Program Overview

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Pharmacy MPharm

Overview

Our highly-regarded MPharm course is designed to ensure you develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional attributes to practice as a pharmacist. The course lasts four years and you'll graduate as a Master of Pharmacy. The MPharm is the only undergraduate qualification in the UK which leads to professional registration as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). All newly qualified pharmacists will now be independent prescribers at the point of registration.

Why us?

• Pharmacy has been taught at Sunderland for 100 years and we have a strong reputation as a pharmacy school that produces successful graduates
• Our Pharmacy and Pharmacology courses are 1st in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2025)
• All our pharmacist academics are at the forefront of current practice as they continue to work with regional trusts and pharmacy employers. This means you have direct links to employers and the most up to date clinical teaching

Course structure

You'll be taught mainly in small seminar groups, where you'll explore clinical therapeutics, the management of disease, prescribing skills, and clinical skills. You'll also work in small learning groups during practice laboratory classes and dispensing classes.

Larger group or online lectures cover key principles and are delivered by experienced and research active academics in the field.

You'll study alongside student doctors, nurses, paramedics, and physiotherapists in interdisciplinary learning opportunities. We involve patients, their carers, and the general public in many of our teaching and simulation sessions.

We provide a longitudinal placement model in all four years of the course, in a variety of settings including community and hospital, to general practice and more specialist sectors, such as within a prison or hospice.

Assessment methods include examinations, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), assignments, essays, reports and presentations.

Modules

Year 1 (national level 4):

• Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Formulation (40 credits) Develop a fundamental understanding of the scientific principles which underpin the design and formulation of medicinal products. Establish the ability to identify and explain the underlying concepts of pharmaceutical chemistry in relation to drug design, including chemical structure, functional groups reactivity and stability. In addition, develop an understanding of the properties of pharmaceutical molecules and biological macromolecules in relation to drug function. Identify and explain the physiochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients and how those properties influence the formulation, quality, efficacy, and safety of medicines.
• Fundamentals of Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology and Microbiology (40 credits) Gain an introduction to anatomy and the functions of the various body systems. Learn the importance of the inter-relationship between these systems for the maintenance of normal body function. This will include cell biology and a consideration of metabolic processes. Study the principles of microbiology, including the normal microbial flora of the body as well as an outline to microbial pathogens. You’ll discuss the principles of pharmacology in terms of drug receptor interactions and the second messenger molecules that are generated in response to membrane receptor occupation.
• The Professional Practice of Pharmacy (40 credits) Consider the role of the pharmacist and their involvement in the care of patients as part of the multidisciplinary team in different sectors of pharmacy practice. This module will also introduce you to the pharmacy workplace and you’ll undertake a longitudinal placement in a community pharmacy supported by a pharmacist supervisor. Develop clinical skills in the assessment of patients with regards to physical examination and communication and consultation. You’ll also be taught the relevance and importance of pharmaceutical numeracy and how this is applied to patient care. Gain knowledge of public health and the role of the pharmacist in the promotion of healthy lifestyles. An exploration of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship is integrated with the underpinning scientific principles you’ll learn in other modules.

Year 2 (national level 5):

• Pharmacy: the Legal, Professional and Ethical Basis of Practice (40 credits) Develop knowledge and skills around the legal and ethical frameworks which support the prescribing, administration, and supply of medication in the UK. Continue to develop the professional attributes required of a pharmacist as well as study Pharmacy Law and other relevant legislation including those relating to the Responsible Pharmacist, data protection, and equality. Acquire practical experience of the supply of medication in simulated pharmacy sessions which aim to support you to develop the skills needed to critically review prescription orders, take appropriate action, and communicate with other members of the healthcare team where appropriate. To safeguard patient safety, pharmaceutical numeracy skills continue to be developed in this module. A longitudinal placement within a community pharmacy will be undertaken, and you’ll continue to gain experience of the pharmacy working environment to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained during the module.
• Integrated Therapeutics 1: Cardiovascular and Renal Systems (40 credits) Focus on the diagnosis and management of diseases of the cardiovascular system, alongside the renal system and ocular diseases. Expand on the fundamental scientific principles learned during year 1 of the course and understand how these underpin the safe and effective management of these disease states. Consider the concept of public health and how social, economic, and political factors influence the development, progression and often treatment of cardiovascular diseases. You’ll learn how pharmacists can improve health outcomes not only with pharmacological treatment but also by the promotion of healthy lifestyles and other public health interventions.
• Integrated Therapeutics 2: Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Systems (40 credits) Explore the diagnosis and management of diseases of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Fundamental scientific principles learned during year 1 of the course will be further discussed and developed. How these principles influence the safe and effective management of disease states will be considered. Examine the occurrence, causes, origins, and development (epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology) of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. You’ll learn to critically assess the evidence base for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions used in the management of these diseases. Develop clinical skills around the assessment of patients with particular reference to examination of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Year 3 (national level 6):

• Research Module (40 credits) Undertake your own research project under the supervision of an academic supervisor. Apply the knowledge of research methodologies and statistics developed earlier in the course to a piece of independent research. You’ll be given one specific area of pharmacy or pharmaceutical science to work on aligned with the area of research interest or practice expertise of your academic supervisor. Gain exposure to hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy or primary care (wherever possible), allowing you to be actively involved in real-world research with potential to improve patient care. Many projects are co-supervised using regional contacts and are facilitated through links to the NHS, community pharmacy, and local industry. If appropriate, your project could be submitted for publication or to professional conferences.
• Integrated Therapeutics 3: Endocrine, Genito-Urinary and Musculoskeletal Systems (40 credits) Focus on diabetes: occurrence, causes, disease progression, diagnosis, and management with particular reference to prescribing and administration of antidiabetic drugs and insulin. Consider the prevention of the development of type 2 diabetes with reference to the wider role of the pharmacist in health promotion and chronic disease management. Study other endocrine disorders, such as those affecting the thyroid, adrenocortical, hypothalamic, pituitary and sex hormones. Explore conditions of the genito-urinary system: issues related to men’s health, major gynaecological disorders, and infections of the genito-urinary system including sexually transmitted diseases are covered. Consider specific patient groups such as those who are pregnant, those using hormone replacement therapies in both menopause/perimenopause and in the treatment of gender dysphoria. Transgender-friendly patient care is also discussed to help raise awareness of the specific issues this patient group may face when accessing healthcare. Consider abnormalities of bone metabolism, such as osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disorders and gout, along with the role of drug treatment in their management.
• Integrated Therapeutics 4: Central Nervous System and Skin (40 credits) Explore therapeutic and non-therapeutic approaches to pain management, gaining skills to assess a patient’s pain and learn how shared decision making is involved in this, as well as developing skills around the safe prescribing and administration of analgesics and associated therapies. Legal and ethical frameworks which should be considered when making prescribing decisions to manage pain will be discussed in detail. The potential for the development of dependence on analgesics will be explored as well as the support for patients who experience health issues related to substance misuse and addiction. Study acute and chronic conditions affecting the central nervous system including: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, insomnia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. Discuss the therapeutic treatment, drug administration and monitoring involved to ensure patient safety utilised in the management of these conditions. Dermatology, in terms of identification of common skin conditions and management of minor infections, will also be taught. You’ll be exposed to substantial experiential learning in the form of clinical placements in local hospitals.

Final year (national level 7)

• Applied Practice: Achieving Optimal Clinical Outcomes (60 credits) Gain the clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and professional attributes to enable you to independently prescribe from the point of registration. Learn about clinical decision making and the psychological, physiological, and physical impact of prescribing under relevant legal frameworks. Develop an appreciation of capacity and consent and use advanced communication skills while working with patients to help address health inequalities. Revisit and build heavily upon prior knowledge from earlier years of the course with a focus of application of knowledge in the context of patients with multiple co-morbidities, considering wider factors such as shared care decision making, deprescribing and sustainability of medicines. Apply previously acquired clinical examination skills of each of the key body systems when working with patients. You’ll be challenged to critique and interpret the clinical findings of investigations conducted by both yourself and other health professionals to effectively diagnose and decide the most appropriate course of action.
• Advanced Therapeutics (60 credits) Develop advanced understanding of cancer, immunological disease, and infection to support clinical, therapeutic decision making in these areas. Revisit the cell cycle which was first introduced in year 1 to highlight the characteristics of cancer cells and introduce approaches to management and potential targets for drug treatment. Demonstrate advanced communication skills when working with patients with complex needs and when facing potentially life-threatening illness.

Facilities

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• Qualification | Minimum grade
  • Irish Leaving Certificate | 120 UCAS points – Students must have Chemistry at H3 or above and must also have H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths & English

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.

If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at for further advice.

A Levels must include Chemistry and one other science subject at Grade B or above excluding General Studies.

We accept T Level Science only with an overall grade of Merit or Distinction.

We accept Access to Higher Education Diploma in Science which must include Distinctions in Chemistry and one other science.

We recognise that some applicants may have varied learning backgrounds and hold alternative qualifications, e.g. previous degree at 2:1 or above. Please contact us to discuss if you are unsure whether your qualifications would be suitable for entry.

If English is not your first language, you should have an IELTS (or equivalent) score of at least 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each band.

All offers are subject to both successful performance at interview and passing mandatory compliance checks. The interview consists of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) and a numeracy assessment. The MMIs are scenario-based to assess personal behaviours and attributes, as well as professional awareness. Compliance checks include a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service), occupational health check, and self-declaration of health. These are essential as pharmacy is a regulated healthcare profession.

Fees and finance

Fees are:

• £9,535 if you are from the UK/Europe
• £20,000 if you are an international student

Career ready

Most of our students go on to work in community pharmacy, general practice, or within a hospital. Pharmacists usually begin their careers in more generalised roles, with opportunities to become more specialised, for example, as a consultant pharmacist, coming with experience.

Some graduates chose to work in industrial pharmaceuticals or progress on to research degrees, such as a PhD.

Pharmacy is an excellent option for a portfolio career, with many pharmacists choosing to split their working week across different roles.

Financial rewards compare favourably with most other professions and there are excellent career prospects. Currently, there is virtually no unemployment of qualified pharmacists.

Qualifying as a pharmacist

On graduation as a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm), you'll need to undertake a further year of postgraduate training after the end of the course to become eligible for registration as a pharmacist in the UK. This is known as the Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Year and involves you working under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist.

Applying for a training position is via a system called ORIEL. We provide help and guidance in your third year of the MPharm course to prepare you for this process.

We've never had an MPharm graduate who has not obtained a Foundation Training Year position and we'll support you in finding one (although we are unable to guarantee one). We also offer a course called the Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Programme to support you during this year.

On successful completion of the Trainee Pharmacist Foundation Year, you'll be required to pass the national registration assessment set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) before you are eligible to start your career as a pharmacist.

Other career options

Although the MPharm is primarily a route to becoming a pharmacist, it can also open up many other career pathways where expertise in medicines is vital.

Examples of other career options include pharmaceutical research and working in the Research and Development industry.

Guest speakers

We have well-established links with professionals working in all the main branches of pharmacy. Through these links we organise a programme of guest speakers who will help you relate academic theory to current trends and issues.

Teacher practitioners

Many of the staff teaching on this course are practitioners from hospital, community, and primary care backgrounds. This ensures that our course is employer-led, and means that you'll have regular contact with the ‘real world’ of the pharmacy profession.