About

Study with us

combine fundamental science with practical experience of working with patients and health professionals in community and hospital placements from the outset
benefit from our strong links with the pharmaceutical industry sectors and Schools of Pharmacy internationally
learn from professional pharmacy practitioners
accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council

Why this course?

Studying an MPharm Degree in Pharmacy at Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, you'll be learning at an internationally-renowned academic organisation. We're the only institution to have won the Times Higher Education University of the Year award twice (2012/2019).

Pharmacists are experts in medicines who work alongside doctors, nurses and dentists as part of healthcare teams.

As a pharmacy graduate, you’ll need to understand the science behind drug discovery, development and delivery along with how patients react to the medicines they take. You’ll also have to understand individual patient care and public health issues to deliver the best health and pharmaceutical care.

Our pharmacy degree combines science and pharmacy from the start. Our aim is to provide you with the skills and knowledge to be a medicines expert and to choose from the full range of pharmacy careers.

It's delivered by the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences in Glasgow, Scotland. The Institute has strong links with the community, hospital and pharmaceutical industry sectors along with schools of pharmacy internationally.

Kafia's story

Watch our video below to find out why Kafia chose to study the MPharm Pharmacy and about employment opportunities the course offers.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

2024/25

Highers / Advanced Highers	*Standard entry requirements: AAAB at Higher (Chemistry A, Biology A, Maths B, English B) AND BB at Advanced Higher (Chemistry B and/or Biology; Physics and Maths can be considered as an alternative to one). Two Advanced Highers are required for Year 2 entry, which is the normal entry point. For information on Standard entry requirements for 2025 entry, please see the additional information below. Minimum entry requirements: 1st sitting: standard entry is for year 2 from S6 only. Exceptions will be considered at AABBC for year 1 entry (including Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English) 2nd sitting: Higher AABC (Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English); plus Advanced Higher in Chemistry and Biology BC in any order; Physics or Maths considered as an alternative to one)
A Levels	*Standard entry requirements: Year 2 entry:** AAB (Chemistry, Biology and an additional subject, with Maths or Physics preferred. GCSE Maths 6/B (if not taken to A Level), GCSE English Language 6/B. A pass in the A Level Chemistry practical is required, where offered).
International Baccalaureate	*Standard entry requirements: Year 2 entry:** 34 (Chemistry HL6, Biology HL6, another subject at HL6 (Maths SL6, English SL6, required if not studied at HL) included in overall total of not less than 34 at first attempt)
HNC/HND	Not generally considered on its own, please contact the department for further information.
International students	View the entry requirements for your country.
Deferred entry	Not accepted

Undergraduate

Students who have studied the Tawjihiyya/Thanawiya General School Certificate are eligible for entry via a foundation programme from the ISC. Students that have studied an International Qualification such as A Levels, IB Diploma, French Bac or the American High School system should check the relevant country.

Postgraduate

A good degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution is acceptable for postgraduate study at Strathclyde. Our applications are judged on a case-by-case basis and can vary depending on the course. As a guide, we normally consider a GPA of 2.8 out of 4 and 3.8 out of 5.

English Program Requirements

We accept a number of English language tests as proof of proficiency in English. IELTS is the most widely available. Information on this can be found on the British Council Website.

Our current standard requirements are:

IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Science: IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)
Faculty of Engineering (Undergraduate only): IELTS (Academic): 6.0 overall (no individual band less than 5.5)

Some degree programmes have different English language requirements to the above so please check each individual course page for details.

Other English language tests may be acceptable and you can find these here:

Recognised English language qualifications for pre-sessional and degree entry

If you have a qualification not listed, you should contact our Recruitment & International Office for advice.

Career

Careers

To become a pharmacist in the UK, you need an MPharm degree which has been accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), followed by a pre-registration year (after graduation) in a hospital or community practice. At the end of this, you must pass the GPhC registration assessment.

However, please note that obtaining an MPharm from the University of Strathclyde does not guarantee a pre-registration position.

Once registered with the GPhC, pharmacy graduates enjoy good employment prospects with attractive starting salaries. The majority are employed in either community or hospital pharmacies.

MPharm graduates may also follow careers in research and manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry.

There are also opportunities for postgraduate study including the University’s doctoral training centre within the Centre for Continuous Manufacturing & Crystallisation.

Other graduates may also pursue a career in medical writing, clinical drug trials, or medical sales while some pursue research and academic careers to educate and inspire the next generation of pharmacists.

Visit Royal Pharmaceutical Society for further information on pharmacy careers.

How much will I earn?

Newly qualified, NHS hospital pharmacists start on Band 5, earning around £28,407 a year. Experienced pharmacists on Band 6 and earn around £35,392 a year.

Pharmacists in management positions on Band 8 can earn £50,952 to start with, and could earn up to a max of £96,376 a year.

Salaries in community pharmacies will be similar but if you work for a large chain, you may also be able to earn bonuses.*

*Information taken from NHS pay scales 23/24.

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow

Fee Information

Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that tuition fees are revised annually and may increase in subsequent years of study. Annual increases will generally reflect UK inflation rates and increases to programme delivery costs.

Tuition Fee

42,650 / year