The UK is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry, with the sector contributing around £20.2 billion annually to the UK economy, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). Pursuing a Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK offers students an excellent opportunity to tap into this thriving market and embark on a rewarding career in pharmaceuticals. Most MPharm courses are full-time and typically last for one year, although there are also four-year programs available.
Upon graduation, students can secure high-paying positions with renowned pharmaceutical companies like Novartis, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, and Merck. To better plan your finances and understand the living costs while studying in the UK, visit this guide on the cost of living in the UK.
Overview
When deciding to study abroad, knowing the key factors of a course is crucial.
Doing a Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK opens up career opportunities as an international professional. Some key highlights of pharmacy courses in UKare:
After completing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK, graduates typically make £40,000 a year as per Payscale. If you choose to study at top universities such as the University of Lincoln or Coventry University, the return on investment (ROI) for a master's degree in pharmacy in the UK may be higher.
What is Master’s in Pharmacy
A Master's in Pharmacy is a comprehensive postgraduate degree course. Some universities offer it as part of an integrated undergraduate and postgraduate program.
The program is designed to provide thorough training and preparation for a career as a pharmacist.
Most courses combine teaching of core concepts with practical experience to prepare professionals for various work settings, such as hospitals. These programs in the UK are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, with most students benefiting from the institutes’ strong links with pharmaceutical industries.
After the successful completion of an MPharm, students can also build careers in pharmaceutical and clinical research, pharmaceutical marketing, and lecturing.
Reasons to Study Master’s in Pharmacy in UK
A master’s in pharmacy in the UK for international studentsis beneficial for several reasons, as mentioned below:
It is home to the best global universities in this sphere, many of which rank highly on QS and THE World Ranking lists. More than 28 universities in the UK appeared on the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Pharmacy & Pharmacology.
Completing MPharmacy from the UK helps aspirants land high-paying positions at leading domestic and global companies. Starting salaries for MPharm graduates are around £37,000 per annum in the country.
The UK’s pharmaceutical industry contributes a substantial £19.2 billion to the country’s life science sector.
Here are some of the top universities in the UK for master’s in pharmacy:
Institution
Course & Tenure
Annual Course Fees (approx.)
University College London
MSc in Pharmaceutics (One year)
£37,500
University of Oxford
MSc in Pharmacology (One year)
£33,970
The University of Birmingham
Pharmacy –MSc by Research (One year)
£27,360
The University of Nottingham
Drug Discovery MSc (One year)
To Be Confirmed
The University of Aberdeen
MSc in Clinical Pharmacology (One year)
£27,000
King’s College London
MSc in Pharmacology (One year)
£31,080
The University of Strathclyde
MSc in Clinical Pharmacy (One year)
£28,950
Aston University
Pharmaceutical Science, MSc Course (One year)
£20,700
Coventry University
Pharmacology and Drug Discovery, MSc Course (One year)
£18,600
The University of Glasgow
MSc in Clinical Pharmacology (One year)
£31,860
Master’s in Pharmacy in UK Subjects & Specializations
Some of the usual modules included within an MS in Pharmacy in the UK are:
Pharmacists’ Role in Healthcare
Body Systems and Therapeutics
Chemistry of Medicines
Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology
Cell Signaling
Neuropharmacology
Drug Discovery
Future Design, Delivery, and Administration of Medicines
Some of the industry specializations that MPharm students can opt for are:
Clinical Pharmacy
Industrial Pharmacy
Community Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy
Regulatory Pharmacy
Cost of Studying for Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK
The approximate tuition fees for studying master’s in pharmacy UK are between £17,000-30,000, while student visa application charges are approximately £490.
Accommodation costs are usually around £550-650 per month, while food and housekeeping costs are £160-200 monthly. Utility costs hover between £40 and £50 per month, while other living costs can be around £250 monthly. You may also require £32 in monthly transportation costs.
The requirements for admission include the following:
An undergraduate degree in pharmacy, biology, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, or any related educational field. Typically, a 2:1 honors degree or equivalent is required in your subject.
Scores in English language proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. Some universities may waive the English language requirements if you have scored 75% in your class 12th (CBSE/ICSE Board). However, most universities will ask for a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score : 92.
Work experience, if required. Some institutions may require 18 months of work experience in a clinical setting.
There are excellent job prospects for aspirants after completing their MS in pharmacy in the UK. Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists should have General Pharmaceutical Council registration for practicing in the country. At the same time, international students can pick up two options: getting EEA pharmacist qualifications or registering as overseas qualified pharmacists.
Professionals can find jobs as hospital or community pharmacists after graduating while finding work in pharmaceutical and academic sectors, regulatory organizations, and bodies. Other job positions include assistant pharmacists, clinical pharmacists, pharmaceutical sales managers, pharmaceutical researchers, hospital pharmacy technicians, and pharmaceutical research scientists. Average salaries are around £37,000 - £52,000 per year as per Glassdoor.
You will need a valid student visa to pursue your master’s in pharmacy in the UK. You will have to submit the following documents for your student visa:
● Passport details
● Recent photograph (passport size)
● Criminal records (if any)
● Proof of funds
● Sponsor’s consent
You will also have to carry the email print-out confirming your appointment details, travel documents and passport, visa application form, all other documents, and registration information for your visa interview.
Scholarships for Students
Here are some scholarships that you can consider for pursuing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK:
Name of the Scholarship
Eligibility
Benefits
Chevening Scholarship
You must be a citizen of the country eligible for the fellowship.
Demonstrate leadership potential.
They are completely funded scholarship programs, offering coverage for various expenses including living costs, tuition fees, and airfare. It is given for a year with a further one-year extension option available.
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship
You must be a citizen of a commonwealth country.
You must possess an undergraduate honours degree(at least upper second class).
It covers tuition costs, living costs, and airfare.
GREAT Scholarships
You must be an Indian citizen.
Must hold a bachelor’s degree from a reputed university.
Must meet the minimum English language requirements.
More than 26 scholarships for 1 year postgraduate programs are offered to Indian students.
Scholarships worth at least £10,000 (INR 10 lakh) or one year’s tuition fee.
Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate and subject to change depending on various conditions.
Master’s in Pharmacy in UK Work Permit Visa
The graduate immigration route allows international students to work in the UK for a minimum of two years after completing their courses. It offers an excellent opportunity to build a career in the country.
Most MSc programs in pharmacy in the UK are full-time, spanning one year. Many universities offer them in part-time mode, too, extending to two years. MPharm courses provided by several institutes are of a four-year term; these are, however, integrated master’s courses. It all depends on the institution, course, and other factors.
How can I learn MPharm in the UK?
You can always do your MPharm in the UK by obtaining an undergraduate or bachelor’s degree in biology, pharmacology, pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, and other related fields. Scores in English language proficiency tests like PTE, TOEFL iBT, and IELTS are mandatory. You may have to provide details of previous work experience, although they are not mandatory. Make sure that you check the university criteria carefully before applying.
How to become a pharmacist in the UK from India?
To become a pharmacist in the UK with an Indian degree, you will have to complete your one-year conversion course known as the OSPAP(Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme), and after that, you will have to sit for the pre-registration examination before getting the GPHC license to work. You will then do a 1-year placement (paid) known as your foundation training year.
How long is an MPharm in the UK?
The duration of an MPharm in the UK is typically 4 years. There are accelerated programs with a 1-year duration.
Which Master’s in Pharmacy course is best in the UK?
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