MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year

Overview

Our course is designed for promising students without the right entry qualifications who wish to train as a pharmacist.

• Duration: 5 years
• Year of entry: 2026
• UCAS course code: B231 / Institution code:M20

Key features:

• Accredited course

Entry requirements

A-level

• BBC - CCC including Chemistry and Maths and/or Biology, plus one further rigorous academic subject (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking).
• You will also need to meet the University's contextual admissions (widening participation) selection criteria detailed on our application process page under 'how your application is considered'.

A-level contextual offer

• BBC - CCC including Chemistry and Maths and/or Biology, plus one further rigorous academic subject (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking).
• You will also need to meet the University's contextual admissions (widening participation) selection criteria detailed on our application process page under 'how your application is considered'.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

• BBC - CCC including Chemistry and Maths and/or Biology, plus one further rigorous academic subject (excluding General Studies or Critical Thinking).
• You will also need to meet the University's contextual admissions (widening participation) selection criteria detailed on our application process page under 'how your application is considered'.

International Baccalaureate

• 28 - 30 ** points overall. 5,4,4 in higher level Chemistry, alongside higher level Biology and standard level Mathematics or Higher level Mathematics and standard level Biology.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including at least five GCSEs at minimum grade 5/B including English Language and Mathematics.

Other entry requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
  • Scottish requirements
  • Welsh Baccalaureate
  • Pearson BTEC qualifications
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Level
  • Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Additional expenses

• We work hard to ensure that our course can be completed without significant additional study costs over and above the tuition fee.

Application and selection

How to apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to applicants

• We accept students from a wide range of backgrounds.

Home-schooled applicants

• If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.

Non-standard educational routes

• Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.

How your application is considered

• Applicants should apply for either the MPharm or the Pharmacy Preparatory (Foundation) Year and should not submit an application for both.

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

• Please note that under planned new legislation, vaccination for Covid will be a mandatory requirement for any course with a clinical or healthcare placement in future.

Interview requirements

• Interviews will be scheduled via Zoom and will be conducted one-to-one with an academic member of staff.

Course details

Course description

• Our five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) with a Preparatory (Foundation) Year prepares you for degree-level study, if you have obtained lower grades at A-level (or equivalent) due to factors outside your control, and therefore meet the University's contextual data policy for direct entry to the four-year course.

Teaching and learning

• Teaching for the preparatory (foundation) year runs from the middle of September to the end of June, a total of 34 weeks including six weeks for revision and examinations.

Coursework and assessment

• You will be assessed through formal examinations (80%) in January and June, and coursework and tests throughout the year.

Course unit details

• The preparatory (foundation) year is a one-year full-time course following a modular structure. All units on the course are compulsory.

Course content for year 1

Course units for year 1

• Foundations of Pharmacy
• Gastrointestinal system, liver and kidneys

Course content for year 2

Course units for year 2

• Immunity, Infection and Respiratory system
• Cardiovascular system

Course content for year 3

Course units for year 3

• Endocrine and musculoskeletal systems
• Brain and neurotransmission

Course content for year 4

Course units for year 4

• Integrated Project (Year 4)
• Advanced therapies 1 (infection)
• Advanced therapies 2 (cancer)
• Special patient groups

Careers

Career opportunities

• Upon successful completion of the MPharm degree, you will be recognised by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) as entitled to register as a pharmacist after completing one year of professional Foundation Training.

Regulated by the Office for Students

• The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS).

University of Manchester

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Overview:

The University of Manchester is a renowned public research university located in Manchester, England. It is known for its academic excellence, research impact, and vibrant campus life.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Manchester offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy a range of activities, including:

Social events:

The university hosts numerous social events throughout the year, providing opportunities for students to connect with their peers and explore different interests.

Student clubs and societies:

There are over 300 student clubs and societies catering to various interests, from sports and music to academic and cultural pursuits.

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The university boasts modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and student unions, providing students with access to resources and support services.

City life:

Manchester is a vibrant city with a thriving cultural scene, offering students access to museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse range of restaurants and shops.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic excellence:

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, offering high-quality education across a wide range of disciplines.

Research impact:

The university is a leading research institution, making significant contributions to various fields, including medicine, engineering, and social sciences.

Global reputation:

The University of Manchester has a strong international reputation, attracting students and researchers from around the world.

Career opportunities:

The university provides excellent career support services, helping students to develop their skills and secure employment after graduation.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Manchester offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties and schools, including:

Faculty of Humanities:

Arts, Languages, History, Philosophy, and more.

Faculty of Science and Engineering:

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Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences:

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Faculty of Law, Economics and Social Sciences:

Law, Economics, Sociology, and more.

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Other:

The University of Manchester is committed to social responsibility and sustainability, actively engaging in initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and environmental protection.