Pharmacy is the science of preparation and dispensation of medical drugs. The study of pharmacy involves chemistry and pharmaceutics, among other diverse topics.
Undergraduate pharmacy programs typically last four years, with modules covering pharmacology, biology and physiology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, ethics, and economics. In the UK, you will require at least an MPharm to be eligible for the year-long training course that permits you to register as a professional pharmacist.
In addition to coursework, work placements in the industry will provide students with valuable insights and professional experience. Modern labs will help you hone your skills with replica medicine-dispensing stations, consulting areas, and computers linked to Pharmacy industry systems.
Pharmacy education is highly respected in the UK. The UK continues to be a global leader in pharmaceutical research, development, and innovation, as well as improving health care and medication use. Various experts will educate you. This knowledge and innovation are concentrated in UK universities.
A job in pharmacy is great for those interested in health, disease, and science, working at the forefront of human healthcare, taking on roles in the design and development of new treatments, prescription and care management, and advising on the various medical options available.
Global ranking of some of the top universities in the UK for Pharmacy courses
In the United Kingdom, pharmacy courses are offered by several reputable universities. Students must choose their university wisely. The following is a list of the top UK universities in these subjects based on QS Rankings 2022 by Subject "Pharmacy & Pharmacology".
The table is based on carefully calibrated performance indicators that assess a university's performance in four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. The list is designed to help international students get familiar with UK universities.
QS Ranking |
Universities |
Location |
4 |
UCL |
London, United Kingdom |
5 |
University of Nottingham |
Nottingham, United Kingdom |
6 |
University of Cambridge |
Cambridge, United Kingdom |
=14 |
The University of Manchester |
Manchester, United Kingdom |
17 |
King's College London |
London, United Kingdom |
=22 |
Imperial College London |
London, United Kingdom |
=37 |
The University of Edinburgh |
Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
=44 |
University of Dundee |
Dundee, United Kingdom5QS Stars |
50 |
University of Bristol |
Bristol, United Kingdom |
=55 |
Cardiff University |
Cardiff, United Kingdom |
59 |
University of Strathclyde |
Glasgow, United Kingdom |
=64 |
University of Liverpool |
Liverpool, United Kingdom |
Programs for Bachelors in Pharmacy with tuition fees in the UK
An undergraduate degree in pharmacy is usually 3 to 4 years in the UK. It is generally offered as BSc Pharmacology or MPharm degree. The tuition fee for international students ranges from £21,000 to £30,000 per year.
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
UCL |
MPharm |
£26,600 |
University of Nottingham |
Pharmaceutical Sciences BSc |
N/A |
MPharm |
N/A |
|
The University of Manchester |
MPharm |
£24,500 |
King's College London |
MPharm |
£27,090 |
Pharmacology BSc |
£29,460 |
|
The University of Edinburgh |
BSc Pharmacology |
£30,400 |
University of Dundee |
Pharmacology BSc (Hons) |
£ 23,650 |
University of Bristol |
BSc Pharmacology |
£25,900 |
MSci Pharmacology |
||
Cardiff University |
Pharmacy (MPharm) |
N/A |
Medical Pharmacology (BSc) |
N/A |
|
University of Strathclyde |
MPharm |
£21,150 |
MSci Pharmacology |
||
BSc Hons Biochemistry & Pharmacology |
||
BSc Hons Immunology & Pharmacology |
Academic Requirement:
- Completion of higher secondary education or equivalent.
- A minimum score of 65% to 70% is required.
Entry requirements for pharmacy degrees vary by institution, but you'll almost certainly need to have studied chemistry at a high level, preferably alongside biology, physics, and mathematics.
If your country's high school does not qualify for direct entry, you can apply for a foundation program or an undergraduate diploma.
English Language Requirement:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 85 with a minimum score of 18 to 21 in reading, listening, speaking and writing.
- A minimum PTE score of 65 overall with no less than 50 in each section.
- A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each band.
Programs for Masters in Pharmacy with tuition fees in the UK
Masters in Pharmacy in the UK is a 1-2 years master's course that revolves around healthcare, taking on duties that offer treatment, prescription, and healthcare management. Offered majorly as MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences or MSc in pharmacology, it is available at many top universities all over the UK.
The tuition fee for full-time courses for overseas students ranges from £22,000 to £32,000 per year.
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
UCL |
Pharmaceutical Formulation and Entrepreneurship MSc |
£32,100 |
Pharmaceutics MSc |
||
University of Nottingham |
Drug Discovery MSc |
£28,000 |
Drug Discovery with Industrial Training MSc |
£22,400 |
|
The University of Manchester |
MSc Clinical Pharmacy (part-time distance learning) |
£7,500 in year 1 and 2, £10,000 in year 3 |
MSc Model-based Drug Development |
£27,500 |
|
King's College London |
Pharmacology MSc |
£29,310 |
Clinical Pharmacology MSc |
||
Pharmaceutical Analysis, Technology and Biopharmaceuticals MSc |
||
Cardiff University |
Clinical Pharmacy (MSc) (Part-time distance learning) |
£7,820 |
University of Strathclyde |
MSc Clinical Pharmacy |
£24,250 |
MSc Advanced Pharmacology |
£22,400 |
|
MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis |
£22,400 |
Academic Requirement:
- A Bachelor's degree with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 in a 4.0 scale, or 65% in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, biotechnology, pharmaceutics or a related field in the life or physical sciences.
English Language Requirement:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 92 overall with a minimum of 20 in speaking and 19 in all other elements.
- A minimum PTE score of 75 overall with no less than 65 in each section
- A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each band.
Programs for PhD in Pharmacy with tuition fees in the UK
A post-graduate research and PhD in pharmacy is offered by some of the top universities in the UK. The course duration of a research program is generally 3 to 5 years, while some programs are up to 6 years.
The tuition fee for non-EU students varies from £21,000 to £38,000 per annum.
Universities/Colleges |
Courses |
Tuition fees per annum |
UCL |
School of Pharmacy MPhil/PhD |
£27,750 |
University of Nottingham |
Pharmacy PhD/MRes |
£28,000 |
The University of Manchester |
PhD/MPhil Pharmacology |
£25,500 to £38,500 |
PhD/MPhil Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
||
PhD/MPhil Pharmacy Practice |
||
King's College London |
Pharmaceutical Discovery, Development and Use. (Joint PhD with the University of Sao Paulo) |
£25,800 |
Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences MPhil/PhD |
£27,090 |
|
The University of Bristol |
Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience |
£24,600 |
Cardiff University |
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences |
£22,700 |
University of Strathclyde |
Pharmacy & biomedical sciences (PhD, MPhil, DPharm) |
£21,150 |
Academic Requirement:
- Bachelor's degree with a score of 65% or above in biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, pharmacy/pharmacology, applied biology, chemistry or computational science/bioinformatics.
- Masters's degree in the related field.
English Language Requirement:
- A minimum TOEFL score of 92 overall with a minimum of 20 in speaking and 19 in all other elements.
- A minimum PTE score of 75 overall with no less than 65 in each section
- A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 overall with at least 6.0 in each band.
Pharmacy in the UK: Scholarships
Pharmacy is one of the most challenging and intimidating career fields, but it can lead to a solid career that cannot be overlooked. Because the health sector is valued highly, the cost of obtaining a degree in Pharmacy is quite expensive. Given the cost of studying abroad, most students are forced to put their dreams on hold.
As a result, applying for a scholarship is critical to increasing your chances of studying pharmacy without any obstacles standing in your way. Scholarships, grants, bursaries, fellowships, monetary awards, and loans for international students in the UK will greatly assist many deserving students.
University |
Scholarships |
Amount |
UCL |
GLOBAL UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP |
Varies |
The University of Nottingham |
South Asia Undergraduate Excellence Award |
£7,000 |
South Asia Postgraduate Excellence Award |
£8,000 |
|
The University of Manchester |
School of Health Sciences alumni bursary |
£1,000 |
King's College London |
Sanctuary Scholarship |
Full Fees plus £12,667 |
University of Strathclyde |
Faculty of Science Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students |
£3,000-£5,000 |
Faculty of Science Masters Scholarship for International Students |
£4,000- £5,000 |
|
Strathclyde Research Studentship Scheme (SRSS) |
Home fees and stipend at UKRI rate |
Pharmacy in the UK: Scope
The average salary for a degree holder in pharmacy in the UK is £50,000, but this depends upon several factors such as location, degree, company, experience and so on. Students with a Pharmacy degree can pursue a variety of career paths.
Pharmacist graduates from the United Kingdom can work in industry, research, and academia in settings ranging from hospitals, GP practices, and care homes to offices and factories if working in the pharmaceutical business.
|
A second choice that makes it possible to teach the subject in higher education settings is to pursue a PhD.
Some of the careers you can enter with a Pharmacy degree are listed below..
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Pharmacist |
£30k - £59k |
£43,631 |
Pharmacy Manager |
£37k - £58k |
£48,129 |
Clinical Project Manager |
£41k - £72k |
£54,488 |
Research Scientist |
£23k - £39k |
£28,702 |
Regulatory Affairs Manager |
£42k - £69k |
£55,652 |
Quality Assurance (QA) Associate |
£25k - £44k |
£32,795 |
Project Manager |
£36k - £70k |
£50,465 |
Product Specialist |
£22k - £74k |
£35,212 |
Principal Scientist |
£48k - £85k |
£63,342 |
Management Consultant |
£31k - £58k |
£41,840 |