Allow a Pharmacy degree from the UK to give you a promising future in the healthcare industry

If you have a scientific bent of mind and are attracted to discoveries and innovations in medicine, then you might want to consider a career in the pharmaceutical sector. A good start on this journey would be to take up a professional study program in pharmaceutical studies at a world-renowned study institution. Universities in the UK are considered among the top options for studies in this field. One of the key reasons for this is the popularity of the UK as a leading hub for medicine discovery, research, and innovations.

In this article, learn about how and where to pursue a professional course in pharmacy in the UK, its approximate cost structure, and the career prospects.

Why Study Pharmaceutical Courses in the UK?

There are several reasons why the UK is one of the most preferred study-abroad destinations for students wanting to pursue pharmaceutical degree programs. Some of the most important ones include:

  • The UK is regarded as one of the top global hubs for the discovery, development, and research of medication.

  • Some of the world's top pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, are based in the UK. Students completing pharmaceutical courses in the UK stand a chance to apply to such top firms upon graduation.

  • As per the industry facts and figures, the UK pharmaceutical industry offered employment to at least 66,000 people in 2021.

Related Source: https://www.abpi.org.uk/facts-figures-and-industry-data/

Specialisations in Pharmaceuticals in the UK for International Students

Professional pharmaceutical courses offered at UK universities allow students of pharmacy to gain the desired knowledge and develop the required skills to aid in drug development and usage. The course focuses on the various stages of drug development - from its discovery to its production and quality control before supply to the end users. Hands-on training is encouraged for students, offering ample scope for industrial practice.

Students of pharmaceutical courses in the UK are also encouraged to pursue various specialisations for career advancement. For instance, some of the most popular specialised courses opted for in MSc Pharmaceutical Science in the UK are:

  • Psychopharmacology

  • Cell Signalling

  • Body Systems and Therapeutics

  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology

  • Chemistry of Medicines

  • Neuropharmacology

  • Role of the Pharmacist in Healthcare

  • Drug Discovery

Cost of Studying Pharmaceutical Courses in the UK for Indian Students

The estimated cost to study Pharmacy in the UK starts from GBP 12,350. Note that this fee is indicative only and might vary for undergraduate and postgraduate programs at a leading UK university. For a more accurate estimate of the exact fee structure for your pharmacy course at your applied UK college/university, please speak to one of study-abroad UK experts.

Read more insights here.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Pharmaceutical Courses in the UK

Every university offering a course in Pharmacy in the UK is likely to have different criteria for admitting students based on the degree program they wish to pursue. Also, the eligibility requirements would differ for courses pursued full-time against those completed part-time. Given below are some of the entry requirements for a Master’s Pharmacy degree in the UK:

  • A Bachelor’s degree (second-class) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy, Chemistry, Physical Sciences, Materials Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutics, or Biotechnology

  • A degree in any of the other related fields of study is also accepted so is an international equivalent qualification in a relevant domain

  • The minimum IELTS requirement for international students applying for the course is 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each band of the test

Related Source: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/english-language-requirements

Top Universities / Colleges in the UK for Pharmaceutical Courses

Looking for the best pharmacy colleges in the UK? Feel free to speak to our study-abroad expert for guidance on choosing the most suitable university for pharmaceutical courses in the UK or glance through the list below highlighting the top universities as per QS World University Rankings 2023 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/pharmacy-pharmacology?&countries=gb

Career Prospects After Pursuing Pharmaceutical Courses in the UK

The UK job sector invites applications each year from graduates of pharmaceutical courses at its universities. Some of the top pharmaceutical jobs in the UK that students are eligible to apply for include:

  • Medical Sales Representative

  • Pharmacologist

  • Product/Process Development Scientist

  • Physician Associate

  • Clinical Research Associate

  • Medical Science Liaison

FAQs

1. Which specialisations are offered for Pharmacy in the UK?

Students pursuing professional courses in Pharmacy at UK universities can choose to specialise in the following domains:

  • Industrial Pharmacy

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Clinical Pharmacy

  • Community Pharmacy

  • Regulatory Pharmacy

2. What is the average salary for pharmacists in the UK?

The average salary earned by a pharmacist in the UK is estimated to be GBP 48,678 per annum. This may vary from one pharmacy to another and also based on experience.

Related Source: https://uk.indeed.com/career/pharmacist/salaries

3. How can I apply for pharmacy courses in the UK from India?

The best way to apply to a UK university for a course in Pharmacy from India is to speak to your UK study-abroad expert and understand the complete application process for UK universities. Your study-abroad expert would guide you through the entire procedure and help you apply to a university of your choice for the study program.

4. What is the difference between BPharm and PharmD?

B.Pharm stands for Bachelor of Pharmacy, a four-year undergraduate degree in Pharmacy. A PharmD refers to a Doctorate of Pharmacy, a more advanced degree in the subject, which also allows students to practice their skills by working in the pharmaceutical industry and having close interactions with patients.

5. Is PharmD equivalent to MBBS in the UK?

Not exactly. PharmD is better suited for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical sector as well as drug therapy management. An MBBS degree, however, may interest students keen on direct patient care and clinical practice setups.

6. Which stream is required to study pharmaceutical courses in the UK?

Students are generally required to have qualifications in Chemistry, Maths/Biology, and English to pursue pharmacy courses in the UK.

7. Can I work as a Drug Inspector in the UK after completing a pharmacy course?

Yes, professional pharmacy courses from a UK university make you eligible to apply for the role of a Drug Inspector in the country, provided you meet all the other eligibility criteria for the job.

8. Which universities in the UK offer pharmaceutical courses?

Some of the top universities offering pharmaceutical degree programs to international students in the UK are:

  • University of Nottingham

  • University of Manchester

  • King’s College London

  • University of Liverpool

  • Queen’s University Belfast

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