Pharmacy MPharm

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Brighton

Program Overview

Brighton’s MPharm Pharmacy is a clinically focused, research-informed degree that blends pharmaceutical science with hands-on patient care — ideal for students who want to become confident, compassionate pharmacists. You’ll study everything from drug formulation and diagnostics to prescribing and public health, with immersive placements and simulation-based learning throughout.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
You’ll build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical science and healthcare delivery. Modules like Fundamentals of Pharmacy: From Molecules to Medicine and The Healthy Human and Healthcare Delivery introduce drug formulation, pharmacodynamics, and the structure of the NHS. You’ll also explore Minor Illness through case-based learning and begin developing clinical skills in Clinical and Professional Skills 1, including your first two-week placement.

Year 2
The focus shifts to illness and disease, with modules such as Cardiovascular and Related Systems, Endocrine and Immunity, and Infectious Disease and Global Health. You’ll deepen your understanding of pathology, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic decision-making. Clinical and Professional Skills 2 builds your diagnostic and prescribing abilities, supported by simulation workshops and a second two-week placement.

Year 3
This year explores complex disease and co-morbidity. You’ll study Neurological Disorders and Mental Health, Molecular and Genomic Medicine, and Managing Complex Patients, integrating pharmacology, formulation science, and clinical reasoning. A four-week placement and 20 simulation workshops support your development in Clinical and Professional Skills 3, where you’ll refine prescribing and communication skills.

Year 4
The final year focuses on multi-morbidity and ageing, with a four-week placement and continued simulation-based training. You’ll complete a substantial Pharmacy Research Project and advance your clinical decision-making in Clinical and Professional Skills 4, preparing for the GPhC Foundation Training Year and professional registration.

Focus Areas

Pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, prescribing, diagnostics, public health, complex care, ageing

Learning Outcomes

Design and dispense medicines; assess and counsel patients; prescribe safely; apply pharmaceutical science to real-world care; meet GPhC registration standards

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

1st in the UK for graduate earnings in pharmacy three years after graduation (LEO 2024)
4th in the UK for career prospects and 10th overall for pharmacy (Guardian University Guide 2026)
7th in the UK for graduate prospects (Times/Sunday Times University Guide 2026)

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Brighton’s MPharm Pharmacy is built around immersive, hands-on learning — from your first year, you’ll be working in simulation suites, clinical placements, and formulation labs that mirror real pharmacy practice. The course is delivered at the Moulsecoomb campus, where students train using advanced diagnostic tools, prescribing software, and case-based learning to develop the confidence and competence expected of future pharmacists.

Here’s how experiential learning is embedded throughout your degree:

Clinical Skills and Simulation Suite: You’ll practise physical examinations, diagnostics, and prescribing in a simulated healthcare environment using real-world scenarios and patient actors.
Formulation laboratories: Students gain practical experience in drug design, compounding, and stability testing using industry-standard equipment.
Digital prescribing and diagnostic tools: Training includes use of electronic prescribing systems, clinical decision support software, and simulation platforms to support safe and effective practice.
Case-based learning and group projects: Each year includes collaborative case studies that integrate science, ethics, and clinical reasoning — helping you apply theory to practice.
Structured placements: You’ll complete two-week placements in Years 1 and 2, and four-week placements in Years 3 and 4 across community and hospital settings in Sussex.
20 simulation workshops in Year 3: These intensive sessions build advanced clinical and communication skills, preparing you for complex patient care.
Pharmacy Research Project in Year 4: You’ll conduct supervised research in areas like formulation science, medicines optimisation, or public health, contributing to real academic inquiry.
Access to the Moulsecoomb campus library and e-resources: Includes specialist pharmaceutical databases, journals, and prescribing guidelines.
School of Applied Sciences: Home to the pharmacy program, the school supports interdisciplinary learning and research across healthcare, chemistry, and biomedical science.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Brighton’s MPharm Pharmacy graduates are fully prepared for the GPhC Foundation Training Year and professional registration as pharmacists — with strong outcomes across community, hospital, and industrial pharmacy. You’ll be ready for roles such as clinical pharmacist, community pharmacist, medicines optimisation specialist, or regulatory affairs officer, with a curriculum designed to meet real NHS and industry needs.

Here’s how Brighton supports your future progression:

Careers and Employability Team: Offers pharmacy-specific support including CV workshops, mock interviews, and employer networking events. Students also benefit from Brighton Connect and Mentoring programmes to build professional links.
Graduate employment stats: 91.4% of Brighton graduates were in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.
Industry partnerships: The MPharm program includes placements and collaborations with NHS Trusts, community pharmacies, and hospital pharmacy teams across Sussex and beyond.
Accreditation: Fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), ensuring eligibility for professional registration and long-term career progression.
Graduate destinations: Alumni work in NHS hospitals, GP practices, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, with many progressing into prescribing roles or clinical specialisation.

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. Brighton also offers research opportunities within its School of Applied Sciences, supporting careers in academia, innovation, and healthcare leadership.