Introduction to the Preparation for Pharmacy MPharm Program

The University of Liverpool offers a Preparation for Pharmacy year zero preparation course, designed for mature students who have been out of formal education for at least four years or have taken non-traditional qualifications. This course leads to access onto the undergraduate Pharmacy (MPharm) course.

About the Course

The Preparation for Pharmacy course is a full-time, five-year program that includes a preparatory year (year zero) at Carmel College, St Helens, followed by four years at the University of Liverpool campus. The course provides the necessary academic grounding for admission to the MPharm course and covers modules such as Chemistry for Health Studies, Biology for Health Studies, Maths for Health Studies, and Foundations of Professional Studies.

Course Structure

• The course is divided into two semesters, with compulsory modules in each semester.
• Semester one modules include:
  • Chemistry for Health Studies 1 (HEAL008) - 22.5 credits
  • Biology for Health Studies 1 (HEAL001) - 22.5 credits
  • Maths for Health Studies 1 (HEAL003) - 7.5 credits
  • Foundations of Professional Studies (HEAL005) - 15 credits
• Semester two modules include:
  • Foundations of Professional Studies (HEAL005) - 15 credits
  • Biology for Health Studies 2 (HEAL002) - 22.5 credits
  • Chemistry for Health Studies 2 (HEAL009) - 22.5 credits
  • Maths for Health Studies 2 (HEAL004) - 7.5 credits

Teaching and Assessment

The course structure centers around the student, with a range of teaching methods, including interactive whole-class sessions, small group tutorials, practical lab work, online activities, and ongoing formative feedback. The practical lab activities are incorporated into the Biology and Chemistry modules, providing students with an active learning experience.

Liverpool Hallmarks

The University of Liverpool's teaching approach is characterized by three Liverpool Hallmarks:

• Research-connected teaching
• Active learning
• Authentic assessment These hallmarks are underpinned by the core value of inclusivity and a commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Careers and Employability

Following successful completion of the Preparation for Pharmacy program and the MPharm course, graduates will be well-equipped for a rewarding and flexible career in pharmacy. Career opportunities in the field of pharmacy are varied and include:

• Primary and acute care
• Specialisms, such as pediatrics, oncology, and emergency medicine
• Researcher or scientist developing new medicines and vaccines
• Academia
• Medicines regulation

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the academic year 2026/27 are:

• UK fees: ｣9,790 per year (full-time), ｣9,535 (foundation year), ｣1,955 (year in industry), and ｣1,465 (year abroad)
• International fees: ｣1,955 (year in industry)

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University of Liverpool offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including:

• The Liverpool Bursary
• Asylum Seekers Scholarship
• Care Leavers' Opportunity Bursary
• Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
• Estranged Students Bursary
• Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
• Nolan Scholarships
• Rigby Enterprise Award
• ROLABOTIC Scholarship
• Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
• Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
• Young Adult Carer's (YAC) Bursary

Entry Requirements

The qualifications and exam results required for this course are:

• GCSE: 5 GCSE Grade 6 (B) to include Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry, and Biology (or dual combined science)
• International qualifications: Select your country or region to view specific entry requirements

Alternative Entry Requirements

• If your qualification is not listed, or you are taking a combination of qualifications, contact the university for advice
• Applications from mature students are welcome

English Language Requirements

You will need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you are from a majority English-speaking country. The university accepts a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool is working towards accreditation of the MPharm course with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The MPharm course will be provisionally accredited until the accreditation process is complete. Upon graduating with an MPharm degree from the University of Liverpool, students will need to complete a mandatory 12-month structured foundation training period and assessment to register as a pharmacist with the GPhC.

University of Liverpool