Interested in a career in pharmacy? Explore the courses, entry requirements, and training pathways you need to qualify, start practising, and build a rewarding career in the UK pharmacy sector
How to become a pharmacist
To practise as a pharmacist in the UK, you must complete several stages of education and training. The typical route involves:
- Studying a GPhC-accredited MPharm degree, which usually takes four years.
- Completing a foundation training year, where you gain supervised practical experience in a pharmacy setting.
- Passing the GPhC registration assessment, which tests your clinical knowledge and decision-making skills.
- Registering with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to practise as a qualified pharmacist.
Discover what you can do with a pharmacy degree.
Master of pharmacy (MPharm)
Most MPharm degrees take four years and combine undergraduate and postgraduate study into one integrated Masters. You'll gain the scientific knowledge and practical skills needed to work as a pharmacist.
MPharm entry requirements
Entry requirements vary, but most universities ask for ABB to AAB at A-level, including chemistry and at least one other science-related subject, such as:
- biology
- maths
- physics.
For example, The University of Manchester typically requires ABB to AAA, including chemistry and a second science or maths.
You'll also need GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 (B) or above, as required by universities like at King's College London and the University of Greenwich to ensure you can communicate effectively with patients and calculate medicine doses safely.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required, as you'll work with patients during placements.
If you don't meet the entry requirements, some universities - such as Swansea University - offer preparatory foundation years to help you progress onto the full degree.
Discover why you should consider a foundation year.
What you'll study on an MPharm degree
MPharm degrees combine science, clinical training, and patient care. While course structures vary between universities, common topics include:
- clinical pharmacy and patient care
- medicinal chemistry (drug design)
- pharmacology (how medicines affect the body)
- pharmaceutics (how medicines are developed and delivered)
- pharmacy law, ethics, and professional practice.
For example, on the MPharm at Newcastle University, you'll start with the fundamentals of pharmacy, then progress to pharmaceutical care, covering areas like:
- pathology
- patient care
- professionalism.
'Material is arranged around body systems. For example, at stage two students will be taught about the cardiovascular system, including normal and diseased physiology and all the therapeutic interventions for treatment,' explains Dr Mark Ashton, senior lecturer in medicinal chemistry at Newcastle University.
MPharm assessment and exams
These are designed to test both your knowledge and your ability to apply it in practice. Most courses use a mix of:
- clinical simulations - practise patient interactions and decision making
- coursework - including essays, reports, case studies
- lab assessments - preparing and analysing medicines
- presentations and group work - develop your communication and teamwork skills
- written exams - test your understanding of pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and pharmacy law.
You'll be assessed throughout the course, with increasing focus in later years on:
- clinical decision making
- patient care
- professional practice.
Many universities also use Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs), where you complete short practical tasks like:
- checking prescriptions
- counselling patients on taking medication
- identifying drug interactions.
Why accreditation matters
If you want to become a pharmacist, your degree must be accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This ensures the course meets the professional standards required for training in the UK.
Accreditation means your degree has been independently reviewed and equips you with the scientific knowledge, clinical training, and professional skills needed to practise safely.
Universities with accredited MPharm courses include:
| Region | Universities |
|---|---|
| London | King's College London, Kingston University London, University College London |
| South East | University of Brighton, University of Portsmouth, University of Reading |
| South West | University of Bath |
| East of England | University of East Anglia, University of Suffolk |
| West Midlands | University of Birmingham, Keele University |
| East Midlands | De Montford University, University of Leicester, University of Nottingham |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | University of Bradford, University of Huddersfield, University of Sheffield |
| North West | Liverpool John Moores University, University of Liverpool, University of Central Lancashire |
| North East | Newcastle University, University of Sunderland |
| Wales | Cardiff University, Swansea University |
| Scotland | Robert Gordon University, University of Strathclyde |
| Northern Ireland | Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University |
This list isn't exhaustive, so be sure to check that your course is accredited by the GPhC before applying.
Only graduates from a GPhC-accredited MPharm can progress to foundation training and register as a pharmacist. If your course isn't accredited, you won't be able to qualify in the UK.
Pharmacy foundation training years
After your degree, you'll complete the foundation training year - a 12-month supervised clinical placement and the final stage of training. Alongside passing the registration exam, this allows you to register with the GPhC.
During the year, you'll:
- complete clinical placements across settings like community pharmacies, hospitals, or GP practices
- develop key skills in patient consultations, dispensing, and clinical decision making
- prepare for the GPhC registration exam with revision sessions and mock exams
- track your progress through a portfolio and workplace assessments.
You'll also train in independent prescribing, working under a designated prescribing practitioner to build the skills needed to prescribe medicines safely.
Traditionally, you would complete a four-year MPharm, then apply separately for this training year, moving from university study into full-time clinical practice.
Integrated foundation training years
Some universities now offer five-year integrated MPharm degrees, combining academic study and foundation training into one programme. This means you gain practical experience throughout your degree and transition more smoothly into clinical practice.
After completing the course, you can take the GPhC registration exam and apply to register as a pharmacist.
For example, the MPharm at University College London includes:
- Years one to four - core teaching, placements, and a research project.
- Year five - two 26-week full-time placements (typically one in a community pharmacy and one in a hospital).
In your final year, you'll work around 37.5 hours per week under supervision, while continuing your studies and completing competency assessments, with typical UK tuition fees of £9,500 per year.
By the end of the programme, you'll have the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to practise safely as a pharmacist.
Pharmacy apprenticeships
If you want to start a pharmacy career while earning and learning on the job, apprenticeships are a great option. While there isn't currently a Level 7 pharmacist degree apprenticeship leading directly to registration, these routes offer valuable experience and a clear pathway into the profession.
You'll split your time between paid work in a pharmacy and formal study with a training provider or university.
Where to find apprenticeships:
- GOV.UK - Find an apprenticeship
- large pharmacy chains like Boots, LloydsPharmacy, and Superdrug
- the NHS jobs search.
Discover how to apply for an apprenticeship.
Level 2 pharmacy support worker
This is a great entry point if you have little or no experience. You'll learn to:
- give advice on over-the-counter medicines
- handle customer enquiries and transactions
- label and prepare prescriptions.
Employers usually ask for GCSEs (or equivalent) at grades 9 to 3 (A to D), including English and maths.
The apprenticeship generally lasts 12 to 15 months, during which you'll complete the BTEC diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Support Staff, or a similar professional qualifications.
Learn more about Level 2 apprenticeships.
Level 3 pharmacy technician
A two-year apprenticeship leading to registration as a pharmacy technician. You'll learn to:
- dispense medicines and carry out final checks
- prepare complex treatments (e.g. in hospitals)
- support patients and deliver services like health checks.
Most programmes ask for five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including:
- English
- maths
- usually a science.
Some employers may ask for two sciences due to the numeracy and scientific knowledge required. After passing your end-point assessment and registering with the GPhC, you can practise as a pharmacy technician.
Find out more about advanced apprenticeships.
Online pharmacy training
If you don't want to study for a degree or complete an apprenticeship, accredited online courses can qualify you for roles like pharmacy assistant or technician.
These combine online study with workplace training, so you'll need a pharmacy job or placement supervised by a pharmacist or technician to be eligible. Many providers - such as Buttercups and the National Pharmacy Association - require your employer to register you, though you can approach them about training opportunities.
Course options include:
- Level 2 support staff - £100 to £250 for a single course
- Level 3 pharmacy technician - £1,500 to £3,000 for the full programme.
All GPhC-accredited courses teach the core skills you need, with exams and workplace assessments to ensure you're job-ready.
Be aware that many cheaper online courses are not GPhC-recognised - they may offer a certificate but won't qualify you for dispensing roles or technician registration. Always check accreditation.
Explore our guide on choosing an online learning platform.
Pharmacy PhDs
A PhD in pharmacy can lead to a range of careers. Beyond traditional roles, you could join biotech start-ups, work with AI in drug discovery, or explore digital health and pharmaceutical data science.
You might continue in academia, 'working in both fundamental science and clinical settings, or combine work in both areas' notes Dr Ashton. Many graduates move into the pharmaceutical or biotech industry 'in areas like patient safety, clinical trials, business development and pharmaceutics,' he adds.
Other options include regulatory affairs and pharmacovigilance, ensuring medicines meet safety and compliance standards.
To start a PhD, you'll typically need to:
- find a supervisor or research group - universities list projects in areas like drug development or clinical pharmacy
- apply for funding or scholarships - many programmes offer studentships or grants
- submit a research proposal - outlining your aims and methods
- complete your research - PhDs usually take three to four years full-time, combining lab work and academic writing.
Explore our guide to PhD study.
Work experience for pharmacy careers
While it isn't required, most universities strongly recommend prior work experience. It helps you understand what pharmacists do and shows your motivation when writing your personal statement or attending interviews.
You could gain experience by:
- volunteering or working in a community pharmacy
- shadowing pharmacists in a hospital
- taking a part-time role in care homes or retail pharmacy.
Many MPharm courses also include lab work and clinical simulations, so you'll apply your knowledge in real-world settings during your degree.
Some universities offer placements in hospital, community, and primary care environments, and opportunities to work alongside professionals like GPs and nurses, so it's worth thinking about this when choosing a course.
For example, the course at Newcastle has 'a partnership with a local GP alliance. Our students work with nurses and GPs via a community health bus delivering important public health programmes across the city,' explains Dr Ashton.
Careers in pharmacy
As a pharmacist, you'll have a range of career options across different settings, including:
- care homes
- GP practices
- hospitals
- industry
- research.
While many pharmacists work in community pharmacies or hospital pharmacies, there are growing opportunities in primary care. For example, you could work alongside GPs and nurses to help patients manage their medicines as an independent prescriber.
Some pharmacists also work in commissioning roles, helping design healthcare services for local communities.
Your expertise in medicines also opens doors beyond traditional roles for a career change. You could work in pharmaceutical companies, academia, or areas like:
- education and training
- medical writing
- research.
With additional training, you could even move into roles such as nutritional therapist or physician associate.
Search graduate jobs in healthcare.
If you're interested in industry, you could apply for science graduate schemes with companies like AstraZeneca or GSK.
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