Masters in Pharmacy or MPharm is a master’s course with a duration of 1 to 4 academic years depending on full-time or part-time undertaking. Though the eligibility criteria vary among universities, anyone with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and related subjects can opt for the programme. The annual fees structure to pursue Master of pharmacy in the UK is INR 14 to 28 lakhs. There are also other postgraduate courses in the United Kingdom related to the field, such as MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Drug Discovery, Biomedical Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Although it is expensive, Master of Pharmacy in the UK offers the best quality higher education and excellent student diversity to help students grow as pharmacists. The graduates can pursue careers in pharmacy involved in the development, dosage, safety and use of drugs. The entry-level package after pursuing a Master of Pharmacy in the UK is 74,800 GBP (around Rs 75 lakhs).
Why Pursue a Master of Pharmacy in the UK?
The UK is among the top study abroad destinations for international students pursuing pharmacy. Around 3000 students take admissions in the UK for pharmacy every academic year, and among them, around 20% are international students. Here are a few reasons why should you pursue a master of pharmacy in the UK:
- The UK has five of the best universities, which are among the top 100 globally ranked universities in 2022.
- Every year the UK welcomes over 400,000 international students from around the world. The diversity helps students gain necessary knowledge about different perspectives, cultures, lifestyles, and opportunities to thrive.
- The pharmaceutical industry in the UK has big companies named Pfizer, Hoffman-La Roche, Novartis, and Eisai that offer amazing job opportunities to the students. It also has the headquarters of AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, which are among the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies.
- The UK is among the leading producers of drugs in the world. It opens gates for more jobs for the graduates.
- Around 82% of the graduates from the UK get jobs within one year of graduation, and among them, 95% find jobs in the medical field.
After completing their master’s, graduates can also opt for:
Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
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Check Your Eligibility for 80+ Universities across the UK
Book a free counselling session and find universities where you can get an Admission!
- Post-Baccalaureate Studies PGDM in Pharmacy
- M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- MBA in Pharmaceutical Management
- Drug Store Management Course to become a Community Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, etc.
- Doctorate in any chosen field
How to apply for a Master of Pharmacy in the UK?
For admissions to the Master of Pharmacy in the UK, students need to follow these steps:
- Look out for the university and college as per the interest, program, fee structure and accommodation.
- Keep an eye on the critical dates and eligibility criteria required by the university.
- Fill out the application form through their portal.
- Send all the required documents and transcripts either through mail or post.
- Start preparing for the language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Apply for the student visa and loans, if needed.
Programme Entry Requirements
To get admission in Masters of Pharmacy in the UK colleges and universities, the applicant must have the following competencies:
- Bachelor’s degree (BSc) in pharmacy, pharmacology, biology, biochemistry, chemistry and other related subjects with an aggregate of 50-60% marks.
- Proof for the language proficiency test like IELTS and TOEFL scores.
- Work experience of a minimum of two years, depending upon the university.
- Additional requirements may vary from university to university. You can connect with a professional counsellor to know more.
Document Requirement
Here is the list of documents required to pursue Master of Pharmacy in the UK universities:
- Transcripts of previous educational qualifications
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Documents related to past work experience, if any
- Statement of Purpose
- At Least 3 letters of recommendations
- Test scores for English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, iBT, and PTE
- Passport
Top Universities for the Master of Pharmacy in the UK
As per the QS World University Ranking 2022, the top universities in the UK that offer the best learning experience for master of pharmacy are: University of Oxford, Oxford
- Rank: 2
- Degree: MSc in Pharmacology
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 28.9 lakhs
University of Cambridge, Cambridge
- Rank: 11
- Degree: MPhil in Pharmacology
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 32.8 lakhs
University College, London
- Rank: 15
- Degree: MSc in Clinical Pharmacy, International Practice and Policy
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 23.6 lakhs
University of Manchester
- Rank: 61
- Degree: MSc in Model-based Drug Development
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 27.3 lakhs
King’s College, London
- Rank: 67
- Degree: MSc in Pharmacology
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 26.9 lakhs
University of Nottingham
- Rank: 102
- Degree: Master’s in Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Science
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 26.8 lakhs
University of Glasgow
- Rank: 123
- Degree: MSc in Clinical Pharmacology
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 24.8 lakhs
University of Birmingham
- Rank: 519
- Degree: MSc in Pharmacy by Research
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 23.9 lakhs
University of Greenwich, London
- Rank: 896
- Degree: MSc Pharmaceutical Science
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 14.7 lakhs
University of Hertfordshire
- Rank: 801-1000
- Degree: MPharm
- Course duration: 4 years
- Fees: INR 13.6 lakhs
University of East London, London
- Rank: 1293
- Degree: MSc Pharmaceutical Science
- Course duration: 1 year
- Fees: INR 14.5 lakhs
Job Prospects
After completing the master’s degree course in pharmacy, students can pursue their careers in big pharmaceutical companies and organisations. Some of the renowned pharmaceutical companies in the UK are Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Merck & co., GlaxoSmithKline, and AstraZeneca. They deal in developing new drugs, their uses and safety precautions. Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council is must before students start their clinical practice in the UK. International students can also register themselves as Overseas (Non- European Economic Area or Non-EEA) Qualified Pharmacists. Besides this, graduates can work at the hospital pharmacy, academic institutes, and regulatory bodies. Usually, the working hours for pharmacy graduates are 37 to 40 hours a week, with an average entry-level package of 74,800 GBP per year. List of a few job opportunities for international students with master of pharmacy in the UK, along with their average expected annual salary, is as follows:
- Assistant Pharmacist: 106,000 GBP
- Hospital Pharmacy Technician: 120,000 GBP
- Pharmacist: 129,000 GBP
- Clinical Pharmacist: 133,000 GBP
- Clinical Pharmacy Specialist: 142,000 GBP
- Pharmaceutical Research Scientist: 163,000 GBP
- Pharmaceutical Researcher: 170,000 GBP
- Pharmaceutical Sales Manager: 179,000 GBP
- Pharmacy Manager: 191,000 GBP
- Assistant Pharmacy Director: 191,000 GBP
Conclusion
The UK is among the famous independent study abroad destinations for international students, especially Indian students. With top universities in the UK, a master of pharmacy is an excellent course to pursue a career in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and regulatory bodies. The master of pharmacy course duration and eligibility criteria vary from university. It is best to regularly check the university’s website to keep yourself updated and prepared for university admission. For further information and regular updates on the same, you can connect with a professional counsellor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any scholarships and grants available for international students to pursue a master of pharmacy in the UK?
Yes, there are several scholarships, grants, bursaries, and awards presented by universities and governments to international students. Here is a list of scholarships offered by various universities in the UK:
1.Chevening Scholarship: It covers all expenses, including tuition fees and living expenses.
2.Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship: It is for students from commonwealth countries, including India. It covers tuition fees and some living expenses.
3.GREAT Scholarship: It gives 10,000 GBP to those eligible for it. You can check eligibility on the website of the university you are applying to.
What is the cost of living in the UK for an international student?
The cost of living varies in different cities. The average monthly rent for a 1BHK apartment is around 550-650 GBP, including electricity, water, and additional costs. As per NUS Survey, London has an average weekly rent of approx 157.48 GBP per week, while the cheapest is Northern Ireland, with a rent of 83.01 GBP per week.
Can Indian students work as a pharmacist in the UK while or after completing MPharm in the UK?
 Yes, Indian students are also permitted to work 20 hours per week in the UK while studying during academic sessions and full-time during vacations.
You can work for a maximum of two years with the same student visa you have applied for during the full-time course. At the end of two years, you will have to apply for a new visa. Also, to practice, you must first register yourself with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
