MPharm in Pharmacy

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queens University Belfast

Program Overview

This program is designed for students who want to become experts in medicines and their safe, effective use. It suits those aiming for a professional career in pharmacy, combining scientific knowledge with clinical skills, and preparing graduates to work across healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

You’ll build a strong foundation in the science of medicines, covering modules such as Foundations of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Human Body Systems, and Pharmacy Practice 1. Practical laboratory sessions and simulated pharmacy environments introduce you to dispensing, patient counselling, and the basics of clinical skills.

Year 2

In the second year, you’ll deepen your knowledge with Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacy Practice 2, alongside Clinical Skills Development. You’ll also begin placements in community and hospital settings, applying classroom learning to real patient care.

Year 3

This year focuses on advanced topics such as Clinical Therapeutics, Pharmacy Practice 3, and Pharmaceutical Technology. You’ll spend more time in clinical placements, working with multi-professional teams in both primary and secondary care, and developing diagnostic and consultation skills.

Year 4

Your final year integrates advanced modules including Pharmacy Practice 4, Clinical Decision-Making, and Independent Prescribing Skills. You’ll complete extended placements, working directly with patients and healthcare professionals, and undertake a major project that demonstrates your ability to manage risk and exercise professional judgement.

Focus Areas

Pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical therapeutics, pharmaceutical technology, patient-centred care, independent prescribing.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate professional judgement, manage risk, apply diagnostic and consultation skills, and deliver safe, effective, and person-centred pharmaceutical care.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI), meeting the 2021 Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queen’s School of Pharmacy is recognised as a leading centre for pharmacy teaching and research in the UK.
Strong industry links with local, national, and international partners.
Graduates benefit from clinical placements in both primary and secondary care, ensuring high employability in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

What makes the MPharm at Queen’s so distinctive is the way it blends scientific study with real-world clinical practice. From your very first year, you’ll be learning in purpose-built facilities, working with patients during placements, and developing the skills needed to become a safe and effective pharmacist. The program is structured around practical engagement, ensuring you graduate with confidence in both laboratory science and professional healthcare delivery. Here’s how experiential learning is built into the course:

Clinical Placements: Regular placements in community and hospital pharmacies, giving you direct experience of patient care and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Simulation & Skills Labs: Access to state-of-the-art clinical skills suites and simulated pharmacy environments where you’ll practice dispensing, prescribing, and patient counselling.
Laboratory Training: Extensive use of pharmaceutical science laboratories, where you’ll study medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and drug formulation.
Digital Tools: Training with clinical decision-making software and electronic prescribing systems to mirror modern pharmacy practice.
Group Projects: Collaborative learning in modules such as Pharmacy Practice, where you’ll work in teams to solve patient case studies and develop consultation skills.
Independent Prescribing Preparation: Final-year modules include independent prescribing skills, preparing you for the expanded role of pharmacists in healthcare.
Libraries & Learning Resources: Full access to the McClay Library, with specialist collections in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare.
Professional Institutes: Strong links with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), ensuring your training aligns with professional standards.y

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Queen’s MPharm Pharmacy are fully prepared for professional registration and a wide range of careers in healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. Typical roles include community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, industrial pharmacist, and positions within regulatory or research organisations. The program’s strong clinical focus and accreditation ensure you’ll be ready to make an immediate impact in patient care and beyond:

University Careers Service: Queen’s Careers, Employability and Skills team provides tailored support, including pharmacy-specific employer events, CV and interview coaching, and access to the MyFuture portal for placements and graduate jobs.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Pharmacy graduates in the UK typically earn starting salaries of £26,000–£32,000, rising significantly with experience and specialisation. Queen’s graduates benefit from consistently high employment rates in healthcare roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: The School of Pharmacy has strong links with local hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, ensuring students gain real-world experience and professional connections during placements.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by both the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI), meeting the 2021 Standards for the initial education and training of pharmacists. This accreditation is essential for professional registration.
Graduate Outcomes: Alumni progress into roles across the UK and internationally, working in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, drug development, and regulatory affairs, with many advancing into leadership positions in healthcare.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MPharm, students can continue into postgraduate research (PhD) in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, or drug development. Queen’s also offers opportunities for advanced study in areas such as pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical technology, enabling graduates to specialise further or pursue academic careers.