The study of pharmacy in the UK will provide students with a comprehensive knowledge base in pharmacology and the design and execution of practical approaches to investigating the mechanisms by which drugs act to prevent or treat disease.
Pharmacy is a branch of science that deals with medicine and chemistry. Pharmacy graduates can join any pharma company at various levels based on their interests and experience. Popular career paths for pharmacy graduates include Pharmaceutical Researcher, Clinical Pharmacist, and Pharmaceutical Sales Manager.
Typical pharmacy entry requirements
A lot of UK universities offer pharmacy courses with low entry requirements. Eligibility criteria that a pharmacy candidate needs to have before applying can include:
- For undergraduate degrees, a minimum of 80% in higher secondary certificates with little relaxation for specific boards, with a mandate of having science subjects as majors
- For postgraduate study, a CGPA of 6.5 or above from reputed universities with a specialisation in the same field is required
- An IELTS score of 6.5 or above with a minimum score of 6 in each element is needed
These are general pharmacy degree entry requirements, but they will vary. Learn more about a selection of universities in the UK below that offer pharmacy courses with low entry requirements, and if you would like to begin your application, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK today.
UK Universities with Low Entry Requirements for Pharmacy
- University of South Wales
The University of South Wales offers pharmacy courses and degrees with low entry requirements for its BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science and MSc Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
At the undergraduate level, 60% aggregate at the higher secondary level is required based on the board you studied at, with a provision of advanced entry for diploma holders. For postgraduate applicants, 55% or 5.5 CGPA is the minimum entry requirement. International students need to prove their proficiency in the English language. They can either show a scorecard with a minimum 5.5 score in each element and an overall score of 6 in IELTS or relevant scores in high school. Alternatively, they can clear the USW English test.
- Coventry University
Coventry University is a leading university in the UK, and its eligibility criteria are accessible to many. For Pharmacology BSc (Hons), a 60-65% score is needed for Physics, Chemistry and Biology. You can either have a 60% English score in high school or a scorecard of a minimum of 5.5 for all components.
For the Pharmacology and Drug Discovery MSc, 60% aggregate scores for 3-year degrees or 55% aggregate scores for 4-year degrees are needed. An IELTS score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component is a mandate for international students.
- Liverpool John Moores University
Liverpool John Moores University is considered a good option among other universities with low entry requirements for pharmacy.
Their BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science and MSc Biomedical Sciences pharmacy courses have sandwich years with high placement rates, and entry requirements at Liverpool John Moores University consist of A-level requirements in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics.
- University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is among the UK's most popular choices for pharmacy students.
The Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) degree offers insight into future pharmaceutical advances and modern drug technology. The course entry requirements include International Baccalaureate (29-30 points), A levels (ABB-BBB), or equivalent, with 120-128 UCAS points. A level of Chemistry (40 points) and a second Science subject or Mathematics (40 points) are essential for admission.
- University of Wolverhampton
The MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy at the University of Wolverhampton focuses on producing highly skilled pharmacy graduates to meet professional and patient needs.
Admission requirements include 120 UCAS tariff points from A-levels (BBB) or a related subject degree's first year with a minimum of 65% in each module. Equivalent qualifications are also accepted. International students require an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with at least 6.5 in each element.
- Robert Gordon University
The MPharm Pharmacy degree at Robert Gordon University aims to produce proficient practitioners delivering excellent pharmaceutical care.
Known for its accessible entry requirements, the course welcomes applicants with an IB Diploma (29 points, including Higher Level Chemistry at grade 6) or GCE A Level (BBC, including Chemistry and another science at grade B or above). Non-native English speakers need an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 or equivalent.
- University of Brighton
The Pharmacy MPharm course, recognised for its low entry requirements, integrates pharmacy science with patient needs. It ranks in the UK's top 20% for graduate earnings in pharmacy three years post-graduation (Longitudinal Education Outcomes 2022).
Students require A-level ABB-BBB (128-120 UCAS Tariff points), BTEC Extended Diploma DDM with A-level Chemistry at grade B, or International Baccalaureate with 32 points, including Higher level Chemistry and Biology at grade 5.
Study Pharmacy in the UK
If you are ready to apply to any of the above universities, contact SI-UK today for a free consultation.
FAQ
What qualifications do you need to study pharmacy in the UK?
To study pharmacy in the UK, you typically require A-levels, IB diplomas, or equivalent qualifications in Chemistry and Biology. Many universities also consider the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) as part of the admission process.
How can I get a full scholarship to study pharmacy in the UK?
Securing a full scholarship for Pharmacy in the UK may involve exploring various options:
- Government Scholarships: Some countries offer scholarships for students to study abroad, covering tuition and living expenses.
- University Scholarships: Explore scholarship opportunities provided by the universities offering pharmacy programmes. These may be merit-based or need-based.
- Private Organisations: Check for scholarships from pharmaceutical companies, foundations, or organisations supporting pharmacy education.
Which UK universities offer 100% scholarships to study pharmacy in the UK?
Universities that may offer substantial scholarships for pharmacy students are the University of South Wales, the University of Brighton, etc.
Which universities in Scotland have the highest acceptance rate for pharmacy?
In Scotland, the University of Strathclyde and Robert Gordon University offer pharmacy programmes. These universities have relatively high acceptance rates.