Pharmacy
Pharmacy is the science and practice of preparing, dispensing and advising on the use of medicines, sitting at the junction of chemistry, biology and patient care. Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team, ensuring that medicines are used safely and effectively, supporting patients in managing complex medication regimens, advising on drug interactions and making clinical judgements about appropriate treatments. The profession has expanded significantly in recent years, with pharmacists taking on increasingly clinical roles in GP practices, hospitals and community settings, and a growing proportion now qualified to prescribe medicines independently.
At the University of Manchester this five-year, full-time programme integrates science and practice throughout, giving you a sound understanding of pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutics alongside the clinical and communication skills needed to work effectively with patients and colleagues. You will learn from practising pharmacists and pharmacist prescribers at every stage of your studies, gaining workplace experience across a range of settings including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy and primary care. The degree leads to the Master of Pharmacy, the primary qualification required for registration as a pharmacist in the UK.
After graduation, a period of foundation training and registration assessment must be completed before you can practise independently.
Registered pharmacists pursue careers in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, primary care networks, the pharmaceutical industry, regulatory bodies, academia, military pharmacy and global health organisations. Clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, medicines management, prescribing and pharmacy practice are all areas of ongoing specialisation within the profession. The scientific training and patient-centred ethos of a pharmacy degree also prepares graduates well for roles in medical communications, healthcare consultancy and the broader life sciences industry.