Pharmacy MPharm (with integrated foundation year)

International equivalencies

We can help you meet our English language or academic entry requirements.

Why choose an integrated foundation year? 

This integrated, preparatory course is suitable for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications who, for a variety of reasons, may not feel ready to begin study at undergraduate level. 

This may apply to mature students who have had a break from education and may have vocational experience in addition to academic qualifications.

Students who do not have the subject-appropriate A-levels or equivalent qualifications for the undergraduate course may also benefit.

Course structure

Our MPharm course has moved away from a modular approach and been carefully structured to integrate an understanding of chemistry, pharmaceutics, microbiology, physiology, pharmacology and health psychology with the practice of pharmacy in providing the best care for patients.

This is achieved in a case-based manner so you can see the science behind patient care as immediately relevant. For example, in a case focused on the treatment of a patient with asthma, we use a mixture of lectures and workshops to consider the physiology of the lungs, the pathology of asthma and the science behind the design, formulation and manufacture of inhalers alongside how best to treat the patient and counsel them in the use of their inhaler.

All pharmacy students undertake placements in each year of the course, providing them with substantial professional experience. In addition, there is early involvement with continuing professional development (CPD) via reflective entries in a personal e-portfolio.

The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, laboratory classes, workshops and tutorials. Assessment involves lab reports, written exams, oral presentations, logbooks, portfolios, Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and peer assessment.

Foundation year 

During your foundation year you’ll be introduced to key concepts in biology, chemistry and data handling to prepare you for study at undergraduate level. You’ll also develop your skills in problem solving, analysis and communication.

Modules

• Foundation Biology
• Foundation Chemistry
• Data Handling
• Study Skills

Year 1

The first year consists of 10 cases designed to give you an understanding of minor ailments and their treatments using medicines that can be purchased from a community pharmacy. Cases cover subjects such as digestive ailments, skin conditions and eye conditions.

For instance, for the treatment of a patient with an eye infection, you would learn relevant microbiology, how to formulate eye drops and how to conduct an eye examination, while being introduced to the use of antimicrobial drugs.

Your learning is supported by a placement in a community pharmacy.

Modules

• Pharmaceutical Sciences 1
• Therapeutics 1
• Pharmacy Practice 1
• Pharmaceutical Attitudes and Skills 1

Year 2

In year 2, you study 12 cases of more complex conditions such as asthma, hypertension and ischaemic heart disease. You learn about relevant drugs, how they are formulated and how their quality is assured. You also learn how to take a drug history and produce a care plan as you develop further clinical skills.

Learning is supported by three clinical placements.

Modules

• Pharmaceutical Sciences 2
• Therapeutics 2
• Pharmacy Practice 2
• Pharmaceutical Attitudes and Skills 2

Year 3

In year 3, you build on your learning through a further 13 cases. You learn about endocrinology, immunology and oncology in considering the treatment of patients with Type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases and breast cancer. Further cases consider the treatment of patients with mental health concerns.

Learning is supported by a week-long hospital placement where you work alongside healthcare professionals and interact with patients and carers.

Modules

• Pharmaceutical Sciences 3
• Therapeutics 3
• Pharmacy Practice 3
• Integrated Pharmaceutical Knowledge, Attitudes and Skills

Final year

In the Preparing for Practice module, the focus is on more complex patient cases as you take part in sessions that simulate real-life clinical scenarios. You also study two special topics and undertake a research project. 

Modules

• Research Project
• Preparing for Practice

Options*

• Biomedical Implants and Cell-based Strategies
• Medical Genetics
• Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis
• Industrial Manufacturing Process
• Advances in Biochemical and Clinical Analysis
• Current Topics in Infection
• Psychopharmacology
• Ion Channel Pharmacology and Physiology
• Specialised Clinical Practice
• Advanced Diabetes Therapies
• Oxidative Stress and Human Disease
• Pharmacological Aspects of Neuronal Ageing
• Pharmaceutical Care of the Surgical Patient
• Global Perspectives on Health and Medicines
• Quality Issues in Complementary Therapies that Utilise Plants
• Advanced Therapeutic Delivery Sciences
• Business Studies for Pharmacists

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Medicine 

All of the students on this course who fulfil the eligibility criteria are guaranteed an interview with the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) if they want to pursue a degree in medicine.

Two versions of the scheme are available: the first allows you to transfer after year 1, and the second allows you to transfer after your final year. Both require you to take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in the year you apply.

Entry requirements (after year 1)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.0 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• AAA at A-level, all obtained in one sitting (both chemistry and biology need to be passed at A-level with grade A; neither General Studies nor Critical Thinking are acceptable)
• If you took the International Baccalaureate, 36 overall with grade 6 in Higher level chemistry and biology
• Excellent term 1 class attendance record
• A 70% average for term 1 modules

Entry requirements (after the final year)

• GCSE grade B or equivalent in maths and English
• If English is not your first language, an overall IELTS score of 7.5 with at least 7.0 in all sections
• A 70% average for year 3 modules

You also need to:

• take the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) in your year of application
• make a UCAS application to BSMS by 15 October in your year of application
• show evidence of healthcare-related work experience in your UCAS personal statement and
• have an excellent record of class attendance and assignment submission by deadline (if applying after final year).

Facilities

Your learning is supported by access to a range of specialist facilities:

• High field NMR
• Time-of-flight high resolution and ion-trap ESI-mass spectrometry
• UV/Vis, near infra-red, mid infra-red, Raman spectrophotometry
• Fluorimetry
• HPLC
• GLC
• Particle size and zeta potential
• Rheometry; Differental scanning calorimetry
• UV/Vis plate readers
• Tablet press
• Dosage form evaluation equipment including dissolution, disintegration apparatus
• Twin stage and multistage liquid impingers
• Texture analysis

Specialist pharmacology equipment:

• Ultracentrifuge
• Autoclaves
• Electrophysiology equipment
• Microscopy suite including electron, confocal and atomic force microscopy
• Tissue culture suite
• Histology facilities
• Clinical Skills Laboratory with simulated patient mannequins (SimMan) and clinical dummies (Resusci Anne)

Staff profile

Elaine Sharp

Senior lecturer in pharmacy practice

"My background is in clinical pharmacy practice. I worked as an NHS hospital pharmacist for many years and during that time specialised in both paediatrics and medicines information. I recently became a full-time lecturer here at the University of Brighton, but I still retain a small clinical commitment with one of the local hospitals.

"On the MPharm degree I teach on various cases including those that involve paediatric patients and legal and ethical issues around medicinal products and medicines supply and also on clinical topics such as gastroenterology and diabetes.

"I have been able to bring my clinical and professional experience to my teaching and research. The fact that the school has such close links with practice means you can learn about very relevant and real-life aspects of medicines use and patient care."

Information for international students

All international students from outside the European Economic Area who graduate with an MPharm from a UK university must apply for a visa in order to work in the UK (ie to undertake their pre-registration training).

Information on visa options that may be suitable for the pre-registration training year can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website. You may want to consider whether applying for Tier 2 or Tier 5 sponsorship may be suitable for your particular circumstances.

Please note, however, that the UK Visas and Immigration website provides the most up-to-date information, and it is possible that there may be changes to visa and/or immigration policy by the time you start your pre-registration training – particularly in light of the recent government response to the Migration and Advisory Committee Tier 2 report. (See also: 'Sponsor a Tier 2 or 5 worker: guidance for employers'.)

You should be aware that it may not be possible to obtain a visa for the pre-registration year, so there is no guarantee you will be able to stay in the UK to complete your training.

For further guidance on visas for the pre-registration year, please contact our international student advisers. You can also contact the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), either by telephone on 0845 257 2570 or by email at support@rpharms.com.

Location

Campus where this course is taught

Accommodation

Maps

Accommodation

University building

Moulsecoomb campus map