MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year

Our MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year course will set you on the path to a career as a qualified pharmacist.

Our MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year is a five-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the four-year course.

An MPharm is the only degree that will allow you to register as a qualified pharmacist, following a Foundation Training Year (see careers section). This degree is accredited by the pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council, and has been designed to reflect the changing roles of pharmacists. Accreditation and recognition reports, and the accreditation/recognition period, can be found on the GPhC website. We will equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for success in this constantly evolving sector.

You will learn how the body works, how medicines affect it, and how these medicines are designed. The course content focuses on the different areas of the body, such as the heart, and you will learn the chemistry, biology and pharmacy related to each one. This will enable you to apply information to patient care right from the first year.

We will also provide you with information and techniques essential for work in pharmacy, including law, storage of medicines, processes for reducing errors, assessing prescriptions, and professional behaviour. Our pharmacy practice suite uses professional dispensing software and real medicines, in order to build up your experience of key processes and handling substances.

Reading is one of the UK's top 10 universities for pharmacy and pharmacology (the Daily Mail University), and as a MPharm student, you will also benefit from business and leadership lectures run by the award-winning Henley Business School. In the National Student Survey 2024, 97% of our MPharm Pharmacy students said teaching staff are good at explaining things (93.48% of responders).

Additionally, you will develop your research skills throughout the course, and have the option in the final year to select a research project module to work alongside internationally recognised researchers on a project of your choice. Past topics have included molecular pharmacology, medical technology, pharmacy practice, and drug synthesis, analysis and formulation.

The 2021 educational standards from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) will be implemented by all University providers of Pharmacy education by the academic year 2024/25. The changes implemented by the GPhC include an increased focus on clinical decision-making in preparation for becoming independent prescribers at the point of registration. The University of Reading made this transition in the 2023/24 academic year.

Placement

Throughout the course you will gain an insight into professional practice by carrying out placements in various settings, which will include hospital and community pharmacies, as well as GP practices.The placements are an essential component in your training to become a prescribing pharmacist of the future. Hence, placements are compulsory to attend and start at Part 1 of the programme.

Please note that travel will be required for your placements which may involve approximate commute times of up to one hour and a half each way, and that there may be some travel and accommodation costs incurred.

We also have an annual pharmacy careers fair that is attended by numerous employers and is a good source of work experience and job opportunities.

For more information, please visit the Pharmacy website.

Overview

Our MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year course will set you on the path to a career as a qualified pharmacist.

Our MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year is a five-year programme that includes a year of foundational study and leads directly into the four-year course.

Placement

We also have an annual pharmacy careers fair that is attended by numerous employers and is a good source of work experience and job opportunities.

For more information, please visit the Pharmacy website.

Entry requirements A Level See entry requirements

Please note: this course is not included in the firm choice scheme.

Background check

As part of your enrolment onto the MPharm with Preparatory Year, you will be asked to complete a series of self-declarations relating to your suitability to join the programme, in particular regarding any health issues or criminal offences that might affect your ability to study or pose a risk to other students, staff or patients.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, arranged by the University, will be completed in Part 1 of the programme. All non-UK candidates will need to provide a certificate of no criminal convictions or letter of good standing – provided by their own country before entering the UK. Candidates must also complete an occupational health questionnaire, provided by the University, and complete a declaration of health. Evidence is required of up-to-date vaccinations, including MMR, varicella (chicken pox) and tuberculosis.

While the University does not charge candidates for processing these checks, you will be required to arrange pay the Disclosure and Barring Service for their DBS check and there may be a charge for any vaccinations or blood tests required.

Fitness to Practise

In line with national requirements for courses leading to a health professional qualification, students applying to this course are also subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations.

Declaration of health

The University of Reading MPharm Pharmacy programmes involve working closely with both patients and members of the public. To go on the compulsory placements and to protect you, and the patients/public during your course, you must meet specified occupational health requirements.

More information about the declaration of health.

Applicant interview

As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview. For more information, please visit our dedicated MPharm interview days webpage.

Please note: this course is not included in the firm choice scheme.

Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.

Typical offer

BCC: for applicants holding MPharm-aligned subjects - (B in any subject, minimum C in Chemistry and one other Science)

ABB: for applicants not holding MPharm-aligned subjects

Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, ICT.

International Baccalaureate

26: for applicants holding MPharm-aligned subjects – including HL Chemistry and another science

32: for applicants not holding MPharm-aligned subjects

Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, ICT.

If you would like to receive personalised advice on your eligibility for our Foundation courses, please ask us a question.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DMM: for applicants holding MPharm-aligned subjects

DDM: for applicants not holding MPharm-aligned subjects

GCSE

Grade 4 (C) in Science, if not studying Sciences at A level

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0.

For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.

Requirements for progression to MPharm Pharmacy

In order to progress from Year 0 of the MPharm with Preparatory Year onto Year 1 of our MPharm Pharmacy course, you will be required to meet the academic requirements stated in the programme specification, which includes the need to pass key assessments throughout the year.

Further requirements

If you are an international student planning to apply for one of our degree programmes, you may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if you do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels or if you need to improve your English language level.

Compulsory modules

Foundation in Pharmaceutical and Health Science

Develop the fundamental knowledge and numeracy skills required to succeed in pharmaceutical and health science studies.

Chemistry

Discover the chemical principles that provide the foundations for many scientific disciplines. Learn how to predict the properties of molecules from their structures and gain an understanding of how and why reactions happen.

Biology

Explore the life cycle of cells and the chemical reactions that give them energy and allow them to replicate. You’ll also study the biology of the human body and about natural selection and genetics. Through practical classes, you’ll familiarise yourself with laboratory work, as well as handling and interpreting data.

Academic Skills

Develop academic skills essential for success both on the Foundation Year and as an undergraduate

These are the modules we currently offer for 2024/25 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they're informed by the latest teaching and research methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Professional Practice 1

Adapting to the pharmacist role, you’ll consider what professional practice is. This includes the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, legal and regulatory frameworks, your role as a lifelong learner, reflective practice, and continuing professional development.

Fundamentals of Cell Biology

Expand your knowledge of human physiology to understand the normal function of the human body. You’ll cover the structure of mammalian cells and cellular functions which are often targeted therapeutically and biochemical pathways that underpin these processes.

Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science

Understand how medicines are sourced, developed, and manufactured. You’ll discover how quality is assured for patient safety and consider the use of natural and synthetic products.

Introduction to Medicines Design

Develop your understanding of scientific concepts that underpin the design and formulation of medicines. You’ll consider aspects that affect the physical and chemical properties of drugs and gain practical skills in the extemporaneous formulation of medicines.

Introduction to Microbiology, Immunology and Physiology

To increase your understanding of therapeutics, pharmaceutics, and major public health issues, you’ll study the physiology associated with the body systems and physical assessments that monitor function.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Professional Practice 2

Acquire skills in history taking, monitoring of drug therapies, medicines reconciliation and pharmaceutical care, with a focus on hospital and general practice pharmacy. You’ll put your skills into practice on placement in hospital, community, and GP visits.

Clinical Therapeutics 1

Develop knowledge of cell biology on the pathology of diseases affecting the eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. You’ll discover how conditions are managed therapeutically and how medicines are administered to the affected areas.

Clinical Therapeutics 2

Examine the anatomy and pathology of diseases affecting the cardiovascular and renal systems and how these are managed therapeutically. You’ll consider patient management issues, the application of pharmaceutical principles, drug design, and pharmaceutical analysis.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Professional Practice 3

Complete a placement in general practice, hospital, or community pharmacy to practice and refine the clinical and professional skills that you’ve developed so far. You’ll reflect on your practice in a portfolio and receive career support.

Clinical Therapeutics 3

Integrating science and clinical practice, you’ll bring your knowledge into context by considering therapeutic themes of the nervous system, mental health, musculoskeletal disorders, and cancer.

Clinical Therapeutics 4

Understand endocrine disorders, reproductive health, skin conditions and immune disorders and apply your knowledge to examine how these conditions can be managed. You'll consider prevention, medicine design and patient management.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Compulsory modules

Research Skills

Discover different methodologies and develop self-evaluation skills by research. You’ll learn valuable lessons about scientific writing, ethics, research funding, hypothesis testing, grant proposals, and methodologies to support your future practice.

Clinical Therapeutics 5

Integrate your knowledge and skills on therapeutics and prescribing to various patient groups and conditions within primary and secondary care. Considering the complications for each, you’ll implement relevant changes in legal and clinical guidance into your practice.

Professional Practice 4

Integrate the knowledge and skills learnt in your previous years and apply them to several complex patient scenarios. Using ethical, legal and evidence-based principles to inform your clinical decisions, you will consider a range of patient groups and their complications. Further develop the professional skills required for working as an influential member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Optional modules

Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research

Apply your research skills to a project in an area of pharmacy, which will be assessed by a write-up and support you in pursuing a career in research.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Discover techniques used to develop and analyse medicinal products, including innovative approaches to manufacturing, quality assurance, quality control and regulatory affairs. This will support you in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Pharmaceutical Innovation and Product Development

Build an understanding of the innovation process “from science to person”. You will explore the core topics of scientific innovation and product development (focused on medicines and medical devices), whilst developing core skills that link science to industry. You will learn to identify critical business development challenges that need to be addressed for science to benefit society.

Specialist Clinical Pharmacy

Explore the evolving practices in clinical pharmacy. You will investigate the evidence behind a range of specialist innovative areas and the pharmacoeconomic, safety and ethical challenges associated with each. Further your learning of the safe and effective delivery, and management, of clinical pharmacy services across a range of pharmacy sectors.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,535 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

New international students: £29,950 per year for 2025/26 then fixed per year at this fee for the standard duration of your course.

Tuition fees

To find out more about how the University of Reading sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

In order to become a fully qualified pharmacist, you will need to complete a Foundation Training Year following graduation. During this time you will complete a portfolio of evidence of competence and take a further assessment, which is run by the pharmacy regulator, the General Pharmaceutical Council. During this year we will provide you with further support, including study documents and mock examinations.

Overall, 98% of graduates from Reading School of Pharmacy are in work or further study within 15 months of graduation.*

Past MPharm Pharmacy graduates at Reading have gone on to work for employers such as Boots, GSK, Lloyds Pharmacy, NHS and Spire Healthcare.**

Most students go on to work for community or hospital pharmacies, with a few moving into industry. A small number decide to embark on careers in other areas, such as teaching, or move on to further study.

*based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, includes all Reading School of Pharmacy responders.

**based on HESA data © HESA 2020 - 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017/18 - 2021/22; includes MPharm Pharmacy responders.

MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year

Placement

Tuition fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

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