Year of entry
- 2026
UCAS code
- B230
Duration of study
- 4 years
Pharmacy - MPharm
Course summary
Our four-year evidence-based, patient-centred programme combines innovative learning experiences such as augmented reality with increased opportunities to practise your clinical skills. On successful completion of the course you will have exciting career opportunities in primary care, secondary care, community pharmacies and many other areas of practice.
Why study Pharmacy at Keele University?
Top 20 in England for Pharmacy (Guardian University Guide, 2025) Approximately 30 weeks of placement experience - one of the highest for Pharmacy students in the UK Our innovative and engaging teaching and learning experiences include virtual patients, a 3D lecture theatre and clinical skills suite Studying alongside students from a variety of our healthcare courses will build your understanding of other medical professions and prepare you for your future working environment
Course overview
Pharmacy at Keele enables you to develop the values and attitudes required of a pharmacist. Pharmacists play a key role in the different aspects of medicine design, development and delivery, ensuring the safe and appropriate supply and administration of medicines.
Key pharmacy skills
How medicines treat medical conditions and discovering how the body works are just some of the features of our Pharmacy programme. Prescribing and clinical skills are a key component of the course alongside developing important communication skills so you can confidently engage with patients and work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
You will develop a solid foundation in areas such as biology and chemistry and build on these progressively throughout each academic year. You will explore key themes such as pharmacology where you will learn how drugs work within the body, and you'll also cover pharmaceutics where you will focus on formulating drugs in ways that can be administered to a patient. You will explore therapeutic areas which concentrate on medical conditions, how they are diagnosed and monitored and what treatments should be used to effectively manage them.
You will study the current legal framework for pharmacy and develop your ethical reasoning to enable you to act in the best interests of patients such as the emergency supply of medicines.
Engaging with patients
A successful pharmacist engages with patients skilfully through careful listening and provision of evidence based advice. The role of the pharmacist is multi-faceted, you will need to confidently provide advice, deal with sensitive subject areas, signpost people to additional services and provide guidance on how patients should administer their medication. You will also interact with carers, other service users and a wide range of healthcare professionals.
As a healthcare professional you will also seek to promote healthy lifestyles with individuals which may involve initiating challenging conversations about health issues in society like weight management or alcohol consumption. We nurture you to develop those pivotal communication skills so you can manage these discussions in a confident, sensitive and effective manner.
Strengthening your employability
Placements
You will be able to experience the role of a pharmacist in a wide range of settings over the four years of the MPharm. This will include approximately 30 weeks of placements (higher than the sector average) in the community, primary care and hospital settings. Placement learning will be integrated with your theoretical studies on campus to enable you to achieve all of your learning outcomes and make informed decisions about your future career aspirations. Your placements will form an increasingly large component of your studies over the duration of your four years at Keele.
Student support
We provide you with a supportive educational environment and at the beginning of the programme, you will be allocated an academic mentor who will provide academic advice and guidance.
During your first and second year you are assigned a professional portfolio supervisor to encourage your professional development. Your professional portfolio supervisor will be a registered healthcare professional in either pharmacy or medicine. You will also benefit from peer support from a current student who is currently in year three or four.
Our Faculty Student Experience and Support team offer guidance and advice and gives one to one support to students within the School of Allied Health Professions and Pharmacy.
There is additional help available from the School's Disability Liaison Officer who provides an extra layer of assistance for all students, particularly for those who have additional support requirements.
You can also access plenty of student advice and support services at Keele including;
- Learning Support and Academic Guidance
- Disability Support and Inclusion
- English Language Unit
- Student Advice at Keele (ASK)
- Student Support Services
- Occupational Health Department
Specialist facilities
We use a range of innovative methods and 21st century technology to give you the best opportunities to learn authentic pharmacist skills. Our facilities include a 3D lecture theatre, virtual and augmented reality facilities, and a clinical skills suite to aid development of your hard and soft skills.
Augmented reality software
We use a range of innovative methods of teaching and 21st century technology to give you the best opportunities to learn authentic pharmacist skills, including our Keele Augmented Reality Environment (KARE). This innovative tool will enable you to explore virtual patient cases, including the prescribing of medicines, in a safe environment. Through KARE, you can practice pivotal communication skills and learn how to manage patient scenarios effectively. It’s a valuable resource that bridges theory and practice, arming you with the clinical skills you will require during your career as a pharmacist..
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.
Central Science Laboratories
Our state-of-the-art laboratories are equipped with industrial research grade analytical and laboratory equipment that you will use in some of your teaching.
Course structure
Modules for Pharmacy
The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are prone to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.
"My journey at Keele has been an incredible experience, with the School 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 the School have instilled in me."
Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework
Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.
Additional opportunities
There are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.
Entry requirements
These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.
Typical offer
Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.
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.
Contextual Offer: BBB 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.
Contextual Offer: BTEC Extended Diploma not included.
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.
Contextual Offer: 555 in three Higher Levels including 5 in Biology or Chemistry, or 31 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 Career-Related 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.
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
14 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate including 14 in Chemistry / Physics or Biology, or 13 in the Baccalauréat Français International including 13 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 Principal Level 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).
NCUK
Pass NCUK Foundation Year with ABB including B in Chemistry or Biology.
Grade A in EAP English Language module.
You will also need: 6 / B in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.
Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education
ABB in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education including B in Biology or Chemistry.
You will also need: 4 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).
Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE
ABB in three Advanced Level subjects 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).
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 our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group D.
Alternative and contextual offers
We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.
General information
The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.
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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."
Fees and funding
Tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year
- UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
- International: Band 5, £24,900 for the 2025/26 academic year
Please note, our 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.
For Home students, the University's fees are regulated by the UK Government and may be subject to change in subsequent years of your course in-line with government policy or legal requirements. For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPI, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.
For details of our international fee bands visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page.
Going to university can be daunting as well as exciting. It's important to understand the costs and financial support available.
Our Student Financial Support team offers confidential advice and guidance to help you manage your money, resolve issues with Student Finance, create a budget, explore your options if you're facing financial hardship, and access any funding you are eligible for, such as bursaries and scholarships.
For more information visit our undergraduate fees and funding pages.
Your future career
Upon graduation from this course you will be required to complete a statutory one year Foundation training year and the General Pharmaceutical Council’s registration assessment to be able to qualify to practice as a pharmacist. From 2025 onwards, graduates will enter Foundation Year training which will result in registration as both a pharmacist and an independent prescriber.
You will graduate with a portfolio of skills that will enable you to work in a wide range of careers in the industry. You could progress to careers as a;
- Hospital Pharmacist
- Community Pharmacist
- GP Practice Pharmacist
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Higher Education Lecturer
- Regulatory Affairs Officer
- Product Development
- Science Writer
- Industrial Pharmacist
Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business and much more.
Teaching, learning and assessment
A variety of teaching methods are used on the programme including large group teaching sessions, workshops, lectures, seminars, and and tutorials. Practical classes support the improvement of your scientific, and professional skills.
Teaching is complemented by an extensive programme of one-to-one mentoring by healthcare professionals, clinical placements, and regular opportunities to interact with simulated and ‘real’ patients.
In your programme you will sometimes be expected to role play and engage in simulated clinical scenarios with other students, such as the practice and observation of practical skills in physical contact with other students. For some specific practices, this may necessitate modification of dress - e.g., to shorts and t-shirt. These activities will be conducted in a professional, safe, respectful and culturally sensitive way, under the supervision of academic staff, according to a defined protocol.
Assessment methods
A wide variety of assessment methods are used during the course. During each academic year you will experience a range of assessment types from formal examinations to laboratory practicals and coursework, and skills-based assignments. You will also complete a professional development portfolio and there are competency based assessments to assess areas including how you counsel patients and checking your clinical abilities.
Foundation year
Foundation year overview
Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.
This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.
On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.
Student life at Keele is vibrant, diverse, and packed with opportunities to make the most of your time at university.
We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.
Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.