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Program Overview:
The MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy at the University of Portsmouth is a four-year, full-time degree that prepares you to become a registered pharmacist. Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), this program combines scientific knowledge with practical skills, ensuring you're ready for real-world pharmacy practice.
Curriculum Structure:
Year 1:
In your first year, you'll build a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. Modules like Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacology will introduce you to the chemical and biological principles underpinning drug action. You'll also begin developing essential skills in Patient Care and Communication, preparing you for direct interaction with patients.
Year 2:
The second year delves deeper into clinical and therapeutic areas. Courses such as Pharmacokinetics and Medicinal Chemistry will enhance your understanding of drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. You'll also engage in Clinical Practice modules, applying your knowledge in simulated settings to practice patient consultations and dispensing.
Year 3:
In the third year, the focus shifts to advanced clinical practice and professional development. Modules like Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice will refine your ability to make informed clinical decisions. You'll also undertake placements in various healthcare settings, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of qualified pharmacists.
Year 4:
The final year prepares you for independent practice. Advanced modules such as Independent Prescribing and Advanced Clinical Practice will equip you with the skills necessary for autonomous decision-making in patient care. You'll also complete a research project, contributing to the field of pharmacy practice.
Focus Areas:
Clinical pharmacy, patient care, pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, interprofessional collaboration.
Learning Outcomes:
Critical thinking, clinical decision-making, patient communication, professional ethics, research skills.
Professional Alignment:
General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accreditation, preparation for foundation training year.
Reputation:
Ranked 14th in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology courses (Guardian University Guide, 2026).
For more detailed information, please refer to the official course page.
Experiential Learning:
At the University of Portsmouth, the MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy program immerses students in practical, real-world experiences that bridge classroom learning with clinical practice. Through state-of-the-art facilities, hands-on simulations, and direct patient interactions, students develop the competencies essential for a successful pharmacy career.
Here's how the program ensures a comprehensive experiential learning journey:
Pharmacy and Biomedical Science Teaching Centre: Located in the St Michael's Building, this centre offers dedicated spaces for practising patient consultations, dispensing medications, and conducting physical assessments, all under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Pharmaceutics Laboratories: Situated within the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, these laboratories are central to understanding disease mechanisms and testing new drug formulations. Students engage in practical experiments that enhance their pharmaceutical knowledge.
Simulation-Based Education: A specially designed simulation workshop allows first-year students to experience real-life pharmacy scenarios. This hands-on approach helps in understanding the pharmacist's role and improves learning engagement.
Placement Opportunities: The university's strong industry connections facilitate placements with multinational pharmaceutical companies, national health trusts, and local pharmacies. These placements provide invaluable on-the-job experience, preparing students for professional practice.
Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL): A structured PAL programme enables senior students to mentor newcomers, fostering a supportive learning environment and enhancing academic success.
Medical Education Facilities: Located in the Rosalind Franklin West Building, these facilities are equipped with advanced teaching tools and resources, supporting the development of clinical skills essential for pharmacy practice.
Access to Libraries and Research Institutes: Students have access to extensive library resources and research institutes, supporting their academic and professional development throughout the course.
These elements collectively ensure that students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also develop the practical skills necessary to excel in the field of pharmacy.
Graduates of the MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy program at the University of Portsmouth are well-equipped to embark on diverse and rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical sector. With a strong foundation in clinical practice, patient care, and pharmaceutical sciences, alumni find opportunities in various roles such as:
Hospital Pharmacist: Providing medication therapy management and patient care within hospital settings.
Community Pharmacist: Offering healthcare services and advice in community pharmacies.
Pharmaceutical Industry Professional: Engaging in drug development, regulatory affairs, or quality control.
Clinical Research Associate: Contributing to clinical trials and research studies in the pharmaceutical field.
The university's comprehensive support services, including the Careers and Employability Service, assist students in securing these positions through tailored guidance and resources. Graduates have reported median salaries of £33,000, with a typical range between £27,000 and £42,000, reflecting the program's alignment with industry standards and expectations.
The MPharm (Hons) degree is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), ensuring that graduates meet the professional standards required for pharmacist registration in the UK. This accreditation enhances the employability and professional recognition of alumni both within the UK and internationally.
Furthermore, the university's strong industry partnerships with NHS Trusts and community pharmacies provide students with valuable placement opportunities, facilitating the transition from academic study to professional practice.
Overall, the MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy program at the University of Portsmouth offers a pathway to a fulfilling career in pharmacy, supported by robust academic training, professional accreditation, and extensive industry connections.
Further Academic Progression:
Upon completing the MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy program, graduates have the opportunity to pursue further academic qualifications to advance their careers. The university offers postgraduate research degrees in pharmacy, pharmacology, and biomedical sciences, including PhD and MPhil programs. These research opportunities allow individuals to specialize in areas such as drug development, clinical trials, or healthcare policy.
Additionally, graduates may choose to undertake the Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing for Pharmacists, enabling them to prescribe medications independently within their professional practice.
Engaging in these further academic pursuits can lead to roles in clinical research, academia, or advanced clinical practice, providing a pathway for continuous professional development and specialization within the field of pharmacy.
ABB-BBB with 120-128 from 3 A levels, to include 40 points from A level Chemistry, plus 40 points from an A level in a second Science subject or Mathematics.Access to HE Diploma: 122-128 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Science), with a minimum of 18 level 3 credits in Chemistry at Distinction, and 18 level 3 credits in Biology; 12 at Distinction and 6 at Merit.All shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online values based interview, which includes a situational judgement test. This will be used alongside your application to determine your suitability for this course.International Baccalaureate - 27-28GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or aboveTOEFL: 91 with a minimum of 20 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 20 in WritingEnglish Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.American: composite score of 27 with 1200 in SAT Reasoning (combined) and 3 SAT subject tests at scores of 600, 600, 600 and GPA 3.0University require students to achieve a minimum of between 70%-75% depending on the state board. PharmacologistClinical Research AssociateRegulatory Affairs SpecialistPharmaceutical Sales RepresentativeBiomedical ResearcherHealthcare Policy AdvisorToxicologistPharmaceutical Consultant
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University of Portsmouth
