What You Need to Know About Pharmacy Courses in UK

Pharmacy is a healthcare profession that links health sciences with modern pharmaceutical sciences. Pharmacists can practise various duties, like managing the pharmacy, conducting chemical and biopharmaceutical research, managing drug therapy or diseases, and prescribing medicines to patients.

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How to Pursuing Pharmacy Courses in the UK

Several universities in the UK offer pharmacy courses, which include not only traditional undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs but also short courses. A person pursuing a pharmacy course in the UK can opt for one of three primary professions: pharmacist, pharmacy assistant, or pharmacy technician.

While there are some basic requirements a student needs to fulfil to meet the eligibility criteria to enrol in pharmacy courses in the UK, a few requirements differ depending on the university course.

If you are looking forward to pharmacy studies, there are two primary options in the UK: London and Manchester. Both cities were excellent, with all the reputable pharmacy schools located there. They offered various course offerings, unique location opportunities, scholarship programmes, internships, and clinical placements. The choice was between an ancient, historical city (London) and a more modern, vibrant one (Manchester).

Entry requirements

The essential eligibility criteria, which a student needs to meet to enrol in a pharmacy course in the UK, are:

• A background in English, Chemistry, and/or Mathematics
• An AAB in A-Level or 34 points in the International Baccalaureate
• An overall IELTS score of 6.5, or a minimum score of 6.0, is one of the components for international students.

International students applying to the UK for this course might be required to complete a foundation course before they can pursue an undergraduate degree if they do not meet the eligibility criteria set by the university. Several universities offer foundation courses in pharmacy. However, only those eligible for it can apply. Furthermore, international students might have to pay a higher tuition fee than students from the UK and EU.

Numerous universities in the UK are offering this course, which gives students a lot of choices. However, some universities are at the top of the list for every student who wants to pursue a career in the field of pharmacy.

The best universities offering pharmacy courses in the UK are the University of Bristol, Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, Cardiff University, Robert Gordon University, University College London, and the University of Strathclyde.

Career Opportunities in Pharmacy

Pharmacist:

Most pharmacists who ensure that OTC medications are dispensed correctly work in either hospital or community pharmacies with extensive drug stock and complex dispensing systems. They collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure patients receive the correct medication, provide treatment advice, and monitor patient dosages.

Pharmacy assistant:

Assisting pharmacists and technicians in various ad hoc tasks, assistants play a vital role in the smooth operation of any pharmacy. This can include receiving and distributing prescriptions, assisting with supply orders to ensure demand is fulfilled across departments, and responding to client inquiries about the best course of action. A majority of the healthcare industry’s assistants work in hospitals.

How much can a pharmacist earn?

• Starting salaries for professionals average £18,500.
• First-year salaries for those who are not professionals average £16,800.

Reference: 2019 edition of The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

Best top UK universities for pharmacy in the UK 

Here are the best UK universities for pharmacy:

Queen’s University Belfast 

Queen’s University Belfast’s School of Pharmacy is routinely regarded as one of the best pharmacy schools in the UK. It welcomes students worldwide to enrol in its undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programmes. The chemical, biological, and medical sciences form the basis of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences programme, preparing students for pharmaceutical healthcare careers.

Ulster University

Multiple undergraduate and graduate programmes are available at Ulster University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which has been voted the best in the United Kingdom for pharmacy and pharmacology in three of the past five years. Placements are available throughout the four years of the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) programme in the UK.

Cardiff University 

Cardiff University’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences provides students with an opportunity to learn about and experiment with various facets of contemporary pharmacy, thanks to its emphasis on and participation in internationally renowned research.

Cardiff, situated on the southern coast of Wales, is a popular place to study in Wales due to its proximity to the country’s stunning national parks and beaches.

University of Liverpool 

The Pharmacology BSc (Hons) programme at the University of Liverpool covers a wide variety of pharmacology, from classical pharmacology to physiology. Cell biology. Graduates have gone on to positions in the public and private sectors and to various internship opportunities both domestically and internationally.

University of Glasgow 

Formed in 1451, the University of Glasgow ranks as the world’s fourth-oldest English-language academic institution of its kind. The University of Glasgow, located in Scotland’s central city, is one of the top 100 universities in the world. Its present student body of 26,000 includes students from more than 120 countries. Glasgow University is also a part of the elite Russell Group of UK research institutions.

University of Strathclyde 

In the middle of Glasgow, one of the greatest cities in the United Kingdom, sits the University of Strathclyde, a technical powerhouse that is recognised around the globe. The University of Strathclyde is a thriving and inclusive community, home to more than 23,000 students from more than 100 countries.

Strathclyde has been preparing students for successful careers for over two centuries by doing groundbreaking research and offering cutting-edge instruction.

Conclusion

Completing a pharmacy course in the United Kingdom is a great way to become an essential part of your community, but be sure to find a school that can help you achieve your goals and dreams and provide you with everything you need.

Pharmacy courses in the UK typically last four years. They comprise a foundation year, two years of pre-registration training, and a further two years of professional training leading to registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Get in touch with us today for a no-cost consultation if a pharmacy degree in the UK is something you’re considering. Please remember that the Premium Service ensures you receive at least one offer from a UK university.

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