Undergraduate pharmacists

Pharmacists are experts in medicines and health. They play a vital role in patient care and are often the first point of contact when someone needs advice, treatment, or reassurance. As part of a wider healthcare team, pharmacists contribute to safe and effective use of medicines in hospitals, community pharmacies, GP practices, and many other settings. With opportunities to specialise in different sectors, this is a varied and rewarding career.

About the programme

What the training involves

To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to:

Complete a four-year Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm), approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)
Carry out a paid one-year foundation training placement, working under supervision and applying your knowledge in practice

From 2026, all new pharmacists will also be trained as independent prescribers, meaning they can prescribe medicines as soon as they qualify.

How you’ll learn

Your training will include both classroom study and hands-on experience. You’ll:

Learn from university lecturers and healthcare professionals
Put your skills into practice during your foundation training year
Gain real-world experience supporting patients and healthcare teams

Support along the way

You’ll be supported throughout your studies and training with:

A dedicated tutor to guide your progress
Supervisors during your foundation year rotations
Opportunities for work shadowing to see pharmacy in action
Protected study days for focused learning
A range of online resources to support your development
Time and guidance to build the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to practice safely and effectively

What happens next?

After completing your MPharm degree, foundation year, and passing the GPhC assessments, you’ll be eligible to register with the GPhC as a pharmacist. This opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities — from community and hospital pharmacy to research, education, and specialist clinic roles.

Programme resources

NHS England Pharmacy Workforce, Training and Education: Student Zone

Education providers

The University of Brighton offers two pharmacy courses which are ranked 3rd in the UK overall and 5th in the UK for career prospects — Guardian University Guide 2025.

The entry requirements differ for each course, follow the links for more details.

Pharmacy MPharm with preparatory year

Pharmacy MPharm

Training sessions

Centre for Pharmacy Postgraduate Education (CPPE): Supporting student pharmacists (face-to-face)