University of Nottingham

What you'll study

The MPharm is a scientifically rigorous, professionally focused programme that progresses from foundational biomedical science to advanced clinical pharmacy and research. Early years cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry to build a solid understanding of how drugs are designed, formulated and act in the body. As the course progresses you will study pharmacology, clinical therapeutics, pharmacy law and ethics, public health, clinical skills and medicines optimisation.

• Core basic sciences: human physiology, pathophysiology, medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics
• Formulation science and pharmaceutics, including dosage form design and quality assurance
• Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, covering disease management across major specialties (cardiovascular, respiratory, infectious disease, diabetes, mental health)
• Pharmacy practice: patient consultation skills, clinical decision-making, prescribing support and medicines safety
• Law, ethics and professionalism relevant to UK pharmacy practice and patient confidentiality
• Research methods and a substantial independent research project or dissertation in the final year
• Interprofessional learning with other healthcare students and simulated patient scenarios

Teaching methods include lectures, small-group tutorials, laboratory practicals, simulated patient consultations in clinical skills facilities, and assessed workplace learning during experiential placements in community and hospital settings. The course culminates in advanced therapeutics and a research or practice-based project demonstrating independent scholarship.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have strong secondary-school qualifications with a good grounding in chemistry; biology or another science subject is also highly desirable. Typical offers are for high grades at A-level (or accepted equivalents), including chemistry. Successful applicants will also demonstrate competence in numeracy and communication, and meet the university's standard requirements for English language proficiency.

Acceptable qualifications include, but are not limited to, GCE A-levels, International Baccalaureate, and recognised international secondary diplomas. Mature applicants or those with alternative qualifications may be considered where they can demonstrate relevant experience or prior study. Selection may also involve consideration of personal statements and references; some applicants may be invited for interview.

Career prospects

The MPharm is the academic qualification required for progression to professional registration as a pharmacist in the UK when followed by the required pre-registration training year and successful completion of the registration assessment. Graduates typically enter pre-registration training posts in community or hospital pharmacy, then progress to registered pharmacist roles.

• Community pharmacy: dispensing, clinical services, medicines advice and public health initiatives
• Hospital pharmacy: clinical pharmacy, specialist medicines optimisation, aseptic services and multidisciplinary teams
• Pharmaceutical industry: formulation development, regulatory affairs, clinical trials and medical affairs
• Academic and research careers: postgraduate research (PhD), teaching and translational research in drug discovery, pharmacology and pharmaceutics
• Other sectors: primary care networks, commissioning, policy, public health and healthcare management

Nottingham MPharm graduates benefit from the School of Pharmacy’s links with regional NHS providers, industry partners and research centres, providing routes into a wide range of practice and research roles.

Why study at University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham School of Pharmacy combines research-led teaching with extensive clinical and practice-based learning. Students have access to well-equipped teaching laboratories, simulated clinical skills suites and a structured programme of experiential placements in local community and hospital settings. The School has active research groups across medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacy and pharmacology, which informs the curriculum and provides opportunities for student research projects.

Additional strengths include established links with NHS trusts and industry partners, opportunities for interprofessional learning with other health disciplines, and support services for student learning and professional development. The course is designed to meet the professional standards required for a career as a pharmacist while also preparing graduates for specialist or research pathways within the medicines field.