Pharmacy with Preparatory Year MPharm (Hons)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Bath

Program Overview

Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year at the University of Plymouth is a five-year, GPhC-aligned degree designed for students who need a strong academic foundation before entering the full MPharm. It’s ideal for those returning to study, changing direction, or looking to build confidence in science before progressing into a clinically rich, research-informed pharmacy curriculum.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
You’ll develop core knowledge in biology, chemistry, and mathematics, alongside academic and laboratory skills tailored to the demands of pharmacy. This year ensures you’re fully equipped to transition into the MPharm with a solid grounding in scientific thinking and study techniques.

Year 2

You’ll explore Fundamentals of Pharmacy: Health and Disease, The Chemistry of Drugs, and The Science of Medicines, gaining a strong foundation in physiology, drug design, and pharmaceutical formulation. Preparing for Professional Practice 1 introduces you to clinical communication, legislation, and early placements in pharmacy settings.

Year 3
This year focuses on disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies through modules like Immunity, Inflammation and Infection, Cardiovascular Disease and Endocrine Disorders, and Respiratory Diseases and Dermatology. You’ll continue developing prescribing and consultation skills in Preparing for Professional Practice 2, supported by simulation and a two-week clinical placement.

Year 4
You’ll apply your knowledge to complex patient care in modules such as Neurology and Mental Health, Oncology and Palliative Care, and Medicines Optimisation and Prescribing in Complex Patients 1. Preparing for Professional Practice 3 includes a three-week placement and simulated practice environments to refine your clinical decision-making and leadership.

Year 5
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.)

Students in Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year at the University of Plymouth gain hands-on experience from the very start — combining simulation, placements, and research in purpose-built facilities. You’ll train in clinical environments, work directly 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 five-year 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 years: You’ll gain real-world 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 living and learning in Plymouth.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Bath’s MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year 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.