Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK – Your Complete Guide

If you are thinking of pursuing your master’s in pharmacy in the UK, you can apply for a full-time course, most being a 1-year duration. Institutes offer one-year MSc courses in pharmacy and related specializations. The course fees are usually around £14,700-28,930 (approx INR 14-29 lakh). The MPharm courses offered in the UK are of 4-year duration; these are, however, integrated master’s courses. Graduates can expect to find high-paying job opportunities with pharmaceutical giants in the UK, such as Novartis, Pfizer, Merck & Co, GlaxoSmithKline, Roche, Bayer, etc. 

Reasons to Study Master’s in Pharmacy in the UK

A master’s in pharmacy in the UK for international students is beneficial for several reasons, as mentioned below: 

● The United Kingdom is the world’s premier destination for pharmaceutical courses, with thousands of international applicants enrolling for these programs every year. 

● It is home to the best global universities in this sphere, many of which rank highly on QS and THE World Ranking lists. 

● Completing MPharmacy from the UK helps aspirants land high-paying positions at leading domestic and global companies. 

● Reports also indicate that one out of every five top-selling drugs globally is developed in the UK, demonstrating the sheer demand for skilled professionals in this sector. 

Top Universities for Master’s in Pharmacy UK

Here are some of the top universities in the UK for master’s in 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 £15,000-30,000 (roughly INR 15-30 lakh), while student visa application charges are approximately £348 (INR 34,800) on average. 

Accommodation costs are usually around £550-650 (INR 55,000-65,000) per month, while food and housekeeping costs are £160-200 per month (INR 16,000-20,000). Utility costs hover between £40-50 (INR 4,000-5,000) per month, while other living costs can be around £250 (INR 25,000) per month. You may also require £32 (INR 3,200) in monthly transportation costs. 

Important Exams to Study Abroad

Requirements for Admission 

The requirements for admission include the following: 

● An undergraduate degree in pharmacy, biology, pharmacology, chemistry, biochemistry, or any related educational field. 

● Scores in English language proficiency tests like PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL iBT. 

● Work experience, if required. 

● Official academic transcripts. 

● Resume/CV. 

● Statement of Purpose (SOP). 

● LOR (Letter of Recommendation). 

● Photocopy of Passport. 

Job Prospects after MS in pharmacy in the UK

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 take their pick from two options, namely getting EEA pharmacist qualifications or registration as overseas qualified pharmacists.

Professionals can find jobs as hospital or community pharmacists after graduating while finding work in pharmaceutical and academic sectors and 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 £120,000-£191,000 (INR 1.2-1.9 crore) per year with skills and experience. 

Visa Procedure

You will have to submit the following documents for your visa: 

● Passport details

● Recent photograph (passport size)

● Criminal records (if any)

● Proof of funds

● Sponsor’s consent 

● Test results of tuberculosis 

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: 

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer! All course fees and salaries are approximate and subject to change depending on various conditions.