Program Overview

Pharmacy PhD / MSc (Res)

The Pharmacy PhD / MSc (Res) program at the University of Birmingham is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to contribute to a research portfolio encompassing clinical pharmacy, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and medicinal chemistry. Students will work amongst renowned researchers to produce original and distinctive globally leading research demanded by the expanding role of the pharmacist and pharmaceutical researcher.

Course Structure

This PhD program can be undertaken full-time (minimum 36 months) or part-time (minimum 72 months). Applications are accepted all year round, and there is flexibility on the start date, with the largest intakes normally in October and April. Following completion of the minimum period of study, students will normally transfer to a thesis-awaited status (maximum 12 months). To successfully progress into each year, students will need to pass an Annual Progress Review (APR).

Year One

In the first year, students will be required to submit a progress review form plus a project report based on the first year of research. They will also be asked to review their Development Needs Analysis form. The APR meeting will take place with two academics, with one being an internal expert.

Course Highlights

The program offers high-quality research training that will enable students to conduct independent investigative research. Students can choose from a range of research areas within Pharmacy, covering:

• Pharmacy Practice
• Pharmaceutics
• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery

Research Projects

At Birmingham, students can apply for an advertised PhD or propose their own research. An advertised PhD is typically part of an established research project and is usually funded by the University or another funding body. If students want to pursue their own research project, they can apply to the research programs to propose this. This is self-funded, although scholarships are available.

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, students will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. The application will be reviewed by the course's Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether the application should receive an offer. The entry requirements include:

• A 2:1 Honours degree in a subject relevant to the research area being applied to.
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, or equivalent qualifications.

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of tuition, supervision, assessment, and includes membership to the Guild of Students. The fees for 2026/27 are:

• PhD and MSc by Research Lab: £5,181 full-time, £2,591 part-time (UK); £29,310 full-time (International)
• MSc by Research Non-lab: £5,181 full-time, £2,591 part-time (UK); £22,880 (International)

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate research program, students will need to submit their application and supporting documents online. If applying to an 'advertised PhD', please check the details of the specific research project for application deadlines. If submitting their own research proposal, applications are accepted all year round.

Career Opportunities

A PhD is the highest level of academic achievement available and vital for the continued professional development of scientists. Completing a PhD at Birmingham will extend students' knowledge base in their chosen subject, as well as enhancing their problem-solving and analytical, communication and teaching, and leadership and management skills. Many postgraduate research students go on to roles such as Research fellow/postdoctoral researcher, medical writer, scientist/research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, and clinical trial coordinator.

Student Experience

At Birmingham, students will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills, and make friends for life. The university offers a variety of accommodation options, exciting activities to get involved in outside of studies, as well as all the support and advice needed. The campus is green and spacious, with a range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities. Students will also have access to dedicated careers support tailored to their unique paths.