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

Updated on 09 April, 2024

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

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 £17,000-29,000. 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. 

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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. 

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Top Universities for Master’s in Pharmacy UK

Here are some of the top universities in the UK for master’s in pharmacy: 

InstitutionCourse & TenureAnnual Course Fees (approx.)
University College LondonMSc in Pharmaceutics (One year)£16,500
University of OxfordMSc in Pharmacology (One year)£30,910 
The University of BirminghamPharmacy –MSc by Research (One year)£12,870
The University of NottinghamDrug Discovery MSc (One year)To Be Confirmed
The University of AberdeenMSc in Clinical Pharmacology (One year)£25,100 
King’s College LondonMSc in Pharmacology (One year)£29,310
The University of StrathclydeMSc in Clinical Pharmacy (One year)£24,250 
Aston UniversityPharmaceutical Science, MSc Course (One year)£19,700
Coventry UniversityPharmacology and Drug Discovery, MSc Course (One year)£19,350 
The University of GlasgowMSc in Clinical Pharmacology (One year)£25,930 

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 £363. 

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.

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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 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 £120,000-£191,000 per year with skills and experience.

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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: 

Name of the Scholarship

Description

Chevening Scholarship

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

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers scholarships and fellowships to those hailing from Commonwealth countries including India. MS students can avail of the scholarship if they are eligible. It covers tuition costs, living costs, and airfare. 

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Britain Campaign of the UK Government and the Study UK campaign of the British Council provide 99 scholarships for postgraduate students at 36 institutions. Twelve higher education institutions in the UK offer 13 postgraduate 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long are master’s in pharmacy in the UK?

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?

Pharmacy degrees from India are officially accepted in the United Kingdom (UK) for employment purposes. You will have to complete your one-year conversion course known as the OSPAP, and after that, you will have to sit for the pre-registration examination before getting the GPhC license to work. You will also have to complete a 5-year academic and practice-based teaching program while studying for the M. Pharm degree in the first 4 years. You will then do a 1-year placement (paid) known as your foundation training year.


 

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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