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Here are some of the reasons we think Pharmacy at UEA is special:
School of Pharmacy Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
MPharm Pharmacy
UCAS Course Code
B230
Attendance
Full Time
Award
Degree of Master of Pharmacy
School of Study
Typical A-Level Offer
AAB (to include A level Chemistry and one other science from Biology, Mathematics or Physics)
Course Organiser
Dr. James Desborough
The MPharm course allows you to study a wide range of subjects which integrate science and healthcare. It also teaches and develops your skills and knowledge of practice and patient care, helping you to prepare for your professional career as a pharmacist.
Career Prospects
A qualification from UEA offers unparalleled career choice and opportunities, for example over 50% of our graduates secure hospital pre-registration positions, many in highly prestigious teaching hospitals, as well as industrial and community pre-registration positions. In addition our graduates enjoy an exceptional pass rate in the national registration exam.
Career prospects for pharmacists are excellent. In many areas of the UK, including East Anglia, there is a shortage of pharmacists. There will be many excellent employment opportunities in community, primary care, hospital and industrial pharmacy for students graduating with a UEA MPharm.
Throughout the MPharm course, students will have the opportunity to assess where their professional interests lie and to establish links with practices where they might hope for future employment. MPharm students will be given every opportunity to develop their own areas of interest and expertise as well as covering the core requirements. Pharmacists can expect to command competitive salaries and there are excellent opportunities for career progression.
Course Profile
The MPharm is a four year programme. Students also undertake a research project in their final year, providing them with the opportunity to gain greater insight into a particular subject area, and hone effective investigative skills.
Examples of areas of study for the research projects include:
- Novel drug delivery systems
- Tissue culture methods
- Synthesis of new drugs for the treatment of neurological diseases
- Development of medicines policy for patients in residential care
- Research-led teaching, ensuring that students are aware of current scientific advances in medicine.
- Professional placements in community, hospital and industry starting in the first year
- Interdisciplinary learning: undertaking patient focussed workshops working with students from nursing, physiotherapy, medicine and occupational therapy.
- Modern teaching methods such as problem based learning, reflective practice, and computer aided learning as well as pharmaceutical care planning, communication and consultation skills.
- Innovative assessment methods including portfolio based assessment and objective clinical pharmacy examinations.
- Joint therapeutics teaching with medical students in a simulated hospital environment.
Here are some of the reasons we think Pharmacy at UEA is special:
- The course is new and has been specifically designed to reflect recent developments in pharmaceutical science and changes in practice
- We offer our students a friendly supportive environment in a growing progressive school
- We believe that our teaching of the integration between science and the practice of pharmacy is unique
- Our laboratories, dispensary and computer facilities have all been recently refurbished offering our students top rate facilities.
- We have a professional teaching team who are on the 'cutting edge' in areas of research, health care and teaching.
School of Pharmacy Undergraduate Brochure (PDF)
Since our first year of new graduates in 2007, and the subsequent years to date (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011) the School has achieved the top position in the National students Survey in our category.
We are also ranked very highly in all of the main University league tables for Schools of Pharmacy: we are the highest ranked School of Pharmacy in the Guardian University Guide (2013) and 3rd highest in The Complete University Guide (2013).
The UEA MPharm course, which admitted its first students in 2003, has been specifically designed to meet the needs of pharmacists in practice and reflects UEA’s close links with the local hospital, primary care and community pharmacists and the pharmacy industry.
The MPharm programme is taught by a dedicated team of academic staff including a high proportion of registered pharmacists and teaching practitioners. Practising pharmacists from the local area are also involved in teaching and providing placements.
The exciting and innovative MPharm teaching programme includes:
- Research-led teaching, ensuring that students are aware of current scientific advances in medicines
- Professional placements in community, hospitals, industry and general practice starting in the first year
- Inter-professional learning: undertaking patient-focussed workshops with nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, medicine and occupational therapy students
- Modern teaching methods such as problem based learning, reflective practice, and computer aided learning, case studies and care planning
- Innovative assessment methods including portfolio based assessment and objective clinical pharmacy examinations
We believe that UEA offers students a unique and exciting learning experience.
Here are some of the reasons we think Pharmacy at UEA is special:
- The course is new and has been specifically tailored to reflect recent developments in pharmaceutical science and changes in practiceWe offer our students a friendly supportive environment in a growing, progressive school
- We believe that our teaching methods, which fully integrate science and the practice of pharmacy, are unique
- Our laboratories, dispensary and computing facilities have all recently been refurbished offering our students top rate facilities
- We have a professional teaching team who are on the ‘cutting edge’ in areas of research, health care and teaching
UniStats Information
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CELLS, PHYSIOLOGY and PHARMACOLOGY 1 The unit introduces the student to fundamental cellular structure, function and biochemistry. The biological and biochemical properties of each of the major classes of cellular (life) molecules are presented, together with details of some of the essential processes in which they are involved. The unit also provides a basis of understanding of the principles of molecular biology, including the role of DNA and genetics in diseases, and the application of human genomics and biotechnology in medicine. Some of the inter- and intra-cellular signalling processes in cells is uncovered including receptors and drugs. The student will understand the physiology of the major organ systems and a knowledge of basic principles of pharmacology. This unit provides the underlying knowledge of cell biology, physiology and pharmacology which form the basis of the Clinical Therapeutics units in future years. | PHA-4004Y | 20 |
| FOUNDATIONS IN PHARMACY PRACTICE This module introduces students to the world of pharmacy. Students will study the structure and functions of the UK health system and develop an understanding of the role pharmacists play. Students will learn about the legal and ethical frameworks pertaining to pharmacists and begin to develop some of the core skills needed to practice as a pharmacist including: dispensing, clinical interpretation of simple prescriptions, communication, calculations and reflective practice. In addition, they will begin to explore the wider issues relevant to health care including public health, health economics, evidence based medicine and health services research. | PHA-4001Y | 35 |
| LIFE SCIENCES CHEMISTRY The unit aims to provide the student with an introduction to the basic chemical principles that underpin understanding of the bonding interactions that hold drug molecules together, the structures and reactivities of carbon based compounds, and the specificities of drug-target interactions. In the practical element of this module the students will be introduced to basic laboratory etiquette and techniques used in pharmaceutical analysis of raw materials and formulated products. Students will be introduced to the requirements of âGood Control Laboratory Practiceâ and the discipline and documentation required for pharmaceutical quality control. They will then carry out modules covering a wide range of basic analytical methods commonly encountered in the British Pharmacopoeia while testing raw materials and familiar formulated products. In the second semester the unit will build on the studentsâ chemical knowledge and will introduce the student to fundamental cellular structure, function and biochemistry. The biological and chemical properties of each of the major classes of cellular (life) molecules are presented, together with details of some of the essential processes in which they are involved. | PHA-4003Y | 30 |
| PHYSICAL PHARMACY This module introduces students to Physical Pharmacy. They will study the underpinning physical and chemical sciences as they pertain to the development, manufacture and analysis of pharmaceutical products intended for human use. Students will be instructed in the small-scale manufacture of a range of conventional liquid and semi-solid pharmaceutical formulations and will be expected to show competence in their production. | PHA-4002Y | 35 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS 1: NEUROPHYSIOLOGY, SYNAPTIC PHARMACOLOGY AND ENDOCRINOLOGY This module explains the peripheral nervous and endocrine systems to students and introduces disease and therapies for major diseases of the endocrine system. | PHA-5004Y | 25 |
| DRUG DESIGN AND MECHANISMS OF DRUG ACTION This module will provide underpinning medicinal chemistry principles and relate this to drug design, mechanism of action and metabolism. Students will be instructed in basic organic synthesis as well as complimentary spectroscopic techniques. | PHA-5001Y | 35 |
| INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY This module will provide underpinning solid-state physical science and relate this to solid and aerosol pharmaceutical formulation. Students will be instructed in basic microbiology and the formulation of sterile products. Students will be instructed in dose calculations. | PHA-5003Y | 35 |
| INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY This module introduces pharmacy students to the laws and standards surrounding medicines supply, the processes required to minimise risk and to basic statistical tests underpinning the application of evidence based medicine. | PHA-5002Y | 25 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ADVANCED DRUG DESIGN AND DELIVERY This module is designed to enable students to be able to describe modern drug discovery and development techniques as well as the processes associated with bringing a drug to market. Additionally it will enable students to develop specialist knowledge in selected topics via self learning and a group research project. | PHA-6001Y | 20 |
| CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS 2: DISEASES OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND CANCER This module introduces students to the immune system and cancer, the design of molecules to treat cancer and common conditions associated with the immune system, and therapeutic approaches towards their management. | PHA-6003Y | 40 |
| CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS 3: CARDIOVASCULAR, GASTROINTESTINAL, NUTRITIONAL, HEPATIC AND RENAL DISEASES This module is designed to enable students to be able to review prescribing for common cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, nutritional and gastro-intestinal conditions utilising current evidence and guidelines. Additionally it will enable students to be able to respond appropriately to requests for advice for associated minor ailments. | PHA-6004Y | 30 |
| OPTIMISING PATIENT CARE THROUGH PHARMACY The module enables students to be able to supply medicines legally, accurately and safely, whilst recognising ethical dilemmas and responding appropriately to them. It provides students with some of the skills required for effective communication, management and leadership. The module will also ensure that students are able to critically appraise evidence from health services research. | PHA-6002Y | 30 |
Compulsory Study (120 credits)
Students must study the following modules for 120 credits:
| Name | Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CLINICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL MANAGEMENT IN PRACTICE On completion of the module the student will be able to: ⢠Respond appropriately to complex professional dilemmas which demonstrates sound judgement and reasoning processes in the following contexts: ⢠Preparation of a business case for the purpose of commissioning a novel pharmacy service ⢠Evaluation of staff needs and application of appropriate motivational methods to improve performance ⢠Evaluation and application of leadership approaches ⢠Negotiation of financial and human resources ⢠Management of pharmaceutical care problems in different patient groups and care environments | PHA-7002Y | 30 |
| CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS 4: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM The module introduces students to major diseases of the central nervous system and their therapeutic management. | PHA-7001Y | 20 |
| PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH PROJECT The module is designed to demonstrate to students how the boundaries of pharmaceutical knowledge are advanced through research by demonstrating an expertise in a selected area of pharmaceutical research by designing and implementing a systematic approach to solving a novel and complex pharmaceutical problem. | PHA-7004Y | 50 |
| SPECIAL TOPICS This module allows the student to specialise in two topics of interest at Masterâs level. | PHA-7003Y | 20 |
Disclaimer
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules and regular (five-yearly) review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff or sabbatical leave. Where this is the case, the University will endeavour to inform students.
Entry Requirements
- A Level:
- AAB (to include A level Chemistry and one other science from Biology, Mathematics or Physics)
- International Baccalaureate:
- 33 points overall (incl 3 HL subjects at grade 6, to inc HL Chemistry & one other HL science)
- Scottish Highers:
- AAABB
- Scottish Advanced Highers:
- AAB
- Irish Leaving Certificate:
- AAAABB
- Access Course:
- Validated Access courses will be considered - contact institution directly for more information
- European Baccalaureate:
- 80% overall
Entry Requirement
2014
Typical A level offer: AAB or ABBB including A in Mathematics including Chemistry and one other science subject from preferred list
Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 33 points including HL Chemistry at 6 and one other science subject from preferred list at 6
All equivalent qualifications considered, please contact the university for further information
Students should also have GCSE English (grade C) and GCSE Mathematics (grade B)
Students for whom English is a Foreign language
We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
- TOEFL: Internet-based score of 88 overall (minimum 18 in the Listening and Writing components; 19 in the Reading component; and 21 in the Speaking component)
- PTE: 62 overall with minimum 55 in all components
If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
Interviews
Applicants submitting UCAS applications that include a good personal statement and academic reference will be asked to attend a selection interview at the University (A level applicants will be expected to have predicted grades of BBB from relevant A level subjects). Selection interviews are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities. If an applicant is located overseas we will arrange a telephone interview.
Applicants with Access or BTEC qualifications will be invited to attend a selection interview. If successful they will also be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University in Summer 2013. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.
Gap Year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to take a gap year.
Special Entry Requirements
A level in Chemistry and one other science (from Biology, Physics, Mathematics) or equivalent.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Intakes
The School's annual intake is in September of each year.
Alternative Qualifications
We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.
GCSE Offer
Students are required to have Mathematics at Grade B and English Language at Grade C or above at GCSE Level.
Fees and Funding
Undergraduate University Fees
We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,900. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support
International Students -
The Pharmacy course has 7 £1,000 year one scholarships available for 2013 entry. The Scholarship deadline is 15th January 2013. Please contact the Admissions office at pha.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.
The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international
Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.
UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.
Further Information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:
Undergraduate Admissions Office (Pharmacy)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.
International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.

