Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy at the University of Plymouth is a clinically immersive, research-informed degree that prepares you to become a confident, patient-focused pharmacist. Delivered entirely in Plymouth, this four-year program suits students who want to combine pharmaceutical science with real-world healthcare experience — from community and hospital placements to global health research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build foundational knowledge in human physiology, drug chemistry, and medicine design through modules like Fundamentals of Pharmacy: Health and Disease, The Chemistry of Drugs, and The Science of Medicines. You’ll also begin your professional journey with Preparing for Professional Practice 1, which includes early clinical placements and an introduction to pharmaceutical legislation.

Year 2
This year deepens your understanding of disease and treatment with integrated modules such as Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, Cardiovascular Disease and Endocrine Disorders, and Respiratory Diseases and Dermatology. You’ll continue developing consultation and prescribing skills in Preparing for Professional Practice 2, supported by simulation and a two-week clinical placement.

Year 3
You’ll apply your skills to complex patient scenarios in Medicines Optimisation and Prescribing in Complex Patients 1, and explore conditions like Neurology and Mental Health and Oncology and Palliative Care. Preparing for Professional Practice 3 includes a three-week placement and simulated practice environments to refine your clinical decision-making and leadership.

Year 4
The final year focuses on global health, advanced prescribing, and research. You’ll undertake a Pharmacy Research Project — either in the UK or on a 12-week international placement — and complete Preparing for Professional Practice 4, which includes a six-week clinical immersion and a real-world quality improvement project.

Focus areas

Pharmaceutical science, clinical pharmacy, prescribing, global health, medicines optimisation, patient safety

Learning outcomes

Design and dispense medicines; prescribe safely; manage complex patients; apply pharmaceutical science to clinical care; meet GPhC registration standards

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Provisionally accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — full accreditation pending final review

Reputation (employability rankings)

6th in the UK for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
6th in the UK for career progression (Daily Mail University Guide 2025)
Delivered by one of the UK’s top pharmacy schools, with strong NHS and industry links

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy at the University of Plymouth is designed to immerse you in real-world pharmacy practice from day one — combining simulation, placements, and research in purpose-built facilities. You’ll train in clinical environments, work with patients, and use the same tools and technologies found in modern healthcare settings, all while studying in a vibrant coastal city with strong NHS partnerships.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout the program:

Pharmacy Practice Teaching Suite: Located in the Nancy Astor Building, this purpose-built space includes consultation rooms, simulation equipment, and multi-purpose teaching areas for clinical skills development.
Structured placements across all four years: You’ll gain hands-on experience in community pharmacies, GP practices, and hospital settings across the South West, with increasing responsibility each year.
Simulation-based learning: You’ll practise prescribing, diagnostics, and patient communication using realistic scenarios and digital simulation tools.
Global health research placements: In Year 4, you can undertake a 12-week international placement as part of your Pharmacy Research Project, applying your skills in a global healthcare context.
Digital prescribing and clinical software: Training includes use of electronic prescribing systems and clinical decision support tools to prepare you for NHS practice.
Group-based case studies and quality improvement projects: Collaborative learning is built into modules like Preparing for Professional Practice, where you’ll work on real-world healthcare challenges.
Access to Plymouth’s health sciences library and e-resources: Includes specialist pharmaceutical databases, journals, and prescribing guidelines.
Delivered by Bath academic and practice staff: You’ll benefit from the expertise of one of the UK’s top pharmacy schools while studying in Plymouth.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy at the University of Plymouth are fully prepared for the GPhC Foundation Training Year and professional registration — with strong outcomes across clinical, community, and global health roles. You’ll be ready for careers as a hospital pharmacist, community pharmacist, medicines optimisation specialist, or regulatory affairs officer, with a degree designed to meet NHS and international healthcare needs.

Here’s how Bath supports your future progression:

Careers Service at Plymouth: Offers pharmacy-specific support including CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, and access to the MyCareer portal for job listings and placements.
Graduate employment stats: 78% of Bath MPharm graduates were working for an employer 15 months after graduation, with an additional 3% in further study.
Industry partnerships: The program has established strong links with NHS Trusts, community pharmacies, and hospital pharmacy teams across the South West, supporting placements and graduate employment.
Accreditation: Provisionally accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) — ensuring eligibility for professional registration and long-term career progression.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work with employers like Lloyds Pharmacy, NHS, and Reckitt, in roles ranging from clinical rotational pharmacist to safety associate.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MPharm and registering as a pharmacist, graduates can pursue advanced study such as Independent Prescribing qualifications, MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Bath also supports research careers through its Faculty of Life Sciences and international health partnerships.