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Pharmacy

Course details
  • MPharm (H)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Course location
Main Site

Course summary

Our four-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to enter the pharmacy profession.

We integrate science and practice throughout the course, giving you a sound understanding of how to apply your knowledge to solve clinical problems. You will also learn from practising pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers throughout your studies and gain workplace experience in a range of settings and different sectors of pharmacy practice.

you will develop your consultation, clinical decision-making, professional and leadership skills in order to work effectively with patients, carers and other healthcare professionals and to adapt to the challenges and developments that may occur during your career.

Our MPharm degree is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Upon successful completion of the course, you will need to undertake a foundation training year, take the GPhC's common registration assessment and meet fitness to practise requirements before becoming a fully-fledged pharmacist.

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
B230
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

AAB including Chemistry, either Mathematics or Biology, and one further rigorous academic subject (we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking). Selection for interview is normally based on predicted grades matching the entry requirement (i.e. AAB). However, in some cases we may consider an applicant whose predictions are ABB (with the A in Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics). We will consider resit applications provided you have obtained a minimum of A-level grades BBB at the first attempt (or equivalent qualifications).We do not accept grade equivalents such as ABC. Please note that the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels. Typical Contextual Offer: ABB including specific subjects including Chemistry, either Mathematics or Biology, and one further rigorous academic subject (we do not accept General Studies or Critical Thinking). Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*DD

We require successful completion of a BTEC National Extended Diploma at grades D*DD in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.

Access to HE Diploma

We require 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3, including a minimum of 15 credits in Chemistry with a Distinction grade, plus a minimum of 15 credits in Mathematics or Biology with a Distinction grade and the remaining 15 credits at Distinction grade. You should also have at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum grade B/5 (including English Language) and Mathematics at grade B/6. Students educated up to GCSE level who have only taken a one-year Access course will not normally be accepted. Students will not be considered if they have resat any units or have re-taken the full year.

Scottish Higher

We require grades AABBB to include Chemistry and either Mathematics or Biology together with Grade B in Advanced Higher Chemistry. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher level.

AS

We do not accept AS grades in place of A2-level grades.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D*D

We require successful completion of a BTEC National Diploma at grades D*D in a science-based subject (must include Biology) with A-level Chemistry at grade B or above.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - D

We accept the BTEC National Foundation Diploma at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grade A/B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

We accept the BTEC National Extended Certificate at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - Not accepted

Scottish Advanced Higher

We require grades AABBB to include Chemistry and either Mathematics or Biology together with Grade B in Advanced Higher Chemistry. If you have not studied National 5 qualifications, we would expect you to have studied English and Mathematics at Higher level.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 35 points

35 points overall. 6,6,5 including in Higher Level Chemistry, alongside either: - higher level Biology and standard level Mathematics, or; - higher level Mathematics and standard level Biology. For this programme of study we will accept Higher Level Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation. Please note the specific offer conditions will be based on the assessment of the interviewer Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy. We require at least five GCSEs or IGCSEs; four at minimum including English Language at grade 5/B and Mathematics at grade 6/B. For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP+ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 2 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than grade 4/C. For applicants whose status has been confirmed as WP++ using the University's Contextual Data Eligibility tool , we will allow an overall reduction of 4 grades on the full GCSE requirements. Please note, however, that no individual subject should be lower than grade 4/C.  GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - D*DD

We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*DD in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma - D*D

We accept the Cambridge Technical Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - D*D

We accept the Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (in any subject) at grade D*D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - D

We accept the Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (in any subject) at grade D in lieu of the third A-level only. It must be offered alongside A-level Chemistry and either A-level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B.

T Level - Not accepted

Applicants completing either the NCUK International Foundation Year in Science programme or the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme in Science, are required to achieve AAB in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and an EAP score of A. For NCUK applicants your full educational background and your qualifications prior to the NCUK FY (eg High School Diploma) will factor into our decision. All applicants will need to be successful at interview.

For all applicants taking a Foundation Year, we will consider your full educational background. A decision about your suitability for this course will not be taken based solely on the foundation year completed, and will include all prior qualifications. Applicants should pass the Foundation Year at the first attempt as resits will not be considered.

Additional entry requirements

Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
To ensure students are of good character as part of the GPhC's fitness to practise requirements, you must complete a self-declaration form at interview and then annually, and submit to a criminal records check during the first year of the MPharm course. You must declare any convictions, cautions or reprimands received at any time before or during your studies, either in this country or in other countries. The criminal records check is an Enhanced Level search by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). We will assist you in the completion of these forms. To assess good character, the GPhC Good Character Framework (PDF, 147 KB) is used.
Health checks
Pharmacy is one of the registered healthcare professions, and carries both privileges and responsibilities. You must demonstrate that you are able to exercise those privileges and bear those responsibilities. To join the pharmacy profession at the end of your training, you must abide by the General Pharmaceutical Council's (GPhC) Student Code of Conduct and undergo a medical fitness assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the start of your degree. When the time comes to apply to join the register of pharmacists, you must also make a health declaration and submit to character checks. If you wish to study pharmacy, you should note that your fitness to practice both before and/or during your studies may impair your eligibility to register and practice as a pharmacist.
Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)77.0, with no component less than 6.5.
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade B / 5, or; IELTS 7.0, with no component less than 6.5, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note that if you hold English as a second language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of  our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications  or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification. If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page . The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Data from:
This course
Date range:
2022-2024

Offer rate for UK school & college leavers

63% Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.

This course has a required grade that may not be listed in the data. Check the entry requirements for the full qualification requirements.

How do you compare?

See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

55 Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

67 Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.

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