How to become a pharmacist
Pharmacists, as experts in medicines, play a vital role in delivering care and helping people to maintain and improve their health, safety and wellbeing. To become a pharmacist, you'll need an MPharm degree in pharmacy accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You can apply for pharmacy courses, like most other degrees, through UCAS.
Universities set their own entry requirements for courses, but these will usually include three A-levels or higher or advanced higher qualifications in Scotland. Some universities require A-levels or advanced Highers in particular subjects, e.g. Chemistry, Biology, and another science, or even Maths.
MPharm degrees usually take four years. Afterwards, there’s a one-year practical training placement, known as the foundation year, and a final registration exam.
The MPharm degree teaches practical skills and theory, covering the chemistry of drugs and medicines, their preparation, action and uses, as well as how to prescribe (which became part of the pharmacy syllabus for all pharmacy graduates from 2021).
Courses will also cover aspects of physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, pathology and pharmacology, pharmacy practice, pharmacy laws and standards, and advising on drug therapies. Many look at diagnosis of conditions, managing symptoms, promoting healthy lifestyles, and medicines use.
All accredited pharmacy courses must meet GPhC standards, but every course will be slightly different in structure, teaching methods, and assessment.
To find out more about a course and to see the requirements for entry, visit the UCAS website.
For more information about specific courses, visit each university’s website, read their prospectus or attend an open day.