Program Overview

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MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy

Overview

The MPharm course at Wolverhampton aims to produce pharmacy graduates who are highly equipped to meet the needs of the profession, future employers, and, most importantly, patients.

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MPharm (Hons)

Start Date

15 September 2025

UCAS Code

B231

Course Specifications

View course spec

Course Length

Full-time (4 years)

Campus Location

University: City Campus

School

School of Pharmacy

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In This Section

• Overview
• Entry Requirements
• Fees & Finance
• Modules
• Employability
• Facilities

Why Choose This Course?

The MPharm course at Wolverhampton aims to produce pharmacy graduates who are highly equipped to meet the needs of the profession, future employers, and, most importantly, patients.

The friendly and supportive environment in which you will study focuses on developing the right knowledge, skills, and attributes to equip you on your learning journey. As you progress, you will become an independent learner who is adaptable, self-aware, and inherently capable of developing the profession and going on to enjoy a successful and rewarding career in your chosen area of pharmacy.

The programme itself is highly clinical and patient-focused, benefiting from our extensive use of lecturers and practitioners who have experience working in the various sectors of the profession.

Benefit from our recent £3 million investment in professional teaching spaces.

The School of Pharmacy, based in the University’s Wulfruna Building, has been revamped to offer larger, multipurpose teaching spaces for use by students. Improvements to facilities include an extension of the existing practice suite offering a flexible working space for students.

In 2022 we opened new exciting new facilities for Pharmacy students, including a new flexible professional learning space has been created incorporating a dispensary, counselling rooms and simulation space for the development of clinical and consultation skills. There are also two new meeting rooms and a new reception area as well as a new multi-purpose flexible teaching space which will be able to accommodate up to 120 students.

These new facilities will enable our students to collaborate and learn using the latest industry-standard technology and resources.

At Wolverhampton, the traditional disciplines of science and practice which underpin pharmacy are taught as an integrated whole using a thematic approach. This is achieved by organising your study around, patient, medicine and professionally orientated themes which transcend the traditional pharmacy subject areas. Content is then revisited each year at increasing levels of complexity as you become more equipped to apply and integrate the knowledge and skills which you develop on your journey.

We particularly emphasise:

• the clinical pharmacotherapeutic management of minor and major diseases based on the underpinning actions, effects and properties of drugs
• the development and use of medicines from drug entities
• the development of interpersonal, writing and research skills needed to optimise medicine use and development
• the development of professionalism

A major feature of the new Wolverhampton MPharm programme involves the introduction of innovative, contemporary learning approaches, including Team-based Learning and Case-based Learning. These are designed to maximise your engagement and satisfaction with the course and to support you in realising your full potential.

Our learning methods will help you to apply acquired knowledge and skills to realistic pharmacy scenarios, enhance your critical thinking skills and enable you to work effectively in team environments. You will experience class time as “quality time” that is much more focused on interaction and feedback. What’s more, the important knowledge you will need at each stage will be committed to long-term memory making you better equipped to deal with exams and other assessments both here and when you leave us to enter the pre-registration stage of your training.

What's Unique About This Course?

• Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
• Integrated Master's Programme
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities
• Interactive learning spaces, including mock dispensary and consultation rooms

What Happens on the Course?

Each year of the spiralled curriculum corresponds to a carefully constructed stage of your development:

At Stage 1 scientific and professional knowledge and skills are developed using four strands which integrate related disciplines or tasks. Molecules, Cells and Systems introduce the biochemical building blocks of life, the structure and function of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and human anatomy and physiology. Processes associated with these cells and systems are compared and contrasted in both health and disease. Introduction to Drugs and Medicines covers the basic principles of drug discovery and development and provides you with an understanding of organic and physical chemistry, and the pharmacological principles pertinent to medicinally important molecules.

Pharmacists, Patients and Medicines explores how pharmacists use their expert knowledge of medicines, health and disease for the benefit of patients and the population through exploration of pharmacists’ roles and how medicines are distributed and handled in patient-facing settings. Concurrently the Informed Pharmacy Learner strand aims to introduce and develop university-level skills, techniques and attributes including, laboratory, communication, learning and study skills.

In Stage 2 three strands are incorporated. Medicines in Development and Use explores how drugs are developed into medicines and how they act and interact within specific body systems. The strand provides a comprehensive overview of the current usage of drugs and the prediction of drug actions and effects. The principles of medicines design, delivery, packaging, handling, analysis and characterisation are covered in the context of the body systems in which they are used.

Clinical and Professional Skills for Pharmacists introduces the skills required to apply to knowledge of medicines and to optimise their use in patients. The strand focuses on safe systems of working, professional responsibility and accountability, and ethical practice. It also develops your skills in consultation techniques, case analysis and prescription analysis, and introduces the strategies used to rationalise and optimise medicine use and patient care. The Applied Pharmacy Learner strand further develops your skills in reflective learning, information retrieval, academic writing, and team working.

Stage 3 incorporates two strands. Therapeutic Management of Patients revisits the range of conditions in the major body systems covered in stage 2 but with a focus on their diagnosis and therapeutic management. You will consider rational drug choice based upon clinical evidence and patent factors and characteristics; and also health promotion.

Concurrently you will apply knowledge of advanced drug development processes from discovery through to the patient. This includes complex drug delivery technologies; the development and use of biological treatments; and pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine. In the Established Pharmacy Learner strand study skills are further enhanced by considering more advanced communication and consultation techniques, research methodologies pertinent to pharmacy; and by undertaking effective team-working in an interprofessional setting.

Stage 4 incorporates three strands. Frontiers in Pharmacy focuses on pharmaceutical research and development. It considers public and population health, health policy and the roles of medicines and pharmacists in meeting these agendas. Research and critical analysis skills are applied to a research project in an area of personal interest and also to an extended piece of work focussing on developing initiatives in pharmacy.

Effective Patient Management introduces you to increasingly complex scenarios, cases and prescriptions that require higher level pharmacist input: patients with altered drug handling states, patients with multiple disease states, patients with additional counselling or drug administration requirements and prescribing-related decisions. The strand also considers Public and population health, health policy, addressing health inequalities and the role of medicines and the pharmacist in meeting these agendas and there will also be an extended piece of work focusing on initiatives in pharmacy.

The Accomplished Pharmacy Learner considers more challenging consultation scenarios and calculations and will develop coaching, teaching, management and leadership skills. At the conclusion of the programme, you will demonstrate that you are an accomplished reflective practitioner with the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to meet the GPhC’s standards for pharmacy graduates and that you are ready to enter their pre-registration year.

Course Modules

• Year 1
  • Pharmacy Stage 1
    • Module: 4PY019
    • Credits: 120
    • Period: 1
    • Type: Core
• Year 2
  • Pharmacy Stage 2
    • Module: 5PY022
    • Credits: 120
    • Period: 2
    • Type: Core
• Year 3
  • Pharmacy Stage 3
    • Module: 6PY011
    • Credits: 120
    • Period: 3
    • Type: Core
• Year 4
  • Pharmacy Stage 4
    • Module: 7PY023
    • Credits: 120
    • Period: 4
    • Type: Core

Potential Career Paths

• Community Pharmacist
• Hospital Pharmacist
• Primary Care Pharmacist
• Industrial Pharmacist
• Academia
• Military Pharmacist
• Regulatory Affairs

Additional Information

• Why Wolverhampton?
  • The Wolverhampton MPharm is a contemporary, patient-focused and clinical course which aims to develop the knowledge and skills that you will need to build a successful career in your chosen area of pharmacy.
  • A team of expert academic pharmacists and scientists have developed the programme and, along the way, we have consulted with employers, practising pharmacists, patients, carers and students in order to make sure that the product you are investing in is of the highest possible standard and relevance.
• What Skills Will You Gain?
  • The course seeks to produce pharmacy graduates who are fit for purpose to enter pre-registration training/professional practice.
  • You will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of patients and the profession.
  • Wolverhampton MPharm graduates will be independent thinkers and effective team workers who are adaptable and self-aware.
• Course Fees and Finance
  • Location | Mode | Fee | Year
  • Home | Full-time | £9250 per year |
  • Home | Full-time | £9535 per year |
  • International | Full-time | £15450 per year |
  • International | Full-time | £17000 per year |
• Entry Requirements
  • Key Entry Requirements:
    • A-levels: 120 UCAS tariff points. Grade profile of BBB
    • Mandatory subject studied of Chemistry at minimum grade C or above.
    • A further subject studied from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Physics.
    • Subjects not accepted towards the BBB grade profile are Critical thinking and General Studies.
    • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (128 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 30 credits at distinction) in either a Health Professions, a science subject or medicine
    • We would expect to see 15 level 3 credits studied in Chemistry and 15 credits in another Maths or Science subject matter to be eligible for entry.
    • BTEC: Grade profile of DDM in Applied Science
    • Mandatory units required within the BTEC qualification at Distinction grade are:
      • Principles and Application of Science 1 & 2, Science Investigation Skills, Applications of Organic Chemistry.
    • We also accept a combined BTEC and A Level portfolio
    • BTEC 12 Unit Qualification in Applied Science DD and A Level Chemistry with a minimum of grade C or above
    • BTEC 6 Unit Qualification in Applied Science Grade, A Level Chemistry with a minimum of grade C or above and a further subject studied from Biology or Maths.
    • First Year of a related subject degree with a minimum of 65% in each module studied.
    • Foundation Years are assessed on a case by case basis, a minimum grade of 75% overall and 70% in Chemistry modules would also be required.
  • Plus
    • GCSE: English language and maths grades 9-5/A*-C or equivalent:
    • Equivalency Test: If you have not achieved your Level 2 qualifications, you are eligible to take our University equivalency tests. The tests for this course are free of charge and can be taken completely online. Our admissions team will confirm in your offer if you are required to take one of these assessments. If you need to undertake the maths equivalency test, please note there is a specific pharmacy equivalency test, please ensure you select this one when directed to the webpage.
  • And
    • References & Personal Statement: Satisfactory references are a condition of the programme. This will normally be from your educational institution, work, or voluntary experience. The University reserves the right to request an additional reference where appropriate. Applicants will also be required to provide a satisfactory personal statement. Pharmacy plays a vital role in society and public health, it is important that you can demonstrate this showcasing your experience and attributes that compliment this course area.
    • Interview: In addition to meeting our academic entry requirements, MPharm applicants may also be shortlisted to attend an interview. If you are successful you will be invited to select an interview date through e:Vision. The interview has two components; a group activity which is centred around Situational Judgment Test (SJT) scenarios and the completion of a short numeracy assessment. For further interview information click here.
    • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check: Due to the professional nature of this course, you are also required to complete a Declaration of Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. We will coordinate both non-academic condition checks if you accept an offer with us. The DBS cost is currently £46 in total.
    • Advanced Entry: We are not able to offer advanced entry to any applicant, recognition of prior learning is not accepted for this course.
    • EU and International Applicants: We have specific entry requirement information for EU and International applicants. Please also check the UK requirements above as these will also showcase if there are any additional subject requirements needed for entry.
    • Academic Requirement: Our country specific entry criteria are related to the curriculum you have studied. Please click here to find the correct information for the country you have studied in.
    • English Requirement: All International Applicants are required to have a sufficient level of English to satisfy student visa requirements. A minimum overall IELTS of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each element is required or an accepted equivalent, here is a list of acceptable English qualifications. A high school English qualification is not accepted as an equivalence for this course.
    • Personal Statement Requirement: All international applicants are required to showcase their reasons for applying to study in the UK please use our personal statement template to support your application.
    • Study Gap Information: International applicants also provide education information and work experience information. It’s important that when you complete your application you cover all this information on your application to ensure we can satisfy this admissions assessment.

What Our Students Say

Wolverhampton pharmacy graduates are highly regarded by employers in the various branches of the profession and enjoy high employment rates. As the number of pharmacy graduates competing for pre-registration places nationally continues to rise, the Wolverhampton School of Pharmacy relishes the challenge of maintaining the high employment rates and employer reputation that has been built.

Currently, the major area of employment for pharmacists nationwide (60-70%) is in the community sector, with most of the remainder entering the National Health Service (NHS) as hospital or ‘primary care’ pharmacists. A small proportion of pharmacy graduates and pharmacists enter careers in the pharmaceutical industry or in academic pharmacy.

Community pharmacists provide an expanding range of healthcare services ranging from the supply of medicines through to running minor ailments schemes, supporting the management of long-term conditions, undertaking medicines reviews and performing public health screening services. In a hospital, pharmacists are involved across the whole spectrum of patient healthcare from diagnosis to medicines and disease management. Many pharmacists also hold management and consultant positions within the NHS. Industrial pharmacists are involved in the development of new drugs and their transformation into medicines, as well as the marketing and evaluation of new products. Academic pharmacists are occupied by healthcare-related research and development and in the education and development of future cohorts of pharmacy students and of pharmacists.

Several areas of further study are open to pharmacy graduates. In particular, many pharmacists undertake further postgraduate training in specialist areas of pharmacy in order to underpin their provision of clinical and scientific services. This training is usually at the master's level, but can also lead to doctoral studies in appropriate cases. Pharmacists are increasingly taking on additional roles as prescribers, gaining recognised prescribing qualifications in order to achieve this.

As healthcare professionals, pharmacists are expected to maintain their competence and ‘fitness to practise’ throughout their working lives. As such, they are actively involved in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and are expected to design and implement their own learning strategies.

Who Accredits This Course?

• General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) in order to progress to foundation pharmacist training and then to register as a pharmacist.

Funding

• Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):
  • Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.
• Changes for EU students:
  • The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:
• Self-funding:
  • If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.
• Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:
  • If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.
• Financial Hardship:
  • Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund. for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.
• Bursaries and Scholarships:
  • In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages
  • You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.