GCSE requirements
- GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C
- GCSE English Language or Literature grade 4 or C (or equivalent from English language category B)
Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)
4 years at the University of Plymouth, starting in September 2026
Study our highly-ranked pharmacy course at the University of Plymouth, in preparation for a role at the forefront of modern healthcare.
As experts in medicine design and use, pharmacists play a critical role in improving patient health.
Our MPharm pharmacy course, delivered at the University of Plymouth, combines classroom learning, campus based simulations and placements in real healthcare settings across the South West. The combination gives you a full understanding of pharmacy within community, General Practice (GP) and hospital settings, and will help prepare you for a career in your preferred area.
By studying human physiology, pharmacology, pharmaceutics and medicinal chemistry alongside clinical topics, you’ll learn about the causes and progression of medical conditions and how drugs exert their effects. You'll also learn about the appropriate prescribing, supply and administration of medications and the principles of disease progression and medicines optimisation.
Our partnership with the University of Plymouth
As a student at Plymouth, you will study the same course content as those studying Pharmacy in Bath, gaining a unique knowledge of the scientific development and clinical use of medicines, and preparing you for a career as a pharmacist.
Graduating with a University of Bath degree, you’ll be taught by Plymouth-based University of Bath academic and practice staff while living and learning in Plymouth. This course provides the opportunity to live and study in the vibrant and unique surroundings of Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. The University of Plymouth is conveniently located near Derriford Hospital, the largest teaching hospital in Devon and Cornwall, and a wealth of healthcare providers across the South West. There are plenty of opportunities for placements nearby.
Find out more about studying our four-year MPharm course at the University of Plymouth.
Benefit from specialist facilities
Studying the MPharm at the University of Plymouth, you will be based in purpose-built facilities at the heart of campus. Plymouth is home to over 4,500 health and social care students in the Faculty of Health. The pharmacy facilities are on the ground floor of the Nancy Astor Building including practice-based and clinical teaching spaces, such as consultation rooms and simulation equipment.
Explore the campus on an open day at the University of Plymouth.
Put your learning into practice
As a highly patient focussed profession, we put great emphasis on regular patient contact and clinical placements. Starting from year one of our MPharm, you’ll benefit from our excellent connections on placements with major teaching hospitals, community pharmacies and GP practices. You will undertake Clinical Learning in Practice (CLIP) and clinical placements and these increase in volume as you progress through the course.
You'll also have inter-professional sessions with medical, nursing and dental students to build confidence in your professional practice role.
Undertake a research project in the UK or abroad
As part of the MPharm Pharmacy, you’ll undertake an extensive research project to develop your research skills, ensuring you graduate a well-rounded and highly employable graduate.
You’ll either work alongside researchers in the Department or internationally, on a 12-week placement with one of our partner organisations in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or the USA. International placement opportunities are subject to availability.
Get ready for your future career
As a graduate of one of the top schools of pharmacy in the UK, you’ll be well-equipped for a rewarding career in pharmacy or pharmaceutical research. Our students are well prepared for and consistently perform well in the national NHS Oriel recruitment process for their Foundation Year place. Our graduates also consistently achieve high pass rates in the General Pharmaceutical Council’s Foundation Training assessment.
Connect with future employers
We have excellent links with employers both locally in the South West of England and nationally.
Whether you want to go into a patient-facing clinical role or prefer the idea of research or drug development, you’ll benefit from our strong links with employers including many NHS providers and community pharmacy employers such as Day Lewis and Boots.
To become a practising pharmacist you will need to undertake a foundation year in practice and we will support you in finding the right training place for you.
2026/2027 Academic Year
Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail.
We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.
Course structure
This course lasts 4 years. It starts in September 2026 and ends in 2030.
Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.
Units
University of Bath courses are made up of units of study. Compulsory units cover core concepts that you'll need to understand as part of your degree programme. Some of our courses also offer the opportunity for you to study optional units. These allow you to specialise in particular areas of knowledge that interest you.
As an undergraduate, you will be expected to take 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) in each academic year. Credits are usually split evenly across your two semesters of study. 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) are the equivalent of 1,200 notional hours of study; this includes contact time with staff and your own independent learning.
All credits displayed on this page are ECTS credits.
Year 1
Compulsory units
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Fundamentals of pharmacy: health and disease
15 credits
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Fundamentals of pharmacy: the chemistry of drugs
15 credits
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Fundamentals of pharmacy: the science of medicines
15 credits
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Preparing for professional practice 1
15 credits
Year 2
Compulsory units
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Preparing for professional practice 2
15 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 1: immunity, inflammation and infection and gastrointestinal disease
15 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 2: cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders
10 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 3: management of respiratory diseases and dermatology
10 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 4: special patient groups and surgery
10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory units
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Medicines optimisation and prescribing in complex patients 1
20 credits
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Preparing for professional practice 3
20 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 5: neurology and mental health
10 credits
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Specialised integrated unit 6: oncology and palliative care
10 credits
Year 4
Compulsory units
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Global health
5 credits
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Medicines optimisation and prescribing in complex patients 2
15 credits
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Pharmacy research project
20 credits
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Preparing for professional practice 4
20 credits
Placement
You'll go on clinical placements throughout all four years of your course. You'll undertake community, hospital and GP practice placements and develop your skills with expert supervisors in the work setting. These immersive placements will allow you to enhance your skills in a supportive environment and give you a range of experiences to support future career choices.
In year four of your degree, you’ll undertake an extensive research project, either studying alongside researchers in the Department or on a 12-week placement with an international partner organisation. Potential destinations include Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Overseas placement opportunities can't be guaranteed but you will receive tailored support from our specialist team to help you secure the right positions for you.
Learning and assessment
You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.
Assessment
These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.
Learning and teaching
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activities. The balance of these elements within your overall workload may vary depending on your chosen units.
Contact hours
Timetabled contact hours, which can be made up of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes, vary throughout your course and between courses but are typically between 12 and 24 hours per week in your first year.
Our teaching for this course is delivered through in-person learning on campus, supported by high quality online provision. The significant majority of contact hours over the duration of your course will be in person, and this will be enhanced by some online delivery which will constitute a smaller proportion of these contact hours, depending on your programme of study, year of study and chosen optional units. This may be supplemented by additional activities such as a small number of online learning sessions (not live), skills development sessions, and personal tutorials.
The amount of timetabled sessions on campus in later years may vary based on the options you choose, with a greater emphasis on independent learning. Project and dissertation units will generally have fewer scheduled sessions to allow you time for your independent work – this may also mean the number of hours of timetabled sessions each week will vary within a year.
Independent learning
In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 16-28 hours per week, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you may do a final year project in the final year.
Assessment breakdown
A broad range of assessment methods will be used throughout the degree. As a guide, 46% of the assessment is by coursework over the duration of the course.
The final degree classification is determined by your second, third and final year marks and each contributes 16%, 34% and 50% respectively.
We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities, take a look at our Disability Service’s pages for information.
Professional accreditations
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) courses are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). An MPharm from an accredited UK school of pharmacy is the first step towards a career as a pharmacist. To qualify as a registered pharmacist in Great Britain you will need to undertake a foundation year training after graduation and then pass the qualifying examinations of the GPhC.
Recognition of professional qualifications
As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).
The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.
‘I recently went on a three-week placement in the community and had the chance to shadow a paramedic. This really helped me build a better picture of patients.’
—
Marcus Siviter
MPharm Pharmacy (Graduating year, 2025)
Entry requirements
In addition to demonstrating that you have the ability and motivation to succeed academically your application, especially your personal statement, should include evidence of your understanding of the role of a pharmacist and the importance of National Health Service values. You may wish to include details of any volunteering or employment experiences you have in a Pharmacy or related health care discipline.
If you have applied to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science you will be considered, however, you will need to provide an alternative personal statement that reflects your interest in Pharmacy before you can be considered for interview.
You will need a strong performance in Chemistry and a second science or mathematics subject as part of your entry qualifications. The second subject can be:
- Biology or Human Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Electronics
- Environmental Science
- Food Science or Food Technology
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics or Further Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
We know that the context in which you are studying can have an impact on your ability to perform your best in exams and coursework, or limit which subjects or qualifications you are able to study at your school or college. We consider any application based on its merits, including your background and circumstances, including through:
Origin of qualifications
British qualifications
A level Typical offer
AABAAB in three A levels including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
Read more about our approach to A levels and AS levels.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Contextual offer
BBB or ABCBBB or ABC in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject:
We seek to foster an outstanding and inclusive community at Bath. As part of that, we make reduced contextual offers to applicants from backgrounds who have historically been less likely to join us.
Find out if you may be eligible for a contextual offer.
Contextual offers are automatic - if you receive an offer and meet our eligibility criteria, you will receive the contextual offer instead of our typical or alternative offers.
Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level. Read more about our approach to this qualification.
A level Alternative offer
ABBWe know that you may have study beyond three A levels that will help prepare you for your degree. If you are not eligible for a contextual offer, we recognise these studies through our alternative offers.
ABB in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject plus one of:
- grade A in an EPQ or IEPQ
- grade B in a Core Mathematics qualification
- grade B in AS level Mathematics or Statistics (except if you are studying an A level in that subject)
- grade B in a fourth A level, where your four A levels include A level Mathematics or Statistics
- an appropriate grade in any other project qualification we recognise
The Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales is not accepted in place of an A level for these offers. If you are studying three A levels and this qualification you are eligible for an alternative offer:
ABBB in three A levels including B in Chemistry and B in one other science or mathematics subject and B in the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
If you receive an offer, you will receive each alternative offer you qualify for alongside the typical offer. You only need to meet one of these sets of conditions to meet your offer overall.
International Baccalaureate Typical offer
6, 6, 5 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
35 points overall and 6, 6, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry and a second science or mathematics course.
We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry is required at Higher Level.
If you are not studying a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the typical offer is 36 points with 6, 5, 5 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.
Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme
We consider applicants studying the IBCP on a case-by-case basis based on the individual IB certificates and vocational qualifications you study within the programme. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates and common vocational qualifications.
To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level.
Your IB courses and vocational study must include sufficient additional science content.
International Baccalaureate Certificates
If you are studying IB subjects as part of the IB Diploma, you will usually need to complete the full diploma programme to be considered.
If you do not follow the IB Diploma programme, we can consider stand-alone IB Higher Level Certificates either on their own or combined with other qualifications. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider IB Certificates.
To be considered for this course you will need Chemistry at Higher Level. Your study must also include sufficient additional science content.
International Baccalaureate Contextual offer
5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 at HLInternational Baccalaureate Diploma
35 points overall and 5, 5, 5 or 6, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including 5 in Chemistry and 5 in a second science or mathematics course.
We accept either HL Mathematics course and Sports, Exercise and Health Sciences as a second science or mathematics subject for this degree.
Read more about how we consider the IB Diploma.
Standard Level in essential subjects
Chemistry is required at Higher Level.
If you are not studying a second science or mathematics subject at Higher Level and you are taking it at Standard Level we may be able to consider you. In this case the contextual offer is 36 points with 5, 5, 4 in three Higher Level subjects including Chemistry plus 7 in the Standard Level subject.
Standard Level Mathematics: Applications & Interpretations cannot be accepted as a second science or mathematics subject.
Pearson Edexcel BTEC RQF Typical offer
DDD plus A at A levelBTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (RQF)
DDD in the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF) plus grade A in A level Chemistry.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your BTEC qualification.
We are able to consider the above qualifications in Applied Science (excluding Physical Science).
Your Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Calculation skills will be examined as part of any interview.
Read more about our approach to Extended Diplomas.
BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates
We accept Level 3 Diplomas and Extended Certificates alongside A levels or in combination with each other. You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider BTEC Diplomas and Extended Certificates.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your BTEC qualifications - we cannot accept a BTEC Diploma or Extended Certificate in Applied Science in place of A level Chemistry for this course.
T Level Typical offer
Distinction and A plus grade A at A levelD overall with grade A in the core component in a Science or Healthcare Science T Level plus grade A in A level Chemistry.
You must be studying A level Chemistry alongside your T Level qualification.
We are able to consider the above T Level technical qualification in Science or Healthcare Science.
If you are studying the Science T Level we prefer you to be studying either the Laboratory Sciences specialism or Metrology Sciences specialism
If you are studying the Healthcare Science T Level we prefer you to be studying the Assisting with Healthcare Science specialism.
Your GCSE profile will be an important part of selection if you apply with a T Level.
Scottish Highers Typical offer
AB in Advanced HighersAB in two Advanced Highers including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject.
We make offers based on Advanced Highers. You will typically be expected to have completed five Scottish Highers and your grades in these will be considered as part of your application. We prefer applicants who have achieved at least AAABB in their Highers.
Read more about how we consider Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
Access to HE Diploma Typical offer
33 credits at DistinctionA pass in the Access to HE Diploma (in Science or Science and Engineering) with 33 credits at Distinction in Science or Mathematics units and 6 credits at Merit or above. This must include 15 credits in Chemistry units achieved at Distinction.
We are able to consider Access to HE Diplomas in Science and Science and Engineering. Our Pharmacy course is academically challenging and requires solid foundations of knowledge in Chemistry. You will need to have studied Chemistry units worth at least 15 credits, including at least 3 credits of Organic Chemistry but excluding Biochemistry and Chemistry in Society. Recent successful applicants have studied between 15 and 21 credits of Chemistry as part of their Access course and a high proportion of Organic Chemistry.
Combinations of qualifications Typical offer
We accept a range of other qualifications offered in UK, as well as combinations of typically studied qualifications (such as A levels and BTECs). You will need qualifications equal to at least three A levels to be considered.
Read more about how we consider UK qualifications.
To be considered for this course, your combination of qualifications must include A level Chemistry (or equivalent).
You can contact us at admissions@bath.ac.uk for more advice.
English language requirements
Category B
If you do not meet our English GCSE requirements, you will need a suitable English language qualification. Examples include:
- IELTS: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in all components
- IELTS Indicator: 7.0 with 6.5 in each component
- TOEFL IBT: 100 overall with a minimum 24 in all 4 components
- TOEFL iBT and iBT Special Home Edition: 100 overall with 24 in each component
- The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 69 with no less than 62 in any element
- The Pearson Test of English Academic Online (PTE Academic Online): we do not accept this qualification
- Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): 185 with no less than 176 in all elements
- Duolingo (taken up to 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 140, Conversation 125, Production 110
- Duolingo (taken after 1 July 2024): 130 overall with sub scores of Literacy 130, Comprehension 130, Conversation 130, Production 130
- LanguageCert SELT: C1 Expert Pass in both the Speaking test and the Listening, Reading, and Writing test
Fees and funding
Fees and funding information for Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) at the University of Plymouth
Fees
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.
Learn how we decide fee statusTuition fees
Fee information is not yet available for this course. Tuition fees are liable to increase annually for all University of Bath students.
Extra costs
The following course-related costs are not included in your fees:
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
You are required to pay for a DBS check. This will be payable at the start of your course at an approximate cost of £55.
You will also be required to register with the DBS update service for each year of your degree. The current cost of the update service is £16 per year.
How to pay
Tuition fee loans
If you are studying an undergraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.
Read more about tuition fee loansScholarships and bursaries
You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. This is in addition to your student loan and you do not have to pay it back.
Funding for students studying the Bath MPharm at the University of PlymouthOther payment options
You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.
Read more about your payment optionsBudgeting
You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.
Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.
If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement. If you are thinking about studying or working abroad as part of your course, you may have to prove that you have a certain amount of money in your bank account to get a visa.
Please read the information about planning your finances for your placement year which includes potential sources of funding, travel insurance, and visas.
Application information
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Course titlePharmacy
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Final awardMPharm (Hons)
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Mode of studyFull-time
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Course codeM102
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Department
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Home application deadline14 January 2026
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Overseas application deadline14 January 2026
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Application eligibilityHome and Overseas students are eligible to apply
Selection process
Due to the nature of this degree, you will be asked to declare whether or not you have any relevant spent or unspent criminal convictions as part of completing your UCAS application. Should you declare that you have a conviction we will contact you for further information and you will be considered in line with our policy on applicants with criminal convictions.
You will also need to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check during your first semester of study on this course. If the results of this check show that you have a criminal conviction, caution, reprimand or warning which is deemed unacceptable under the University’s Fitness to Practise policy you will have to withdraw from the course.
If you are assessed as suitable you will be invited to a selection interview. If you are applying from outside the UK we will arrange to interview you remotely. You will need to complete a Fitness to Practise self-declaration form as part of the interview process. This form includes a written declaration of any medical conditions or disabilities you have. You will not receive an offer unless you are successful in your interview. This is required by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Course enquiries
Undergraduate Selection
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