Pharmacy - MPharm
Pharmacists are clinical professionals working at the frontline of healthcare with expertise in the science of medicines. A career as a pharmacist goes beyond dispensing medicines and offers exciting career opportunities in primary care, secondary care, community pharmacies and within the global pharmaceutical industry.
Year of entry
- 2024
Course type
- Integrated Master's
UCAS code
- B230
Duration of study
- 4 years
Why study Pharmacy at Keele University?
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"I would 100% recommend Keele for anyone interested in pharmacy. You'll get a very varied pharmacy course at Keele, much different to other universities. You'll also get many new and exciting placements, not available to everyone (the tutors work really hard to organise these), and the teaching style or tutorials, lectures and group projects makes for a very fun and productive 4 years."
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities available when studying this course.
Please note, undertaking one may impact upon the availability of another.
Entry requirements
The following section details our typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If you don’t see your qualifications listed, please contact us to find out if we can accept your qualifications. If you don't think you'll meet the entry requirements specified, you may be able to gain entry to this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure that you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the dropdown menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and English Language requirements you may need.
Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information
A Level
ABB in three A Levels including B in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma
DDM in any of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas / National Extended Diplomas:
Applied Science
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Diploma / Diploma
Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and B in Biology or Chemistry A Level, or Distinction and Merit in Applied Science BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and A in any A Level.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma
Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels including B in Biology or Chemistry, or Distinction in Applied Human Biology, Applied Science, Health and Social Care, Sport, or Sport and Exercise Science BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
T Level
Distinction in any of the following T Levels:
Health
Healthcare Science
Science
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
655 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Biology or Chemistry, or 32 points including 5 in Higher Level Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, or 5 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 4 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below)
International Baccalaureate Careers Programme
We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.
If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.
For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Access to HE Diploma
128 UCAS points in an Access to HE Diploma with Biology or Chemistry related content, including Distinction in at least 30 Level 3 credits and Merit in at least 15 Level 3 credits. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice on whether your chosen course would qualify.
6 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru
The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.
Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers
BBBBC in five Highers including Chemistry or Biology Higher, or BC in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers including Chemistry or Biology Higher or Advanced Higher, or BCC in three Advanced Highers including Chemistry or Biology Advanced Higher.
B in National 5 Maths, or C in Higher Maths (including as one of the Highers taken as part of your offer), or 6 / B in GCSE Maths or Level 3 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Core Maths
If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.
Ireland - Leaving Certificate
H3, H3, H3, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate including H4 in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics and Chemistry (combined)
O3 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
China - Gaokao
75% in the Gaokao including 70% in Biology or Chemistry and 60% in Maths.
65% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
India - Standard XII
Average of 75% from four subjects including 70% in Chemistry or Biology in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 80% from four subjects including 75% in Chemistry or Biology in any other Standard XII.
You will also need: 7 or C1 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Germany - Abitur
2.0 overall average in the Abitur including 12 in Biology or Chemistry.
11 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below)
France - Baccalaureate
13 in the French Baccalaureate including 13 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology, or 12.5 in the International Option Baccalaureate including 12 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology.
11 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Hong Kong - Diploma
544 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE including 4 in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 3 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Spain - Bachillerato
Overall average of 7.8 in the Título de Bachillerato including 8 in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 6 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6.5 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato
85% in the Esame di Stato including 8 in Biology, Chemistry or Natural Science.
You will also need: 6 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Cyprus - Apolytirion
18.5 / 88% in the Apolytirion including 18 in Biology or Chemistry.
15 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Portugal
Overall average of 16 in a Secondary Certificate including 16 in Biology or Chemistry.
11 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Canada - Diploma
70% / BBBBC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma including 70% in Biology or Chemistry.
60% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Kenya - KCSE / Diploma
We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND
We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.
USA - Advanced Placement
544 from three Advanced Placement subjects including 4 in Biology or Chemistry.
B in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Ghana
We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Sri Lanka - Advanced Level
ABB in three Advanced Levels including B in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: B in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Malaysia - STPM
ABB in three subjects in the STPM including B in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: B in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate
We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.
Singapore - A Levels (H2)
ABB in three H2 levels including B in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: B in O-level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
European Baccalaureate
75% overall with 7 in Chemistry or Biology (4 period).
You will also need: 6.5 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below)
Additional information
Health checks and DBS Clearance
Offers are subject to Occupational Health clearances and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. The University follows the DBS Code of Practice in these issues and can provide a copy of the Code on request.
Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.
English Language Requirements
All of our courses require an English language qualification or test. For most students, this requirement can be met with a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please see our English Language guidance pages for further details, including English language test information for international students. For those students who require an English language test, this course requires a test from Group D.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity to all our applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. That's why we operate a range of alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying within the Keele region, and recognising a range of additional qualifications in your offer.
General information
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the typical offer which would be made to candidates, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.
"My journey at Keele has been an incredible experience, with the School of Pharmacy being very supportive and attentive to myself and my peers on the MPharm course. From lectures to clinical placements, it was easy to feel integrated and immersed into the different aspects of pharmacy, allowing me to develop my analytical and interpersonal skills, alongside acquiring a great deal of clinical knowledge. Moving forward, I feel proficient in entering the pharmacy profession, knowing I will be able to impact patients’ lives beneficially through the knowledge and acumen in which the Keele School of Pharmacy have instilled in me."
Facilities
Clinical Skills Suite
In our Clinical Skills Suite, we have a mock dispensary and six consultation rooms enabling you to develop essential pharmacist competencies such as labelling and selecting medication correctly. You will use the consultation rooms to facilitate expanding your expertise and increasing your confidence in communicating with patients.
Keele Augmented Reality Environment (KARE)
The School uses uses the KARE for patient simulation. It allows students to explore patient cases, including the prescribing of medicines, to ensure patients receive the best possible treatment. These virtual patients help you to learn those pivotal communication skills in a safe environment.
Central Science Labs
State-of-the-art laboratories with industrial research grade analytical and laboratory equipment that you will use in some of your laboratory teaching.
Campus Pharmacy
Well Pharmacy has a branch located at the heart of Keele campus offering some opportunities for you to work in a real pharmacy and engage with patients.
Pharmacy at Keele
Foundation year
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, providing a unique opportunity to better prepare for your chosen degree, and with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete your Foundation Year.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, give you a better understanding of higher education and, perhaps most importantly of all, build your confidence.
Keele University is consistently ranked among the top universities for student satisfaction, and we have over 70 years' experience of teaching a foundation year to students. On the Keele Foundation Year, you'll study on campus, joining our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support that you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
Course content
Our Foundation Year allows you to develop your critical thinking, academic reading, writing, and communication study skills along with subject-specific knowledge and skills. Upon meeting the progression criteria and successfully completing our Foundation Year, you will automatically progress into your Keele undergraduate degree with the confidence that you have the skills, and knowledge needed to successfully complete your course.
This Foundation Year is a two semester programme which provides a tailored pre-degree programme of study to better prepare you for the MPharm Pharmacy course. For example, in the Academic and Professional Development for Health module you will begin to develop an awareness of professional standards that you will be working to in your degree and professional career. Course content has been developed in collaboration with degree teaching teams, so that by the time you begin Year 1, you will be ready to excel at your studies, as the majority of our Foundation Year students do.
On this Foundation Year, we will advance your knowledge of human biology and chemistry, giving you a solid grasp of body systems, science and lab work. You'll develop safe, professional laboratory skills and get to know the mathematical techniques and quantitative methods used across health science-related and social care programmes. You will also be introduced to concepts relating to organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry.
Throughout the programme, you will develop subject-specific and broad based skills that will be invaluable in your academic career and beyond. You can find out more about our Foundation Year, Including Information on learning, teaching and assessment methods and further opportunities available to you by visiting our homepage.
Course structure
The module details given below are indicative and will give you a good idea of the range of subjects that we teach. We regularly review our teaching to ensure that the modules we offer are up-to-date; therefore, the modules available to study are liable to change.
Semester one modules
| FYO-00237 | Foundations of Human Biology for Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00241 | Foundations of Chemistry for Health | 15 credits |
| FYO-00213 | Foundations of Numerical and Quantitative Methods for Health Students | 15 credits |
Semester two modules
| FYO-00239 | Advancing Human Biology for Health | 30 credits |
| FYO-00243 | Advancing Chemistry for Health | 15 credits |
Year long modules (semesters one and two)
| FYO-00181 | Academic and Professional Development for Health | 15 credits |
Entry requirements
The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate’s application. Read more about our undergraduate entry requirements.
- 120 UCAS points including at least one Level 3 qualification (such as an A Level, BTEC, Access Course, or T Level), or 96 UCAS points including A Level / Scottish Higher / IB Diploma Chemistry or Biology, T Level Health, Healthcare Science or Science, or BTEC Applied Human Biology or Applied Science (any level).
- Plus C in GCSE English / Level 2 Functional Skills English and C in GCSE Maths / Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check (Enhanced plus Barring Lists) will be required for successful candidates.
Health checks
A satisfactory health check will be required for successful candidates.
Progression requirements
To progress to Year 1, students will be required to achieve 40% from the Semester 1 modules, plus a 65% average from the remaining 75 credits to give a total of 120 credits. You will also be required to complete a declaration stating no change in your fitness to practice.
How to apply
UCAS Applications
Visit UCAS for applications. You should apply for MPharm (H) Pharmacy with Foundation Year, UCAS code: B231.
Direct entry students
If you are a UK or EU student, already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.
The information in this Foundation Year section is for UK/Home applicants. Where an international Foundation Year is available, please see the 'Information for international students' tab.
We also offer a January start for some of our Foundation Year courses. Adopting a blended learning approach, the January start is particularly useful for students wishing to return to education following time out of studying, or who are seeking a flexible approach to their Foundation Year studies. Our January start is available across most of our Science, Humanities, Social Science and Business courses.
Whilst still being a full-time course, our blended delivery model combines live teaching sessions - both online and on-campus - with self-directed study, enabling you to predominantly study at a time that suits your lifestyle. You will benefit from weekly online taught sessions which encourage you to engage with your teachers and peers.
In addition to online study there will be a series of full study days that you will be required to attend throughout each semester. These sessions may include lab-based activities, group work, review of course and assessment materials studied online. They will emphasise opportunities for you to deepen your knowledge and understanding of your chosen route.
Please refer to the September start tab for more information about the entry requirements and what you will study. The modules that you will take on a January start Foundation Year will be similar to those for the September start, but in a slightly different order and pattern.
For more information, including fees, the UCAS code for this course, how to apply, and how you will be taught, please visit our January Start Foundation Year webpage.
Our International Foundation Year is delivered on campus through Keele University International College (KUIC). Find out more about the International Foundation Year options on the KUIC website.