MPharm PHARMACY WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
MPHARM PHARMACY WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
Develop your clinical skills and study the underpinning science of medicines and health at one of the UK’s leading Pharmacy Schools.
Our five-year MPharm Pharmacy with Placement degree will see you graduate at the end of year five as a fully-qualified Pharmacist, on passing of the degree and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) pre-registration requirements.
For the first four years your studies will be almost the same as for the four-year MPharm programme, with only some minor differences in years three and four. In your fifth year you will undertake two six-month periods of GPhC foundation training and a registration assessment, which on successful completion will entitle you to register to practice soon after graduation. Designed with overseas students in mind, the course will enable you to carry out all of the above under a single student visa.
Our Pharmacy degree is designed to help you develop as both a healthcare practitioner and a scientist, with embedded experiential and practical learning throughout to optimise your development. You will get to work with patients, developing your clinical skills to maximise your employability after graduation.
Our innovative teaching methods include problem- and team-based learning and practical assessments. You will also benefit from studying alongside students from the other medical, healthcare and nursing professions, working closely with other disciplines, just as you will in your career.
All the above will prepare you for a role that often commands a competitive salary and has excellent career prospects.
About
Our five-year degree has been designed as a modification to our four-year MPharm degree, which has a global reputation for exceptional, innovative teaching, backed by world-class research.
Designed for international students, the first four years of this integrated course closely follow the same structure as our four-year programme. In your final year, however, you will undertake two six-month foundation training placements: one in a hospital pharmacy setting and the other in a community pharmacy setting.
The specific structure of this degree means you retain your student status for the duration of your course, removing the need to seek a separate Tier 2 visa for foundation training after graduation.
During your five years you will focus on clinical skills development and practical experience to develop your professional skills integrated with placements from the very beginning. This means you will benefit from extensive real-world training and start to build a professional portfolio before you have even graduated.
With support from our friendly staff, who are leading researchers and practitioners, you will enhance your knowledge of chemistry and biology, and learn how to apply it to drug design, drug delivery and pharmacology, in order to optimise patient care. Our course covers everything needed to become an outstanding person-centred practitioner, and includes the following topics:
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Communication and consultation skills
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Disease causes, prevention and treatments
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Drug design and discovery
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Medicines optimisation
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Precision medicine
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Prescribing
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Professionalism and ethics
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Reflective practice
As well as exceptional training in the core requirements, you will cover a broad range of subjects integrating healthcare and science, enabling you to identify and specialise in the areas you find most interesting. You will also have opportunities to establish links with organisations where you might hope to secure future employment.
Whatever your focus, your course will reflect the most up-to-date developments in pharmaceutical science and the most recent advances in clinical practice. The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
This course is intended for international students who wish to become a registered Pharmacist in the UK. If you wish to register as a Pharmacist in your home country, we recommend you make sure this course is acceptable for that purpose in your country. UK and EU students should apply for our four-year MPharm programme (B230).
Our MPharm Pharmacy with a Placement Year is ranked in the top 20 for Pharmacology and Pharmacy by both 'The Complete University Guide 2022' and 'The Guardian 2021'.

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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Placement Year and Study Abroad
In your final year you will carry out a project, giving you the chance to gain a greater insight into a specialist subject area. You can choose to undertake it at an English-speaking provider. We currently have arrangements with pharmacy schools in Germany, France, Spain, Vietnam and Norway. 
The integrated foundation training placements in year five are a unique and attractive aspect of this course. All future pharmacists need to spend at least one year working in an actual pharmacy before they become fully registered and enter the job market. The way this course is designed therefore removes the need for international students to secure a Tier 2 visa to gain this experience.
Placements are guaranteed, provided a successful outcome is achieved on the selection and allocation day. We have developed links with many local hospitals and community pharmacy multiples to provide our placements, including Cambridge University Hospital Trust, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and Day Lewis Plc, so we can guarantee to have enough foundation year training placements available.

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After the Course
If you are successful in completing the GPhC registration assessment at the end of your successful MPharm with Placement degree, you can apply for registration as a Pharmacist with the GPhC.
Career prospects for Pharmacists are excellent. In many areas of the UK there is a shortage of Pharmacists, presenting exciting employment opportunities for you in community, primary care, hospital and the pharmaceutical industry amongst others when you graduate.
Career destinations
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Hospital pharmacy
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Community pharmacy
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Primary care and GP practices
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Pharmaceutical industry
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Research
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Education

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Assessment for Year 1
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
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Short answer and multiple-choice tests
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Essays and laboratory reports
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Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Assessment for Year 2
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Assessment for Year 3
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Assessment for Year 4
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Assessment for Year 5
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Assessment for Year 1
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Years 1 and 2 of the 5 year integrated MPharm course are exactly the same as those on the 4 year MPharm course.
Assessment for Year 2
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 4
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 5
We employ a range of innovative assessment methods based on the procedures you will use as a qualified Pharmacist, including portfolio-based assessments and observations of clinical practice.
We carefully select our assessment methods in order to:
-
Optimise your learning and development
-
Develop professionalism
-
Develop clinical decision-making skills
-
Prepare you for professional and scientific practice
Support for assessment is central to our ethos. This is achieved through provision of:
-
Mock assessments and feedback for exams
-
Feedback on first drafts of course assignments
-
Drop-in sessions to provide time to support students throughout the degree
Here are some examples of ways we assess you:
-
Short answer and multiple-choice tests
-
Essays and laboratory reports
-
Pharmaceutical care plans
-
Clinical observations
-
Professional development portfolios
-
Oral and poster presentations
-
Scientific paper writing
-
Staff and peer assessment
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. 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. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including Chemistry and a second Science from Physics, Biology or Mathematics. Science A levels must include a Pass in the practical elementBTEC
DDM in Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science) is acceptable. Excludes BTEC Forensic Science, BTEC Public Services, BTEC Uniformed Services and BTEC Business AdministrationScottish highers
AAABB including Chemistry and a second Science from Physics, Biology or MathematicsScottish highers advanced
BCC including Chemistry and a second Science from Physics, Biology or MathematicsIrish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2 and 3 subjects at H3 including Chemistry and a second Science from Physics, Biology or MathematicsAccess course
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Chemistry and 12 credits in a second Science from Biology, Physics or MathematicsEuropean Baccalaureate
75% overall including 7 in Chemistry and one other Science from Physics, Biology or MathematicsInternational Baccalaureate
32 points including HL5 in Chemistry and one other Science from Physics, Biology or MathematicsGCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 or above and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
Applicants without traditional A levels e.g. those with Access or BTEC qualifications may be asked to complete a chemistry test at the University during the summer. Information concerning the content of the chemistry test will be made available to such applicants.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Pharmacy Health and Life Science
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE (DBS) AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CHECK
During your first semester, we ask that you apply for a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. In addition to your DBS check, if you have lived outside of the UK for a continuous period of 4 months or more within the last five years, you will also be required to complete and submit a police check, (from your home country if this is not the UK) or a Certificate of Good Conduct. A template for this is provided by the Student Disclosure Service when they begin your DBS check.
You will also be required, as are all UK pharmacy students, to sign up to a national "Code of Conduct for Pharmacy Students". You will also be required to review the "Student Fitness to Practice Policy and Procedures" which are developed to address any concerns about a student's fitness to practice, including issues relating to conduct and health in relation to patient safety and professional standards.
PLEASE NOTE: Non-completion of the DBS or Occupational health checks or an adverse DBS outcome may result in withdrawal from the programme.
Alternative Qualifications
UEA recognises that some students take a mixture of International Baccalaureate IB or International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme IBCP study rather than the full diploma, taking Higher levels in addition to A levels and/or BTEC qualifications. At UEA we do consider a combination of qualifications for entry, provided a minimum of three qualifications are taken at a higher Level. In addition some degree programmes require specific subjects at a higher level.
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 7.0 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Please click here to see our full list.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Applicants submitting UCAS applications that include a good personal statement and academic reference as well as a strong academic background will be invited to an interview. We will be in touch prior to the interview to arrange a suitable time.
Interviews will be held virtually with a member of academic staff from the School of Pharmacy. Please note that we do not disclose interview questions. Typically, we will look for you to demonstrate a good understanding of the course, your approaches to decision making, effective teamwork and a desire to help others.
The selection process is designed to help us choose students with the appropriate skills and attitudes to become excellent pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to International applicants only. The annual intake for this course is in September each year.
This course is intended for international students that wish to become a registered Pharmacist in the UK. If you wish to register in your home country we recommend you check this course is acceptable for that purpose in your country.

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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs 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.
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
Prior to commencing the course, you will need to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which involves a fee. You will also need to undergo an occupational health check and pay for any necessary vaccinations before going on any placement.
Foundation year training placements are covered within your fees. However – as with the rest of your time at university – you will be responsible for your living costs for year five, and as a student you will not receive remuneration during your foundation year placements.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.

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How to Apply
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 application 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 is sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Please complete our Online Enquiry Form to request a prospectus and to be kept up to date with news and events at the University. 

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