Get a flavour of what it’s like to be a pharmacy undergraduate

A day in the life of a pharmacy undergraduate in 60 seconds

How to apply

• The first step to becoming a pharmacist is to take a Master’s degree course in pharmacy (MPharm) accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).  Applications for all UK MPharm courses are made through UCAS.

Entry requirements

• Entry requirements for pharmacy degree courses vary because each university sets its own entry criteria, but you are likely to need three A-levels or equivalent qualifications at level 3, plus supporting GCSEs. Contact universities directly to find out whether qualifications equivalent to A-levels or GCSEs are acceptable.
• Universities will normally expect you to attend an interview. You will also need to demonstrate that you have found out about the role of a pharmacist and understand what the profession involves. This is possible through relevant experience in a patient facing environment. Experience in any healthcare setting is useful but if you can, try to gain it in a hospital or community pharmacy.
• The UCAS website allows you to search for courses and view entry requirements. More detailed information about specific courses can be found in university prospectuses and on their websites.
• Try to visit university open days and talk to students, academic and admissions staff to find out what the course and university can offer you. Although all UK degrees are accredited to the same GPhC standards all the degrees (and universities) are not the same!!
• You need to aim for as high grades at A-level or equivalent as possible. Some courses specify certain subjects such as chemistry, and perhaps biology or another science subject, or maths.
• Alternative qualifications may also be considered including International Baccalaureate and access to Science and Medicine Access programs. Always talk to the admissions teams in the universities you intend to and check the course will be suitable for access to their MPharm degree.