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Pharmacy

MPharm (Hons)



2024 - 2025

Typical offer for 2024

Duration

UCAS code

Suitable for applications.

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The new MPharm programme has led to pre-registration students who are more ready for practice. Their clinical knowledge and problem solving skills are developed from much earlier in the course, leading to graduates ready to apply these skills from day one in their placement. This has been very advantageous to us, as employers, and to the students themselves Clare, Advanced Pharmacist Education & Training, Leeds Teaching Hospital

Entry requirements

Typical offer - 128 UCAS tariff points.

Please note that all Level 3 qualifications need to be completed within a three-year timeframe to be eligible for entry onto this programme.

A levels

ABB, to include Chemistry or Biology and one other Science subject (Maths, Physics, Biology, Chemistry or Psychology) required at minimum AB. General Studies or Critical Thinking is not accepted.

Please note that where a science A level is taken, the University will require applicants to pass the practical element (for A levels awarded from August 2017 onwards).

T levels

Not accepted for this course.

BTEC Extended Diploma

For applicants who have taken the new BTEC Extended Diploma assessed by written examinations and coursework: DDD. Applied Science with a minimum of four Chemistry or Biology units at Distinction.

For applicants who have taken the BTEC Extended Diploma assessed by coursework only:  DDD. Applied Science with minimum of four Chemistry or Biology units at Distinction AND either A-level Chemistry or A-Level Biology at grade B.

Applicants on Access Programmes

128 UCAS tariff points from an Access to Higher Education Diploma - Science subject required. Must include a minimum of 12 credits of Chemistry or Biology at Distinction and 12 credits at Distinction in one other Science subject.

International Baccalaureate Requirements

128 UCAS tariff points to include either HL Chemistry or Biology at Grade 6, 1 other HL Science subject at Grade 6 and a third HL subject at Grade 5. Plus HL 3 or SL 4 in Maths and English Language and Literature A or English B.

Plus minimum of

Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4, including English Language, Maths (note: GCSE English Language and Maths equivalences will not be accepted) and two sciences (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Combined Science).

Those applying with Access courses are only required to have GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C or grade 4.

Additional entry requirements

As part of the selection process, we interview short-listed candidates prior to making offers. All places are offered subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and health check.

English language requirements

IELTS 7.0 with no sub-test less than 6.0, or IELTS equivalent in relevant English module in international foundation programmes (including UBIC).

If you do not meet the IELTS requirement, and you have a UKVI approved IELTS, you can take a University of Bradford pre-sessional English course. See the Language Centre for more details. For further information on English Language requirements please see the dedicated international entry requirements page.

CIFS entry requirement

If you are an International student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course you may be interested in our Certificate of International Foundation Studies (CIFS)

80 UCAS points or equivalent (see individual country pages for details) plus Maths and 2 Science qualifications equivalent to GCSE Grade C. UKVI approved IELTS of 5.5 overall with no sub-test less than 5.0. In addition applicants will need to succeed in the selection/interview process for the degree programme.

CIFS modules to be taken

Students study the four core modules plus:

  • Foundation in Human Biology
  • Foundation in Chemistry

Foundation Year entry

If you are a UK student and do not meet the entry requirements for this course, you may be nominated on to our Foundation Year in Clinical Sciences and Medicine programme.

After successful completion of the Foundation Year, transfer to stage 1 Pharmacy will be a competitive process with limited places. Students must achieve an average of 65% overall (passing all modules), pass an interview, and receive a positive reference from their personal academic tutor.  If unsuccessful in transferring to Pharmacy, students will be transferred onto BSc (Hons) Clinical Sciences.

If you are an international student and do not meet the entry requirements for direct entry onto this course, you may be interested in our International College.

Transferring from another university

Applications for advanced entry will not be considered for this programme.

Placement Year

We were the first UK University to offer the 5-year practice-intercalated MPharm programme which allows you to qualify as a pharmacist when you leave university and we have run this course successfully for over 40 years.

Alternatively you can choose the 4-year continuous programme where you complete your one-year Foundation training after graduation.

The 5-year programme embeds two separate six month periods of Foundation experience within the course, and gives you the opportunity to experience two different aspects of pharmaceutical practice (usually hospital and community practice), thereby broadening your experience. Each six month placement is arranged and supervised by the School, and the two-placement structure brings you into contact with a wide range of patients, employers and healthcare professionals.

Learning and assessment

Our award-winning Pharmacy programme has been designed by nationally acclaimed pharmacy educational experts with input from pharmacy employers, patients and our alumni.

The programme is predominantly taught using an innovative and active learning method called Team-Based Learning (TBL).

In TBL classes you will actively practice applying your knowledge to solve real-world pharmacy problems through team discussion and class debate facilitated by our expert academic staff.

TBL develops your confidence, your problem-solving skills, and the communication and team skills necessary for employment in pharmacy.

Our facilities

Our pharmacology laboratories have state-of-the-art simulation software and computers. We also have a well-equipped Clinical Skills Suite; our own community pharmacy; hospital ward; and a number of seminar rooms.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need work experience and if so, how much?

Competition for a place on the MPharm course is high and when selecting candidates the admissions team is not just looking for evidence of academic achievement although that is very important. The selection panel is also looking for evidence that an applicant is committed to studying Pharmacy and has investigated Pharmacy as a career. Work experience such as job shadowing, talking to community pharmacists, visits to community or hospital pharmacies or work placements however brief, are all evidence of this commitment.

What are the differences between the 4 and the 5-year courses?

On completion of the 4-year MPharm graduates undertake 12 months of Foundation training. Normally, this would mean that after obtaining the 4-year Master's degree in pharmacy you would be required to undertake one year of 'Foundation Experience' in a pharmacy approved by the regulatory body and under the supervision of an experienced pharmacist. 
The 5-year course is described as a sandwich or practice-intercalated course because it contains two six-month periods of professional training. These two periods together satisfy the Foundation requirements of the regulatory body and are undertaken in between periods of academic study.

When do I have to choose between the 4- and 5-year courses?

On application, a student may choose either course, and most students make their choice during the UCAS cycle. Students need to make up their minds about which course they would like to be registered on during the UCAS cycle and should think carefully about the differences for them personally. The final decision must be made prior to enrolment as changes during the 1st year are by exemption only.

What are we looking for in our applicants?

We are looking for evidence of work experience, ideally in a health related environment. You will need to be able to show your motivation to study pharmacy, demonstrate that you have experience of taking responsibility, and that your values are congruent with those of a future healthcare professional.

Do you accept graduate entry?

We do accept students who have already completed degrees in relevant subjects (first class or upper second class) however we still require applicants to hold suitable GCSE and science A-level qualifications, including chemistry. Please note that tuition fees for graduate entry are usually classed as ELQ (Equivalent or lower qualifications) and have a different fee structure.

Can I transfer from another course (into year 2?)

We do not normally accept students after studying for one or two years on courses at other Universities. We may consider students who hold A-level qualifications that meet our standard entry criteria but any offer will be for entry to YEAR 1 ONLY.

How do I register as a pharmacist?

Entry to the profession of pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). In order to be eligible to register as a pharmacist you must:

  • Hold a Master's level degree in pharmacy awarded in the UK which has been accredited by the GPhC
  • Satisfactorily complete one year of Foundation experience in an approved pharmaceutical establishment under the guidance of a pharmacist
  • Pass the registration assessment at the end of the Foundation year
  • Complete the application process by declaring your fitness to practise and a health declaration

Please note that completion of the MPharm degree alone does not guarantee that you will be successful in securing a Foundation training placement or registering as a pharmacist. However, we will provide you with help and support to optimise your ability to do so. Please note that the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) does not offer prospective registration advice, if registration is refused then an applicant can appeal against this decision via the GPhC’s Appeals Committee.

Study support

Our comprehensive support services will help you to achieve your full potential – both academically and personally. 

We provide all you need to make the very best of your time with us, and successfully progress through your studies and on into the world of graduate employment. 

Our support services include: 

  • Personal tutors 
  • Disability services 
  • Counselling services 
  • MyBradford student support centres 
  • The Students’ Union 
  • Chaplaincy and faith advisers 
  • An on-campus nursery 
  • Halls wardens 

We have well-stocked libraries and excellent IT facilities across campus. These facilities are open 24 hours a day during term time, meaning you’ll always find a place to get things done on campus. 

Our Academic Skills Advice Service will work with you to develop your academic, interpersonal and transferable skills. 

Research

Research expertise at the School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences includes drug design, formulation, drug delivery, clinical trials, neuroscience and natural products.

Read more on our Faculty website

This is the current course information. Modules and course details may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. The University reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, services and facilities as described on our website without notice and to amend Ordinances, Regulations, fees and charges at any time. Students should enquire as to the up-to-date position when applying for their course of study.