, and to support your development to becoming a healthcare professional.
We give you plenty of practice of the things you will need to do as a working Pharmacist: from the production of a professional portfolio to counselling a patient and preparing a pharmaceutical care plan, everything is taught in context.
Independent study
The course is designed to give you space to reflect on your experiences to help you to maximise your potential. You’ll have opportunities to research, test and apply your knowledge in your own time, supported through tasks and activities delivered via our virtual learning environment.
Assessment
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Structure
In your third year, you’ll further develop your research and clinical skills where you'll learn about skin disorders, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, neurological diseases, and management of pain. In addition to clinical topics, you develop your scientific understanding of how a medicine is designed, tested and formulated. Using this knowledge to benefit your patients and fellow healthcare professionals.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Our course combines a variety of teaching methods, designed to help you make the most of your learning and your ability to perform the professional role of a Pharmacist.
We promote active learning, with a large proportion of workshops, practicals and simulations designed to help you get to grips with applying your knowledge to deliver benefits to patients and the public.
You’ll work in small groups to solve problems, and in teams to help you recognise your own strengths and weaknesses, and to support your development to becoming a healthcare professional.
We give you plenty of practice of the things you will need to do as a working Pharmacist: from the production of a professional portfolio to counselling a patient and preparing a pharmaceutical care plan, everything is taught in context.
Independent study
The course is designed to give you space to reflect on your experiences to help you to maximise your potential. You’ll have opportunities to research, test and apply your knowledge in your own time, supported through tasks and activities delivered via our virtual learning environment.
Assessment
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Structure
In your final year, you’ll bring together everything you have learned and apply it to complex patient situations reflecting real world practice. In this year, you'll also develop your research and evaluation skills to make judgements and recommendations about future practice, together with developing your understanding of education to enable you to fully support the wider healthcare team. There may be an opportunity this year to study abroad at one of our partner organisations.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
During your last year, you'll complete a project, which will give you a deeper understanding of a specific subject area of your interest. You'll team up with a faculty member who’ll help you all along.
Assessment
Your final year project will be assessed through a combination of a written part and a presentation.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
AAB including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) including required modules or DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus A level Chemistry grade B.
Contextual offer: DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) including required modules or DDD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus A level Chemistry grade B.
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry unless all of the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus A level Chemistry grade B.
Contextual offer: DD in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science/Biomedical Science) plus A level Chemistry grade C.
Extended Certificate: D plus AB at A level including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: D plus BB at A level including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
BTEC only accepted alongside A Level Chemistry unless all of the following modules studied: Applications of Inorganic Chemistry, Applications of Organic Chemistry and Practical Chemical Analysis.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Not accepted
T levels
Not accepted
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year
Foundation Years from Other Universities
If A Levels achieved are below the entry requirements for UEA’s MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year, we cannot consider even if a Foundation Year is taken elsewhere.
We require 70% overall with 70% in Chemistry & 60% in second science or maths from foundation years with acceptable content to meet our requirements.- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Chemistry and Higher Level 5 in a second science from Biology, Physics or Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches)
Irish Leaving Certificate
4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics
Scottish Highers
AAAAA including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics
Scottish Advanced Highers
BBC including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers to successful applicants will be subject to a successful interview, a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Where applicable an Overseas Police Check may be required. As part of the selection process, successful applicants will be asked to complete the Pharmacy Schools Council Excluded Database form. UK Pharmacy students are also required to sign up to a national Code of Conduct for Pharmacy Students.
- Interviews
Interviews will be held virtually with a member of academic staff from the School of Pharmacy. Please note that we do not disclose interview questions. Typically, we will look for you to demonstrate a good understanding of the course, your approaches to decision making, effective teamwork, effective communication, and a desire to help others. The selection process is designed to help us choose students with the appropriate skills and attitudes to become excellent pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
Applicants can only be interviewed once per cycle. If unsuccessful at interview applicants cannot reapply until the following academic cycle.
- Placements
Where a course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- Preparing for Pharmacy
Applying to study Pharmacy can be daunting, especially without any experience of university or pharmacy in the family to draw upon. Preparing for Pharmacy supports Year 12 /Level 3 Year 1 students on their path to studying Pharmacy through participation in a range of free activities.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language at minimum grade 4 or grade C and Mathematics at minimum grade 5 or grade B.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
AAB including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
Contextual offer: BBB including Chemistry and either Physics, Biology or Mathematics.
Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
International Baccalaureate
33 points overall with Higher Level 5 in Chemistry and Higher Level 5 in a second science from Biology, Physics or Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches).
Foundation Years from Other Universities
If A Levels achieved are below the entry requirements for UEA’s MPharm Pharmacy with a Foundation Year, we cannot consider even if a Foundation Year is taken elsewhere.
We require 70% overall with 70% in Chemistry & 60% in second science or maths from foundation years with acceptable content to meet our requirements.- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Non-Academic Entry Requirements
Offers to successful applicants will be subject to a successful interview, a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of appropriate immunisations and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Where applicable an Overseas Police Check may be required. As part of the selection process, successful applicants will be asked to complete the Pharmacy Schools Council Excluded Database form. UK Pharmacy students are also required to sign up to a national Code of Conduct for Pharmacy Students.
- Interviews
Interviews will be held virtually with a member of academic staff from the School of Pharmacy. Please note that we do not disclose interview questions. Typically, we will look for you to demonstrate a good understanding of the course, your approaches to decision making, effective teamwork, effective communication, and a desire to help others. The selection process is designed to help us choose students with the appropriate skills and attitudes to become excellent pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
Applicants can only be interviewed once per cycle. If unsuccessful at interview applicants cannot reapply until the following academic cycle.
- Placements
Where a course includes patient facing placements in health or social care settings, and these are a mandatory component of the course, you will need to comply with the placement vaccination policy. Failure to meet the placement vaccination policy may prevent you from joining the course or may lead to your withdrawal from the course in the future. Future employment may also be subject to this condition.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
After completing your MPharm degree you’ll need to complete a 12-month structured foundation training period and assessment, leading to registration as a Pharmacist with the GPhC.
Career prospects for Pharmacists are excellent. In many areas of the UK there is a shortage of Pharmacists, presenting exciting employment opportunities for you in community, primary care, hospital and the pharmaceutical industry when you graduate.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Hospital pharmacy
- Community pharmacy
- Primary care and GP practices
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Research
- Education
Discover more on our Careers pages.