The pharmacy industry is witnessing a strong growth, and offering a great job exposure on the global level, students are keen to take up pharmacy courses. There are different countries, and UK tops the list in terms of leading nations in the pharma industry. Modules under pharmacy courses UK typically cover pharmacology, biology and physiology, chemistry, pharmaceutics, and economics.
There are more than 30 universities offering pharmacy courses UK, covering all aspects of the industry through the syllabus. The best part of choosing UK universities for pharmacy is students’ get to learn complete insight of the industry. Through the practical process of teaching, students will learn about medicine preparation, chemistry of drugs, and the overall pharma industry. This article presents you with complete details on top universities, eligibility, scholarships, and others if planning to study pharmacy in UK.
Why Study Pharmacy Courses UK?
Over the years, pharmacy courses in UK for international students have been refined according to the changing faces of the industry. Universities follow certain teaching methods including lectures, practical, significant teamwork, and other educational advances, all of which are intended to help international students, including those from abroad, achieve academically and enjoy their study. Other reasons to study pharmacy in UK are-
- Top Ranking Universities
Pharmacy courses in UK offered by universities rank top due to high-quality education and learning infrastructure. Students will gain a better understanding through practical knowledge.
- Good Job Scope
The 5th and 6th largest pharmaceutical firms in the world, GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca, have their headquarters in UK. There are many more such pharma companies in UK offering better job scope for fresh graduates in Pharmacy.
- Exposure to Practical World
Top universities for pharmacy in UK offer practical learning exposure to students. Throughout the course, students will understand the role of pharmacist, patient safety and insight of public health. In other words, students are prepared for the real pharmacy world.
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Top Universities for Pharmacy in UK
Students who are keen to enter the pharmacy industry, there are some best universities in UK for pharmacy offering undergraduate, master’s or even higher studies. You can look for the best universities through College Finder for masters in Pharmacy or for any other level of courses, these universities offer great learning experience and employment opportunities. Listed below are best pharmacy universities in UK-
- Ulster University
- Cardiff University
- Queen Mary, University of London
- University of Liverpool
- University of Glasgow
Let check more details:
1. Ulster University
It is one of the top universities for pharmacy in UK, Ulster University offers quality education. With the support of acceptable scientific components (pharmaceutical sciences) and adequate professional practice skills, the pharmacy program is intended to provide academically demanding and vocationally pertinent pharmacy education. Furthermore, students get practical training under the guidance of pharma industry experts.
Type |
Private |
QS University Ranking 2023 |
601-650 |
Programs Offered |
Master of Chemistry and Science (MSci) Hons- Pharmaceutical Bioscience- 4 year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)- 4 years MSc in Pharmaceutical Science- 1 year |
Program Fees (Annually) |
Approx Master- GBP 15,970- 16922 (INR 15,30,731.70- 16,00,000) |
2. Cardiff University
The pharma course at Cardiff University includes the full spectrum of basic, applied, translational, and clinical research. It includes the production, use, and discovery of drugs and therapies for a variety of illnesses, such as cancer, infections, musculoskeletal disorders, etc. Students will be completely assimilated into the academic and research community. International students will also get complete resources, encouragement, and a chance to make a difference in the field of your chosen research and advance knowledge.
Type |
Private |
QS University Ranking 2023 |
166 |
Programs Offered |
Master in Pharma (MPharma)- 4 years Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy- 1year Master of Science (MSc) in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics- 1 year MSc in Clinical Research- 1 year |
Program Fees (Annually) |
Approx Master-GBP 22,336.88 (INR 21, 41,000) PGDP- GBP 4880 (INR 46,1393) MPharma- GBP 9,000 (INR 86,26,54.06) |
3. Queen Mary, University of London
The pharmacy curriculum at Queen Mary, University of London provides a thorough overview of the pharma industry while placing a heavy emphasis on acquiring practical laboratory experience and employable skills. Through the course, students will learn about the pharmacology of medications, how they are developed through trials, and the manufacturing process. The focus of instruction is synthetic organic chemistry, and you'll also get a solid foundation in spectroscopy, and inorganic chemistry.
Type |
Private |
QS University Ranking 2023 |
125 |
Programs Offered |
BSc in Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics - 3 years Master of Science (MSci) in Pharmaceutical Chemistry- 1 year |
Program Fees (Annually) |
Approx BSc GBP- 18,000 (1701860) MSci- 25,150 (INR 24,10,638.83) |
4. University of Liverpool
A wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses under pharmacy are available at the University of Liverpool. You will gain practical experience under the assistance of professionals. The course will further provide you an advantage while applying for jobs in the pharma industry. At the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Foundation Training School, you will get the education, training, and experiences you need to succeed in your career of pharma.
Type |
Public |
QS University Ranking 2023 |
190 |
Programs Offered |
BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science- 4 years MSc in Clinical Pharmacy for Primary Care and Community Pharmacy - 1 year MSc in Clinical Pharmacy for Secondary and Tertiary Care- 1 year PhD in Pharmacy and Bio-molecular Sciences- 4-5 years |
Program Fees (Annually) |
Approx BSc- GBP 24,200 (INR 2319580.91) MSc- GBP 16692.67 (INR 16,00,000) PhD- GBP 25,950 (INR 24,87,319.19) |
5. University of Glasgow
University of Glasgow is a top pharmacy university in UK, students in between the third and final years of the degree, can pursue pharmacology as an MSci, which includes an additional placement year. During this year, students will typically do research in industry or a research centre in the UK or abroad. Students are not guaranteed a spot on a specific choice, and the final-year optional courses that are offered each year are subject to change.
Type |
Public |
QS University Ranking 2023 |
81 |
Programs Offered |
BSc in Pharmacology- 4 years MSci in Pharmacology-5 year PhD- Molecular Pharmacology- 3-4 years |
Program Fee (Annually) |
Approx MSci-GBP 23500 (INR 22,52,485.59) BSc- GBP 9175 (INR 87,94,27.88) PhD- 23,950 (INR 22,64,419.58) |
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Course Curriculum of Pharmacy Courses in UK
To study pharmacy in UK for international students, the course curriculum covers all major areas of the pharmacy. In order to provide accessible education in pharma, pharmacy colleges in UK lay a major emphasis on different areas. These include gaining information, developing skills, attitudes, and values required to work in collaboration with patients and other healthcare professionals. Some of the subjects covered are:
- Fundamentals of Pharmacy
- Management of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease
- Immunity, Inflammation and Infection
- Neurology and Mental Health
- Oncology and Palliative Care
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Eligibility Criteria & Admission Requirements by Best Universities in UK for Pharmacy
Universities offering pharmacy courses in UK for international students demand for certain eligibility criteria as a part of the admission process.
- Educational Qualification
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
- ACT/SAT Scores
- GRE or GMAT Test Scores
- Work Experience
- UK Student Visa
- Additional Requirements
Let us get into details:
- Educational Qualification
For Bachelors
You need to provide a qualifying certificate of 12th grade from any registered educational institution with 60-70%. Science, physics and chemistry subjects are preferred.
For Masters
Students must graduate in BPharma and relevant courses with 50-60-% and 2.3 CGPA score. Also 3-4 years of work experience will work.
For PhD
Students must carry bachelors and masters course passing certificates with good scores in microbiology, pharmacy, chemistry and biochemistry. Also, students need to provide 3.6/4.0 GPA scores.
- English Language Proficiency Test Scores
Students while applying at best universities for pharmacy in UK need to submit the score of English Language Proficiency test. However, the score may differ according to the university.
- ACT/SAT Scores
Many of the top universities in UK for masters in pharmacy demand for ACT/SAT scores. In general, a score of 30 or more in ACT and 400 or above in SAT is preferred for admission.
- GRE or GMAT Test Scores
There are some pharmacy colleges in UK that demand for GMAT/GRE scores. However, the score may differ. The average score required are:
- Work Experience
Irrespective of the level of course you are pursuing, work experience isn't completely mandatory. However, top universities in UK for masters in Pharmacy demand having 3-4 years of work experience can be an added advantage.
- UK Student Visa
To apply for a UK study visa, international students need to have the acceptance letter from the applied university. The average processing time for a UK study visa is 3 weeks, though during busy periods it may take longer.
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Documents Required for Admission in Top Pharmacy University in UK
To pursue admission in any of the UK universities for pharmacy, students need to be ready with documents for the submission purpose. Some of these are:
- Statement of Purpose
- Letter of Recommendation
- Official Transcripts
- Updated Resume/CV
- Academic Documents
- A valid passport is compulsory
- Financial Support Proof
- GRE/GMAT score
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Admission Process in Best Pharmacy Universities in UK
To complete the admission process, you need to have all the required documents. Below are the steps to follow for admission process:
- Check the official university website to see if you match the eligibility requirements for your desired program.
- Take a look at the important documents and permits that you need to submit along with your application.
- Complete the online application form and pay the application cost.
- After submitting your application, you can log in to the admission portal.
- Meanwhile, you can gather all of the documents needed to apply for a UK study permit.
- If you meet the required needs, the university invites you for the entrance exam.
- The cut-off for the entrance exam is determined by the college administration. If an applicant performs well on the entrance exam and meets the cut-off, the next step is processed.
- Once the university accepts documents and scores, you can get an acceptance letter from the applied university
- After receiving an acceptance letter you can apply for the UK study visa.
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Cost of Studying in UK Universities For Pharmacy
Studying abroad can be costly for students who plan to attend UK universities. On the other hand, a good budget plan might assist you in better managing your living costs.
1. Program Fees
Participation in the best pharmacy universities in UK depends on the program's length, the cost of the study varies considerably.
- MSci-GBP 23500 (INR 22,52,485.59)
- BSc- GBP 9175 (INR 87,94,27.88)
- PhD- 23,950 (INR 22,64,419.58)
2. Cost of Living
The cost of living in UK depends on the lifestyle and where you live. There are different cities in UK where you can stay. In UK, the average monthly cost of living, excluding education costs, can be around GBP 650 (INR 62,302.79).
Facilities |
Cost Per Month |
Accommodation |
GBP 830 (INR 79555.87) |
Food |
GBP 50 (INR 4792.52) |
Transportation |
GBP 32 (INR 2576.27) |
Study Materials |
GBP 1000 (INR 95850.45) yearly |
Scholarships for Pharmacy Courses in UK
To study in the best university for pharmacy UK, you will need enough funds. The best is to seek a scholarship from the respective university that will cover your study and living cost.
Scholarships |
Amount/ Benefits |
GBP 22,000 (INR 2080051) |
|
Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship |
GBP 233 (INR 22029) per month |
GBP 10,000 (INR 95,85,04.51) |
|
Apprenticeship Fees |
GBP 25,115.92 (INR 24,13,312.45) |
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Job After Pharmacy Courses in UK
To practise in the UK, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Pharmacy graduates have employment options outside of working as community or hospital pharmacists, including in academia, the pharmaceutical sector, and regulatory organisations. In the UK, a pharmacist normally puts in 37.5 to 40 hours per week.
Job Roles |
Average Annual Pay |
Pharmacist |
GBP 1,29000 (INR 12,36,47,08.13) |
Pharmacy Manager |
GBP 1,91,000 (INR 18,30,74,36.07) |
Pharmaceutical Sales Manager |
GBP 1,79,000 (INR 17,15,7230.66) |
Clinical Pharmacist |
GBP 1,33,000 (INR 12748109.93) |
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With some good pharmacy colleges in UK, students have good options of learning and completing their pharmacy course. Universities offer great insight and opportunities to study pharmacy in UK for international students. If you are looking forward to more information, connect with Yocket Professionals who will assist you in pursuing the course.