Pharmacy

Pharmacists are at the front-line of the modern healthcare system. Experts in medicines design and use, they play a critical role in improving patient health.
The content and structure of this course will reflect the revised standards for pharmacists training set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) from October 2023. This is shown below in our new course structure and includes increased placement time and a focus on developing prescribing skills.

You’ll gain a unique knowledge of both the scientific development and clinical use of medicines, equipping you with the skills for a rewarding career in pharmacy or pharmaceutical research.

By studying human biology and disease, pharmaceutical chemistry and physical sciences 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.

Benefit from specialist facilities
If you’re studying the MPharm at the University of Bath, you will have access to our specially designed Pharmacy Practice and simulation suites. As well as developing your consultation skills through role-playing exercises with staff and professional actors, you’ll get to put your knowledge to the test using SimMan 3G, an advanced robotic patient simulator used to emulate real-world scenarios. Watch as two of our pharmacy students take you on a guided tour of the pharmacy facilities on the Bath campus.

Learn more on our Virtual Experience Page
You can find out more about studying pharmacy at Bath by visiting our Pharmacy Virtual Experience page to hear from staff and students in the department.

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.