Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) Program

The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program at Aston University is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical science and the practical skills necessary to excel professionally. This prestigious program stands out as a premier pathway for aspiring pharmacists, providing a full learning experience combined with hands-on learning through an extensive network of industry partners.

Course Overview

Our MPharm degree is a four-year full-time program that includes simulated experiences, integrated placements, and interprofessional learning in different workplace environments such as hospitals, community pharmacies, GP surgeries, and supervised on-campus clinics. The program is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and will prepare students for the one-year Foundation Training that they will need to complete and pass after completing their degree to become a UK-registered pharmacist.

Why Pharmacy at Aston University?

Aston University's MPharm program is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that meets the standards of the pharmacy profession. The program boasts an excellent student experience, with a 94% student satisfaction rating for teaching and 90% satisfaction rating for academic support. Students will also benefit from extensive patient contact throughout the course, both within the university and through a series of professional experiences in different workplace environments.

Course Description

The MPharm program at Aston University will equip students with the skills, insights, and confidence required to become outstanding pharmacists, well-equipped to keep communities healthy and safe in a rewarding career. The program includes a range of modules that cover the science of safe and effective healthcare delivery, the discovery, formulation, and use of medicines, and the multifaceted world of patient care.

Modules and Learning Outcomes

The program consists of four years of study, with each year building on the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in pharmacy. The modules are designed to provide students with a deep understanding of pharmaceutical science and the practical skills necessary to excel in the profession.

• Year 1 modules:
  • Pharmacy stage 1
    • Exhibit the knowledge necessary to deliver effective leadership and management of pharmacy services
    • Exhibit the knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality person-centred care in collaboration with others
    • Exhibit the knowledge necessary to diagnose, prescribe, monitor, and manage pharmacotherapy
• Year 2 modules:
  • Pharmacy stage 2
    • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective leadership and management of pharmacy services
    • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality person-centred care in collaboration with others
    • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to practice population and public health
• Year 3 modules:
  • Pharmacy stage 3
    • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver education and research in the context of pharmacy services
    • Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver effective leadership and management of pharmacy services
    • Demonstrate the traits of a professional pharmacist to deliver high-quality person-centred care in collaboration with others
• Final year modules:
  • Pharmacy stage 4
    • Demonstrate the traits of a professional pharmacist to deliver education and research in the context of pharmacy services
    • Demonstrate the traits of a professional pharmacist to deliver effective leadership and management of pharmacy services
    • Undertake the role of a pharmacist to deliver high-quality person-centred care in collaboration with others

Facilities

Pharmacy students at Aston University have access to a range of specialist facilities that reflect the hands-on learning within the field. These facilities include a clinical skills area with a mock hospital bay set-up, medicines supply, and patient counselling suites with discrete video recording capabilities. Students will also have access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment used in the design, development, and testing of drug products.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the MPharm program at Aston University, students must meet certain entry requirements. These include:

• A Levels: ABB in three A Levels, which must include Chemistry and one other science from Biology, Maths, or Physics
• BTEC: DDD* in a National Extended Diploma (RQF) or Extended Diploma (QCF) in Applied Science
• IB: 32 points overall, including 6, 5, 5 in Higher Level subjects, which must include Chemistry and one other science subject
• GCSEs: Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English Language or English Literature

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for the MPharm program at Aston University are:

• UK students: ｣9,535 per year
• International students: ｣22,575 per year

Aston University offers a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs. These scholarships are available to both UK and international students.

Career Prospects

The MPharm program at Aston University will prepare students for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors. Graduates have gone on to work in community pharmacies, GP surgeries, hospitals, and the pharmaceutical industry. The transferable skills provided by the program mean that graduates are successful in finding employment in a variety of fields.

Assessment

The MPharm program at Aston University uses a range of different assessment types, including diagnostic tests, written examinations, synoptic assessments, coursework, oral presentations, poster presentations, clinical simulation activities, OSCE, and other case-based assessments. The assessment strategy reflects both the national educational requirements in the FHEQ and the professional educational standards and learning outcomes from the GPhC.