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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Queens University BelfastCurriculum Structure
Year 1
You’ll start with the foundations of pharmacy, combining science and professional practice. Modules such as Introduction to Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Microbiology, and Pharmaceutical Chemistry cover how drugs act, how they are developed, and the basics of patient care. In parallel, Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Skills introduces simulated patient consultations and communication skills to prepare you for real-world pharmacy interactions.
Year 2
This year focuses on how medicines are formulated, delivered, and metabolised. Modules such as Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacokinetics, and Formulation Science deepen your understanding of drug development and body interactions. You’ll continue applying knowledge in Clinical and Professional Skills, gaining hands-on experience reviewing prescriptions and solving patient-centered scenarios.
Year 3
You’ll integrate scientific knowledge with clinical application. Systems-Based Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Advanced Formulation and Drug Delivery, and Public Health Pharmacy allow you to study specific disease states, treatment strategies, and community health. Clinical placements are longer and more immersive, giving direct experience in hospital and community pharmacy settings.
Year 4
The final year prepares you for professional practice. Modules include Clinical Pharmacy Practice, Advanced Pharmacy Skills, and an independent Research Project, where you investigate a topic under expert supervision. By the end, you’ll have the scientific expertise, clinical competence, and professional skills required for the Foundation Training Year and eventual registration as a pharmacist.
Focus areas
Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Clinical Pharmacy, Drug Formulation and Delivery, Public Health, Patient Care.
Learning outcomes
Gain advanced scientific knowledge, clinical decision-making skills, patient-centered care abilities, research competence, and readiness for professional registration.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
Fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for registration as a pharmacist in the UK.
Reputation (employability rankings)
Reading is ranked among the UK’s top universities, with over 95% of pharmacy graduates in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Reading ensures that learning isn’t just theoretical—you’ll gain hands-on experience from day one. The programme blends lab work, simulated pharmacy practice, and real-world placements, giving you the skills and confidence needed to become a registered pharmacist. Throughout the degree, you’ll engage with patients, use professional dispensing software, and conduct independent research under expert supervision.
Key experiential learning opportunities include:
Placements across all years: Short placements in community pharmacies and hospital wards in Year 1, progressing to longer, clinically-focused placements in later years.
Clinical Skills Suite: Simulated pharmacy environment for practicing dispensing, prescription checking, patient consultations, and professional behaviour.
Case-based and group learning: Team-based workshops solving patient cases to develop decision-making, communication, and inter-professional skills.
Independent Research Project: Final-year project in areas such as molecular pharmacology, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, or pharmacy practice.
Specialist facilities: Access to advanced labs like the Chemical Analysis Facility (CAF) for drug synthesis, analysis, and formulation experiments.
Professional tools: Use of real medicines, dispensing software, and patient management systems integrated into learning.
Employer exposure: Careers events, networking, and workshops with organisations like Boots, GSK, NHS, and LloydsPharmacy.
Graduates from the MPharm at Reading are fully prepared to enter the Foundation Training Year, the next step toward becoming a registered pharmacist. With GPhC accreditation, you can pursue careers in hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, industrial pharmacy, and regulatory or public health roles.
Key highlights include:
University support for employment: Careers fairs, networking events, CV workshops, and placement support via the School of Pharmacy and University Careers Service.
Employment outcomes: Over 95% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Salary figures: Average starting salary around £34,000–£35,000 within 15 months of graduation.
Industry and healthcare partnerships: Close links with NHS Trusts, Boots, GSK, LloydsPharmacy, and other healthcare providers offer exposure and potential employment pathways.
Long-term accreditation value: GPhC accreditation ensures the qualification meets UK standards for pharmacist registration.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, research, academia, or regulatory roles.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MPharm, students can:
Undertake postgraduate study (MSc) in advanced clinical pharmacy, drug discovery, pharmaceutics, or public health.
Pursue a PhD for research or academic careers.
Explore leadership, management, or policy-focused postgraduate programmes, sometimes in collaboration with Henley Business School.
BBB including Biology and at least one from Mathematics80% average with no less than 70% in any module including sufficient relevant Level 3 modules in Biology and Chemistry (normally two Chemistry and two Biology). GCSE Mathematics grade C/4 or equivalent in Access Course.International Baccalaureate Diploma 32 points overall including 6,5,5 at Higher Level including Chemistry and at least one of Biology (preferred), Mathematics or PhysicsApplications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by the School of Pharmacy. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.American HSD: AP-4 4 4, SAT- 1290 (min 620 Maths, 650 ERW). ACT: 27Standard Indian XII (10+2) examinations from CBSE, CISCE or State Boards of Higher Secondary Education are acceptable for admission with an average mark of 70 - 85%Drug Development Scientist Formulation Scientist Analytical Scientist Regulatory Affairs Officer Quality Control Specialist Research Associate Medical Device ScientissClinical Trial Coordinator Biotech Innovation Leaderand Postgraduate Researcher or Educator 
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