What Qualifications Do You Need to Become a Pharmacist?
If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, one of the first questions you’ll have is what degree you need to qualify. In the UK, becoming a pharmacist follows a clearly defined pathway involving university study, practical training, and professional registration.
This guide explains the academic requirements, the degree you’ll need to complete, and the steps required to register as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
The Degree Required to Become a Pharmacist
To work as a pharmacist in the UK, you must complete a Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm).
The MPharm is a four-year university degree that combines scientific study with practical pharmacy training. It provides the academic knowledge required to safely dispense medicines, advise patients, and understand how medicines interact with the body.
During the course, students study subjects such as:
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal chemistry
- Pharmaceutics
- Clinical pharmacy
- Patient care and communication
- Pharmacy law and ethics
The degree is designed to build both scientific understanding and clinical decision-making skills, which are essential for modern pharmacy practice.
Entry Requirements for an MPharm Degree
Entry requirements vary slightly between universities, but most expect strong results in science subjects.
Typical offers include:
- A-Level grades: usually AAA – AAB
- Chemistry: almost always required
- Second science: often Biology, Maths, or Physics
Some universities may also accept equivalent qualifications such as:
- Scottish Highers
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- BTEC science qualifications (with additional requirements)
Each university sets its own admissions criteria, so it’s always worth checking the individual course page.
Examples of universities offering accredited pharmacy degrees include:
- University College London
- University of Nottingham
- University of Manchester
- Aston University
All pharmacy degrees must be accredited by the GPhC to allow graduates to continue toward registration.
View a list of all UK Universities that offer an Mpharm Degree.
What You Study During a Pharmacy Degree
The MPharm programme is designed to prepare students for real-world pharmacy practice.
Early Years
The first part of the degree focuses on core science topics, including:
- Chemistry of medicines
- Human biology
- Drug formulation
- Microbiology
Students develop an understanding of how medicines are developed, produced, and tested.
Later Years
The final years focus more on clinical pharmacy and patient care.
Students learn about:
- Treating common medical conditions
- Medicines optimisation
- Patient counselling
- Clinical decision making
- Prescribing principles
Many universities also include placements in community or hospital pharmacies, allowing students to gain practical experience before graduating.
The Foundation Training Year
After completing an accredited MPharm degree, graduates must complete a foundation training year (formerly called the pre-registration year).
This involves supervised training in a pharmacy setting, which may include:
- Community pharmacy
- Hospital pharmacy
- Industry or specialist roles
This year, trainees apply their university knowledge in real clinical settings while developing professional judgement and patient care skills.
The GPhC Registration Exam
At the end of the foundation training year, trainees must pass the registration assessment run by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
The exam tests:
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Clinical decision making
- Pharmacy law and ethics
- Safe supply of medicines
Once the exam is passed and training is completed, candidates can apply to join the GPhC register and practise as a pharmacist.
Can You Study Pharmacy With a Foundation Year?
Some universities offer pharmacy degrees with a foundation year.
These courses are designed for students who may not meet the standard entry requirements but show strong potential. The foundation year provides additional preparation in subjects such as:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Academic study skills
After completing the foundation year successfully, students progress into the main MPharm programme.
Skills That Help You Succeed in Pharmacy
Academic qualifications are important, but pharmacy also requires strong personal skills.
Successful pharmacists typically demonstrate:
- Attention to detail
- Strong communication skills
- Ethical judgement
- Problem-solving ability
- A genuine interest in patient care
Pharmacy is a profession built on trust and responsibility, so these qualities are just as important as academic ability.
For students interested in healthcare and medicines, pharmacy can offer a challenging and fulfilling career with opportunities in community pharmacy, hospitals, industry, and research.
