MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Master of Pharmacy
- UCAS Course Code
- 8B23
- Typical Offer
- CCC
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 5 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Our Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year degree programme is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). It's a five-year course that prepares students for university-level study in pharmacy. The course is specifically designed for those who do not have the required qualifications for direct entry onto the four-year MPharm course.
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 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.
Accreditations
The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Study and Modules
Structure
Our MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year course follows a well-structured programme to ensure students are fully equipped for their future studies. During the Preparatory Year, you'll focus on developing fundamental skills in mathematics, biology, chemistry, and pharmacy. Successful completion of this year will enable you to move on to the four-year MPharm degree.
For information on subsequent years, please see the full MPharm Pharmacy course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)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 the Preparatory Year, you’ll develop a strong foundation in mathematics, biology, and chemistry. In addition, you’ll undertake a bespoke Pharmacy skills module, designed to give you an introduction to the teaching methods used throughout the MPharm programme. You’ll also understand the underlying principles of medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation, and pharmacy practice.
For information on subsequent years, please see the full MPharm Pharmacy course.
Independent study
Our course is designed to allow you to reflect on your experiences and maximise your potential. We provide opportunities for you to research, test, and apply your knowledge in your own time, supported by tasks and activities delivered through our virtual learning environment.
We believe that reflecting on your experiences is an essential part of the learning process, and our course is structured to give you space to do so. Our virtual learning environment provides a range of resources to help you reflect on your learning and progress, and to support you in achieving your goals.
Through these activities, you'll develop the skills necessary to succeed in your studies and as a future pharmacist. We aim to provide a supportive environment that will help you reach your full potential and succeed in your career.
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
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK fee-paying students. Choose UK 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 and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
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
CCC
Contextual offer: CDD
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: MMM
Contextual offer: MMP
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Extended Diploma: MMM
Diploma: MM plus C at A level
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A level
Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with a Pass in 45 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism. We accept all pathways
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
28 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
6 subjects at H4
Scottish Highers
BBCCC
Scottish Advanced Highers
DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
- 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.
-
- 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). 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.
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 webpages.