Best university’s for pharmacy

Hi
I am applying for pharmacy and I was wondering what the best uk universities for pharmacy are.
This includes Russell and non-Russell groups
Thank you

Reply 1

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by asma421

Hi
I am applying for pharmacy and I was wondering what the best uk universities for pharmacy are.
This includes Russell and non-Russell groups
Thank you

Hi! Final year pharmacy student at Bath here.

First of all, the regulatory body for pharmacy (the GPhC) has very strict standards for the MPharm degrees provided at each university. This means that, regardless of which university you study at, every pharmacy student should qualify with the same knowledge. This can be delivered in different ways throughout the degree but the end goal is the same. Employers are aware of this so you are likely to find employment regardless of where you choose.

That being said, the courses will differ in their structure. For example, my university structures the content into modules covering each body system. However, I’ve heard of others having a more subject-based structure, e.g. pharmacology module, therapeutics module etc. This can be checked on the universities’ websites. Here is the one for Bath: Pharmacy at the University of Bath

The courses will also differ based on the teaching style. By this I mean the courses may have different proportions of lectures versus seminars or practicals. At Bath we have a mixture, with semesters starting as more lecture-heavy and over time spending more time in seminars to consolidate learning from the lectures.

The frequency and quality of placements will also differ. At Bath we have a strong network of placement providers in the South West, as one of the few pharmacy schools in this region. Placements are integrated throughout the degree in all the major sectors of pharmacy. As well as clinical placements, we also have the opportunity to study abroad for our master’s thesis, which I am currently carrying out in Helsinki, Finland.

You could use subject league tables as a rough guide (for example The Complete University Guide or The Guardian), but they tend to contradict each other and don’t always differentiate between pharmacy and pharmacology. Overall, I’d say look at the course websites for each university that interests you to decide which is most fitting for you. If you commit to learning, you should become a good pharmacist regardless of where you choose.

Let me know if you have any more questions I can help with 😊

Lauren,
University of Bath.

Reply 2

UoN Students

Official Rep

Original post by asma421

Hi
I am applying for pharmacy and I was wondering what the best uk universities for pharmacy are.
This includes Russell and non-Russell groups
Thank you

Hi @asma421

My name is Dom and I'm currently a 4th year student on the University of Nottingham's MPharm course!

UoN's pharmacy course implements our own tried and tested modules known as DMPs (drug medicine patient). Each DMP focuses on a different disease/body system and investigates the drugs (how their made, how they're designed, how they work chemically) the medicines (how they're formulated, how they work pharmacologically) and the patient (how they're effected by the medication, how we counsel them on the medication, how the medication alters their disease state).

Each DMP follows 6 main vertical themes:
Pharmacology
Biology
Pharmaceutics
Professional practice and law
Chemistry
Clinical and pharmacy practice
These themes are continued throughout your 4 years on the course and progressively become more challenging as the years go on as we focus on patients with multiple diseases rather than one.

Placements are a large part of the pharmacy course. With the new design of the course and its accreditation from the GPhC, the course now offers 10 week placements, where once a week for the full day you will attended a placement. There are also placements in care homes and insight placements with other healthcare professionals included within the course, so a wide range of experience is provided.

Support is a big part of our course and you are given a personal tutor which will follow you throughout your journey. We also have support networks within the pharmacy school and also the wider university support staff.

Hope this offers a little insight into what our course provides, if you'd like to find out more, visit our website at UoN Pharmacy.

If you have any more questions, ask away!

Dom 🙂

Reply 3

De Montfort University

Official Rep

Original post by asma421

Hi
I am applying for pharmacy and I was wondering what the best uk universities for pharmacy are.
This includes Russell and non-Russell groups
Thank you

Hey there 🤗

It’s great that you’re applying for pharmacy and not limiting yourself. Ultimately, what matters most is how universities can support your goals as a future pharmacist and contribute to your professional development alongside your studies. However, environment is also crucial, so make sure to visit your preferred choices during their Open Days.

As a student at De Montfort University (DMU), I can share insights from my friends studying Pharmacy. DMU is highly regarded for its accredited pharmacy course, consistently investing in modern facilities. The programme emphasises hands-on learning, with compulsory placements that are essential for developing practical skills. DMU also has strong connections with the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS, offering students valuable networking opportunities and career preparation. Additionally, my friends loved international opportunities offered by the DMU Global programme, with trips to places like Dubai, New York, and Amsterdam. I definitely recommend checking out the Pharmacy course website to learn more and read about other students' experiences.

I hope it was helpful 💪 Feel free to reach out if you have any questions 😉 You can also chat with me or other students directly through The Ambassador Platform.

Take care,

Julia
Psychology student
De Montfort University

Reply 4

McGinger

As above - it doesnt matter where you train - and there is no 'better' course.

So your decisions' should be made on factors like : the Uni environment where you will feel happiest (big/small, campus/city etc), grade requirements and realistic choices, and financial realism (cost of housing, travel home etc). Go to Open Days, listen to the subject presentations, look around, ask questions, and make choices for you.