Undergraduate study

Overview

• Integrated skills development throughout the course
• Opportunities to learn alongside other health professionals
• Part of a well-established Faculty of Health
• Strongly patient centred approach to learning
• Modern laboratories for pharmaceutical sciences and a custom-built pharmacy practice suite to develop clinical and therapeutic skills
• Interaction with a variety of patients in both the real and the virtual worlds

Keele offers established courses with an emphasis on medicines management; excellent links with the local health service; dedicated teaching and IT facilities; modern, well-equipped laboratories and analytical facilities; an enthusiastic, multidisciplinary teaching team; and a stimulating research environment.

In common with all other UK Schools of Pharmacy, Keele requires external accreditation of its course by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The MPharm programme achieved full accreditation in May 2010 with the first cohort graduating in 2010. We have been granted full accreditation for the maximum possible period, which is five years.

Pharmacists are the experts in drug discovery, development, preparation and usage of medicines. They are both professional scientists and qualified healthcare practitioners. Pharmacists work in hospitals, in the community and in the pharmaceutical industry but also in a wide variety or other role including academia, regulatory affairs, primary care and the armed forces. They promote the safe and effective use of medicines and ensure quality patient care. Often, pharmacists are the first point of information on medicines for the public and other healthcare professionals, and must be excellent communicators.

Pharmacists are educated in diverse areas of science and in the skills required to be effective and professional in their job. The MPharm degree provides the knowledge and skills education essential for future practice and the School of Pharmacy at Keele provides the ideal setting for this. Located within the Faculty of Health, the School complements the existing Schools of Nursing and Midwifery, Medicine and Health and Rehabilitation, and students will be taught in a dynamic and flourishing multidisciplinary, inter-professional environment.

The unique teaching and learning methods and integrated course structure adopted in the Keele MPharm programme, and the quality of our graduates and newly registered pharmacists are already having a positive impact on patient care in practice.

Course Content

Introduction

The Keele MPharm course aims to produce highly skilled graduates fully prepared to work as healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical scientists. Our graduates should be the forward thinking, modern pharmacists of the future.

The Keele curriculum is designed such that core aspects of pharmacy practice and the underpinning science are integrated at every level of the course.

The core topics in pharmacy practice include: the roles required of the modern pharmacist; legal, ethical and professional aspects of health care; service quality and standards applying to Pharmacy; understanding the signs and symptoms of illness; improving the public’s health; medicines management and advice to other health care providers. These topics run through all years of the course, from Stage 1 to Stage 4, developing the professional responsibilities of our future pharmacists year on year. Students are assigned pharmacist mentors who will support their professional development through the course. Students will also maintain a portfolio throughout their studies, providing evidence of progress and commitment to continuing professional development.

The programme provides a truly integrated and fully contextualised MPharm degree. Each year of the programme is based on a single 120-credit module that spans both semesters.

Stage 1

In Stage 1 there are three cycles of learning, assessment and reflection. Each cycle comprises seven weeks of teaching followed by one week that is reserved for end-of-cycle examinations, other assessments that cannot fall within the teaching period and a meeting with a personal tutor who will provide comprehensive and relevant feedback on academic performance and achievement during the cycle. This is a key feature of the programme design: students will be able to use this week to reflect on their own progress using the immediate feedback and to prepare for the next cycle, which will build on and be linked to themes covered already.

The principal aim is to develop knowledge and skills in a wide variety of disciplines by demonstrating the linkages between seemingly dissimilar topics in science and practice that underpin the remainder of the course. Rather than packaging studies into smaller, discrete modules the Stage I programme allows students to see more clearly the linkages between all strands of the programme.

Within the three cycles of learning and assessment material has been contextualised into three broad themes: those of individual people/patients, people/patients as members of families and of wider populations. This is strengthened in later cycles by focusing on particular patient groups and on specific diseases that affect these groups. Cycle 1 will introduce the underpinning topics in the essential sciences and pharmacy practice. This will include the anatomy of different patients groups, the underpinning organic and synthetic chemistry necessary for drug design, the development and use of drugs, and all aspects of communication with patients. Cycle 2 links together studies in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry covering concepts such as molecular properties and drug design and a focus on the gastro-intestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, the urinary tract and the reproductive system. Simultaneously, practical dispensing classes will broaden the coverage of pharmacy practice topics.   The content of Cycle 3 will begin to expand upon the variety of healthcare issues which affect various patient groups and will include reference to cerebral and neurological disorders, infection and immunity and chemotherapy. 

Throughout, the relevance of each group of teaching sessions to the healthcare of the individual, family or population will be highlighted. From the outset, students will be interacting with patients and developing their consulting skills.

Stage 2

Stage 2 continues to provide a fully integrated and contextualised course of study comprising periods of learning, assessment, feedback and reflection. Stage 2 consists of two cycles throughout which run the linked themes of pharmaceutical science and formulation, pharmacology and drug action, and law ethics and pharmacy practice. This allows the practice of pharmacy to be linked explicitly to the science-rich aspects of the programme. Specific topics will include the relationship between absorption, distribution and elimination of drugs and their physico-chemical properties and formulation, analytical techniques, the manufacture and use of sterile pharmaceuticals, the action of drugs on molecular targets, cells and physiological systems, therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs, the potential role of pharmacogenetics and pharmacogenomics in personalised medicine, extemporaneous preparation of medicines, drug interactions, drug resistance and the consequences for patient care and the lawful supply of medicinal products.

Stage 3

The structure of Stage 3 builds upon the material taught in Stage 1 and 2, maintaining the blocks of learning interspersed with periods of assessment, feedback and reflection. Stage 3 explores four areas of clinical therapeutics: the central nervous system, the gastro-intestinal system, the respiratory system and clinical infections. Underpinning these areas is the theory and practice of evidence based medicine along with the clinical skills needed to treat patients who may require dosage adjustments due to their age (paediatrics and the elderly) or clinical status (renal disease, liver disease, pregnancy and breastfeeding). Students will develop skills in patient care, diagnosis and prescribing, the monitoring of disease and appropriate drug interventions. This will encompass relevant aspects of clinical practice, systems pharmacology and therapeutics, advanced drug delivery systems and clinical governance.   The law ethics and practice strand running throughout Stage 3 will include licensing, advertising and promotion of medicines, non-medicinal poisons, sustainability and pharmacy's impact on the environment, ethics and confidentiality, information giving, regulation of healthcare professionals and veterinary pharmacy.

Stage 4

The final year is consistent with all previous Stages in structure with the emphasis on contextualisation and integration. The therapeutic blocks in Stage 4 cover the endocrine system and genitourinary tract, cardiovascular disease and issues concerning nutrition, musculoskeletal disease and the management of pain, and the therapeutic management of HIV and common cancers. The course continues to develop the science and practice of pharmacy weaving together the pharmacology of drugs and treatment or management of specific conditions. In addition to the therapeutic areas covered there are a number of additional topics providing currency to the programme and preparing students for employment. This will include developments in pharmacy practice, legislative and regulatory changes, changes in the healthcare environment, non-medical prescribing, public health and health promotion. 

Student Comments

"Distinctive degree, continuous support and friendly environment, great social events by KAPS, making your voice heard by becoming a StAR, all in one place: Keele's school of pharmacy." (Bella Alfaraj, Stage 1)

"I would say that the best thing about the course is the wide variety of teaching methods. I really enjoy the interactive sessions." (Katy Bailey, Stage 2)

"The Pharmacy course offers such an integrated approach to learning together with exceptional academic and personal support." (Stephen Braden, Stage 3)

"Keele provides a tranquil environment where you feel you are part of a community. The Pharmacy course encourages self-empowerment and recognises extra-circular activities essential for future employment." (Deborah Yawson, Stage 4).

WelcomeWeb

For a more comprehensive overview of the School of Pharmacy and the MPharm course please visit our  Welcome Web.

Codes and Combinations

How to Apply

All applications must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the middle of January in order to be given full consideration. Applications received between late January and the end of June will only be considered if we wish to make additional offers. Applications received from the beginning of July will be entered into the UCAS Clearing system. 

Teaching and Assessment

All aspects of the Pharmacy programme are taught in dedicated, well-equipped facilities using a combination of teaching methods. We understand that different students learn most effectively in different ways and hence we provide a variety of learning opportunities. Large group teaching sessions or lectures will be used to give an overview of subject areas and these will be supported by a broad range of smaller, interactive group sessions. Students will participate in workshops and drop-in sessions, laboratory and dispensing classes, as well as on-line learning activities. In order to reflect the variety of teaching methods used the class size will vary between a full year group through to half or one-quarter size groups for practical elements of the course. Smaller groups will also be utilised for presentations, for interactions with both expert and simulated patients, and for the inter-professional element of the course where Pharmacy students study alongside those on other courses within the Faculty of Health. Placements form an important learning experience throughout all years of the course giving students the opportunity to place their learning in context within different working environments. 

Each Stage of the course will contain a balanced mix of assessments, both coursework and examinations. Examinations may include multiple choice questions (MCQ), short answer questions (SAQ) and long-answer questions. The elements of continuous assessment in Stage 1 and 2 will include the submission of laboratory reports, both pro-forma and full reports, essays, poster presentations and oral presentations, a portfolio containing elements of continuing professional development and ethical cases studies, practical tasks in dispensing and laboratory skills, analysis of spectroscopy data, and the completion of exercises administered on-line via the virtual learning environment. Stages 3 and 4 will continue to use some of the preceding methods of assessment but will also contain further variety such as a critical appraisal, TRIPSE (tri-partite problem solving exercise), production of a travel health wiki, leading a workshop for your student peers and a BLOG based on current issues in pharmacy and healthcare.

All Stages of the course will include an OSCE, objective structured clinical exercise, Values Exchange programme and synoptic examination. The OSCE is designed to assess your competency in a number of areas appropriate to your progression through the course. The Values Exchange programme is a unique web-based system used to facilitate debate about topics of concern such as, for example, abortion and euthanasia.   It allows students to share ideas about issues in pharmacy and healthcare and, as such, forms a very important part of your preparation to deal with the ethical challenges you will come across in practice. The synoptic assessment focuses on your ability to understand the interdependency of material taught in each Stage of the course. You will need to demonstrate your ability to form linkages between the different elements of each cycle or block of learning.  

VP/KAVE

For the opportunity to meet one of our virtual patients and to see what our KAVE (Keele Active Virtual Environment) has to offer, please visit our website.

Programme specifications (new window)

Skills and Careers

MPharm graduates need to complete a statutory one year pre-registration period to qualify to practice. There are many employment opportunities for registered pharmacists. Graduates from this course will have a portfolio of skills that are attractive to potential employers in health authorities, hospitals, community pharmacies and in the pharmaceutical industry. The School of Pharmacy has close links with all these sectors. Throughout the course, students will be able to assess which areas of pharmacy are of most interest to them and practising pharmacists will be available to provide advice. 

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and registered pharmacy premises. To work as a pharmacist and to call yourself a pharmacist, you must register with the GPhC. Part of the registration requirements of the GPhC are education requirements and the GPhC has agreed that there should be completion time limits for anyone entering Pre-registration. This applies to anyone studying currently for an accredited MPharm. The reason for the time limit is to ensure the link between your course and Pre-registration training is preserved and that your knowledge and skills are current when you apply to register.

The normal maximum time period for you to apply to register as a pharmacist is eight calendar years from the day you first enrolled on your MPharm. In the eight years you must do the following:

1. Pass your MPharm; and
2. Pass Pre-registration; and
3. Pass the Registration Assessment (previously known as the Registration Examination); and
4. Apply to register as a pharmacist.

The maximum number of attempts at the Registration Assessment is three.

The GPhC may consider extending the eight year maximum time period but only if there are documented extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances can include:

1. Extended periods of illness;
2. Compassionate leave;
3. Maternity/paternity leave;
4. Part time study;
5. Reasonable adjustments to accommodate a disability but only if the reasonable adjustment is agreed in advance;
6. Operational tours with the Territorial Army.
7. This list is not exhaustive.

Extenuating circumstances do not include:

1. Repeating courses/modules/academic years due to academic failure;
2. Travel such as gap years or other periods of non-compulsory absence;
3. Periods of imprisonment.

This list is not exhaustive.

Before being registered, you will have to comply with other requirements including fitness to practise and health requirements. Full details will be sent to you when you apply to register. (In addition you will have to comply with health and fitness to practise requirements as a student and as a Pre-registration trainee.)

Should you require further information on the GPhC’s education and training requirements for initial registration please contact the GPhC. Contact details can be found on the GPhC’s website: www.pharmacyregulation.org

Pharmacy destinations for graduates who completed their undergraduate course in 2011:

Of those who responded:

Want to work in?

Many students are excited by careers that utilise the academic knowledge and skills developed on their degree:

• Hospital Pharmacist
• Pharmacologist
• Community Pharmacist
• Research Scientist

What else?

For those who do not wish to pursue a career directly related to their degree, here are some career ideas to open up options:

• Clinical Research Associate
• Toxicologist
• Product Development Scientist
• HE Lecturer
• Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Science Writer

Visit our Careers pages (new window)

The course includes a rich programme of scheduled visits and placements in hospital, community and industrial settings. A placement allows students to review the course material in context and develop valuable employability and research skills. Placements will begin during the first year of teaching and will continue regularly throughout the remainder of the course. All students will have the opportunity to experience all of the above placement types. Students will also participate in running their own health campaign and the final year will include sessions that prepare students for their pre-registration placement. We also provide support for students wishing to arrange extended work placements during vacations to maximise the benefit of this additional learning opportunity. 

Course Information

Tel: 01782 733833
Email: pharmacy@keele.ac.uk

UK/EU Admissions
Tel: 01782 734005
Email: admissions.ukeu@keele.ac.uk

International Admissions
Tel: +44(0) 1782 733274
Email: international@keele.ac.uk

Introduction

We welcome applications from students offering a wide variety of qualifications and we consider a broad range of both UK and International qualifications. Please use the information below as guidance. If you have further questions on allowed combinations of subjects/qualifications, or on the suitability of specific qualifications other than those outlined below, you can make direct enquiries to the Admissions Tutor on pharmacy@keele.ac.uk. International students in particular are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for help and guidance on the admission process. We may also be able to put you in touch with a current international student for support and advice.

Please note, entry for all applicants to the 4-year MPharm course will be into Stage 1 only.   Advance entry is not permitted.

GCSEs

We require GCSE Maths and English Language at grade B or above. We may consider applicants offering GCSE English Language at grade C where the GCSE English Literature grade is B or above but this will be evaluated on a case by case basis whilst looking at applications in their entirety.

We will accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in lieu of GCSE English Language. We require an overall score of 7 with no less than 6.5 in any sub-test.

A-levels

We require 3 A-levels including either Chemistry or Biology.   Our course is structured in a manner which allows us to accommodate this. If both Chemistry and Biology have been studied, both subjects will be included in any offer made. 

We will not accept two AS-levels in lieu of one A-level.

Maths and Further Maths will not be accepted in combination. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Dual Award Applied Science are not accepted. Media Studies will only be considered in combination with both Chemistry and Biology.

At A-level we require AAB from three full A-Level subjects taken after two years of study. We do consider students who have taken three years to complete their A-levels but we reserve the right to ask for grades higher than our standard entry requirements.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) will need to be on track to achieve the IB Diploma with an overall score of 34 points. This must include either Chemistry or Biology at Higher Level with a minimum grade 6.  

Irish Leaving Certificate

Students offering the ILC will need to be on track to achieve 340 UCAS points from 4 Higher subjects. This must include Biology or Chemistry at A1.

Scottish Advanced Highers

From applicants offering Advanced Higher qualifications we require minimum BBB from three subjects which must include Chemistry or Biology.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We do consider applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate. Our standard offer would include a pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma plus minimum AB in 2 full A-levels. A-levels must include either Chemistry or Biology. If both subjects have been studied then both will be included in any offer made.

Access Course

Access Courses are considered but only where they are being offered by candidates who have not previously had the opportunity to take qualifications at the appropriate level. An Access Course will not be considered when a candidate has already completed A-levels or a degree at less than the required grades. Candidates must be studying a minimum of 30 credits in Chemistry and/or Biology in order to be eligible for the MPharm course. Candidates offering an Access Course should contact the Admissions  Tutor for details of subject and grade requirements.

Degree

We will consider graduate entry applicants who have obtained, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 (upper second class) Honours degree in an appropriate science based subject. Applicants will still need to meet our minimum GCSE requirements. Applicants who offer a relevant degree but do not meet our A2 requirements will be considered on a case by case basis and should contact the Admissions Tutor. Graduate entry students should note that they are unlikely to be eligible for any student funding, loans or bursaries. Graduate entry students will be required to pay fees covering the full cost of the course which is higher than the capped rate required of first time undergraduate students. Further information can be requested from the Admissions Tutor.

Interviews

Offers will only be made to candidates who have been interviewed. UK students will be expected to attend interview at Keele University and invitations will be issued to suitably qualified applicants.  International students will also be interviewed and individual arrangements will be communicated to you.  

Please note, the School of Pharmacy will not interview candidates who have been unsuccessful at interview in a prior admissions cycle.

Fitness to Practice

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks

Candidates who are successful in gaining a place on the course will need to provide a satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or international equivalent. Candidates who have any criminal convictions, cautions, penalty notice disorders, warnings, and/or reprimands, regardless of date, are strongly advised to contact the School of Pharmacy for guidance. All such information will be treated in strictest confidence.  You will not automatically be excluded from the course but you will need to discuss this with the appropriate person. Please note, Pharmacy is not subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such all convictions, cautions, penalty notice disorders, warnings or reprimands must be disclosed. Failure to disclose details at the opportunities given throughout the admissions process is likely to result in any offer being withdrawn.

The University follows the CRB Code of Practice in these issues (Click here for further information) and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

Occupational Health

All students will be required to comply with the Occupational Health requirement of our placement providers.   Full information and guidance will be offered prior to enrolment but any interim queries may be directed to the Admissions Tutor.   Additional information may also be found in our WelcomeWeb.

Introduction

We welcome applications from students offering a wide variety of qualifications and we consider a broad range of both UK and International qualifications. Please use the information below as guidance. If you have further questions on allowed combinations of subjects/qualifications, or on the suitability of specific qualifications other than those outlined below, you can make enquiries to pharmacy@keele.ac.uk.

The academic entry requirements for the Health Foundation Year (B231) exclude A-level Chemistry and Biology. This course is designed to give students who have reached the appropriate standard in non-science or vocational qualifications the opportunity to work towards a career in Pharmacy. Unlike some foundation year courses, the Health Foundation Year leading to Pharmacy at Keele does not offer an alternative route onto the MPharm course for those who have studied Biology and Chemistry at A-level but have achieved less than the required grades for direct entry onto the MPharm course.  

GCSEs

We require GCSE Maths and English Language at grade C or above.  

We will also accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System) in lieu of GCSE English Language and require an overall score of 7 with no less than 6.0 in any sub-test.

A-levels

We require 3 A-levels and this may not include Chemistry or Biology.   Maths and Further Maths will not be accepted in combination. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

We will not accept two AS-levels in lieu of one A-level.

At A-level we require AAB from three full A-Level subjects taken after two years of study. We do consider students who have taken three years to complete their A-levels but we reserve the right to ask for grades higher than our standard entry requirements.

BTEC

We consider a variety of BTECs either on their own or in combination with other qualifications. Applicants offering a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma will need to be on track to achieve minimum DDD. Enquiries regarding other BTEC qualifications should be made directly to the Admissions Tutor.

Scottish Advanced Highers

From applicants offering Advanced Higher qualifications we require minimum AAB from three subjects which may not include Chemistry or Biology.

Welsh Baccalaureate

We do consider applicants offering the Welsh Baccalaureate. Our standard offer would include a pass in the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma plus minimum AB in 2 full A-levels. A-levels may not include either Chemistry or Biology or those previously excluded above.

Access Course

Access Courses are considered but only where they are being offered by candidates who have not previously had the opportunity to take qualifications at the appropriate level. An Access Course will not be considered when a candidate has already completed A-levels or a degree at less than the required grades. Candidates must be studying less than 30 credits in Chemistry and/or Biology in order to be eligible for the Health Foundation Year.    Candidates offering an Access Course should contact the Admissions Tutor for details of subject and grade requirements.

Degree

We will consider graduate entry applicants who have obtained, or expect to obtain, a 2:1 (upper second class) Honours degree in a non-science subject and where Biology and Chemistry have not been studied at A-level. Applicants will still need to meet our minimum GCSE requirements. Graduate entry students should note that they are unlikely to be eligible for any student funding, loans or bursaries. Graduate entry students will be required to pay fees covering the full cost of the course which is higher than the capped rate required of first time undergraduate students. Further information can be requested from the Admissions Tutor.

Interviews

Offers will only be made to candidates who have been interviewed. UK students will be expected to attend interview at Keele University and invitations will be issued to suitably qualified applicants. International students will also be interviewed and individual arrangements will be communicated to you.  

Please note, the School of Pharmacy will not interview candidates who have been unsuccessful at interview in a prior admissions cycle.

Fitness to Practice

Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Checks

Candidates who are successful in gaining a place on the course will need to provide a satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check or international equivalent. Candidates who have any criminal convictions, cautions, penalty notice disorders, warnings, and/or reprimands, regardless of date, are strongly advised to contact the School of Pharmacy for guidance. All such information will be treated in strictest confidence.  You will not automatically be excluded from the course but you will need to discuss this with the appropriate person. Please note, Pharmacy is not subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such all convictions, cautions, penalty notice disorders, warnings or reprimands must be disclosed. Failure to disclose details at the opportunities given throughout the admissions process is likely to result in any offer being withdrawn.

The University follows the CRB Code of Practice in these issues (see CRB website) and can provide a copy of the Code on request.

Occupational Health

All students will be required to comply with the Occupational Health requirement of our placement providers.   Full information and guidance will be offered prior to enrolment but any interim queries may be directed to the Admissions Tutor.   Additional information may also be found in our WelcomeWeb.