MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy
- UCAS code: B230
- Mode of study: Full time
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry requirements 2012/2013: ABB at A level to include Chemistry plus a second Science subject, preferably Biology. Third subject preferably in Science or Mathematics. All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview where they do not offer A levels, Irish Leaving Certificate or International Baccalaureate. GCSEs to include English, Mathematics and Biology (or Double Science) at grade C or above if not studied at a higher level. All offers are subject to Criminal Records Bureau clearance.
Find out more:
Tel: +44 (0)23 9284 5550
Email: sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
Department: Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences
Course overview
Our pharmacy course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. On graduation, our students gain employment in pre-registration pharmacy posts either in the field of hospital or community pharmacies or in industry. On successful completion of this year-long in-service training, graduates may practise independently as pharmacists in any of the branches of the profession.
A key innovation of the MPharm course is the opportunity in the early part of the course for inter-professional learning with students of other healthcare professions, such as doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. Students study areas of mutual interest in inter-professional teams, thus fostering a collaborative approach to learning and working in the healthcare environment.
As with all other UK pharmacy degrees, it must be noted that gaining the degree is no guarantee of registration as a pharmacist.
Course content
The four-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm Hons) provides the standard qualification for registration as a pharmacist.
The curriculum is delivered by a wide variety of methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, workshops, computer aided learning and placements. A wide range of assessment methods are also employed, from the traditional written examination through to oral and poster presentations.
The degree course is fully unitised and students are required to study and gain 120 credit points each academic year before they can proceed to the next stage of the course. The advancement in pharmaceutical knowledge and application expands and integrates with each progressive year of the course.
The syllabus is integrated within three main subject themes:
- Pharmacy Practice brings together subjects at the heart of community and hospital pharmacy. A solid grounding is provided in pharmacy law and ethics, prescription monitoring and dosage calculations, the dispensing process and patient counselling. Problem-solving workshops support these fundamental roles and enable students to develop their skills under the watchful eye of experienced, qualified pharmacists, including teacher-practitioners. In later stages of the course, students learn how to apply their knowledge of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, and respond to symptoms with the supply of both pharmacy-only and prescriptiononly medicines. Pharmacy Practice is supported by structured placements in both hospital and community pharmacy, where students learn from practising pharmacists in a professional setting. There is a strong emphasis on continuing professional development throughout the Pharmacy Practice syllabus.
- Pharmaceutical Science related areas consider molecular design and synthesis, spectroscopic and physical methods of analysis, formulation, manufacture, administration, quality control and storage of drugs. Mathematics and statistics relevant to pharmaceutical sciences is also covered.
- Life Science covers the wide and detailed knowledge of human physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology and microbiology necessary to understand human diseases, their treatment and mode of action of drugs.
The final year of the degree is at Master’s level, where integration of knowledge and application is exercised further on a wider scale with the development of therapeutic frameworks, studies in formulation and drug discovery. The three main themes in the course are complemented in the final year by a research project. This allows the students to expand their knowledge in areas of specific interest. The project may be either based on a laboratory investigation or a study of some aspects of professional practice.
Career prospects
At graduation we would hope that our students not only have demonstrated high levels of academic knowledge and practical application, but also have developed key transferable skills such as time-management, self-learning, communication and teamwork to equip them for success in their future careers so that they can play a full role in the care of patients.
Community Pharmacy is the most popular of the careers, whether with a large multiple or in a privately owned business. The Community Pharmacist has the greatest contact with the public and is a key member of the healthcare team.
Hospital Pharmacy offers a wide variety of possibilities; for example, clinical pharmacy, medicines information, quality assurance and management. Whatever the discipline, the pharmacist is working closely with a wide range of professional colleagues to enhance patient care.
The British Pharmaceutical Industry is a major contributor to the nation’s economy and there are many roles for pharmacists within it; for example, in research and development, manufacturing, medical information, licensing, registration and marketing.
After registration as a pharmacist, many choose to undertake postgraduate studies for higher degrees. These could be on taught courses such as postgraduate diplomas or Master’s degrees in clinical, community or industrial pharmacy or a professional doctorate. Research degrees (MPhil or PhD) can also be undertaken in any area of the pharmacological, pharmaceutical sciences and the practice of pharmacy, sponsored by professional bodies, Research Councils, European Union, University bursaries or the pharmaceutical industry.