Frequently asked questions
We have answered some of your MPharm Pharmacy undergraduate questions. If you need more information please email us at Pharmacy_Enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk
We offer two MPharm courses:
Jump ahead to a specific topic:
Please find below a more detailed list of entry requirements for the MPharm courses:
| A level |
AAB, to include chemistry and another science from biology or physics or maths. Third A level open (excluding citizen studies etc). No specified grade order. |
| Predicated grades |
We will consider ABB/BBB, but our offer is AAB.
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| Widening Participation (WP) candidates |
Consistent with University of Nottingham WP policy will receive an offer one grade lower – ABB.
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| Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) |
We don’t make a reduced offer, but this is under review. We put emphasis on the core A-levels and for the MPharm interview. The extensive literature review required for the EPQ can help a candidate prepare for the interview and the independent study which is important for all UG degrees.
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| International Baccalaureate (IB) |
34 with 6,6,5 in three Higher Level subjects including 6 in Higher Level chemistry and 6 or 5 in one of Higher Level maths, biology, or physics or Higher Level maths, biology, or physics.
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| Access to HE |
45 credits at level 3. 15+ credits in chemistry at Distinction; Remaining credits to include biology or maths or physics at mainly Distinction level.
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| BTEC Nationals |
First teaching 2016. Offer DDD/M and ideally to include optional units in organic chemistry. |
| Foundation year courses |
Must have defined progression pathway to pharmacy or possibly other healthcare related courses. Offer 70% overall, to include 70% in chemistry and another science or maths module. |
Check our country-specific information for guidance on qualifications from your country.
Other academic qualification considerations
GCSE English and Maths:
- Grade 5/B or above for both subjects for MPharm
IELTS:
- 7.0 overall, with no element less than 6.0 in any element
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Specific work experience in pharmacy or a research/industry lab is not required, but if you are able to get some experience it can help you with your decisions and understanding of these professions.
Your statement should:
- for pharmacy – reflect an interest in pharmacy or science of medicine and working as a healthcare professional
For MPharm students we will consider Medicine and Dentistry applicants; It does not matter if you have applied for other courses or what choice number you have made – if you meet all the entry requirements then we will consider you.
Candidates can switch between the MPharm 4 and 5 year courses at any point during the application cycle and up to year 2-3 after starting the course. Switching from the MPharm to the Pharmaceutical Courses is possible during the application cycle, but once the courses have started is less straightforward.
- from MPharm to Pharmaceutical Sciences course we will require discussion with the course director and a revised personal statement
- from Pharmaceutical Sciences to MPharm course we will require you passing the MPharm interview and possibly a revised personal statement
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All candidates for the MPharm course must participate in and pass our interview for the offer (AAB or equivalent) to be confirmed. The interview is a multi-mini interview format formed of several five minute discussions between the candidate and a member of staff. Topics may include:
- Interest in and motivation to study pharmacy
- Communication skills
- Knowledge of the pharmacy profession and different sectors
- Situational judgement tests/scenarios around ethics, professional values
- How a medicine works and the underlying chemistry
- Calculations – quantities, drug dosage
You will be given prior notice via email when your interview will be and some general information on how to prepare. You don’t need to do extensive revision or preparation – we are looking for good enthusiasm and motivation to study pharmacy.
The interview pass rate is around 80%
Number of applications
We routinely receive 1200+ applications for the MPharm courses. All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements are invited to participate on the interview.
Achieved results and 'near misses' considerations
For conditional firm offer holders we hope that you meet or exceed our offer, but we will offer some flexibility on near misses. Typically this is one grade lower, dependent on numbers of firm offer holders and overall exam results.
We do consider each candidate individually, including taking into consideration any supporting information that might have affected exam results to make an informed, transparent decision.
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Course structure
The MPharm courses are taught in teaching blocks (previously known as modules) which are fully integrated across the courses. Please look at our prospectus pages:
Contact time
The amount of time you'll have in contact for teaching and learning is around 25 hours per week. As a guide, one credit equals approximately 10 hours of work. You will spend around half of your time in lectures, tutorials, workshops, case-studies, practical classes and placements. The remaining time will be completed as independent study to complement your understanding of the topics being taught.
Tutor groups
All students are assigned to a personal tutor, who is a member of academic staff teaching on the courses. Each tutor has a group comprimising of 4 to 5 students. You stay together in this tutor group throughout the course.
Tutorial sessions are scheduled into the timetable and you have at least 5 sessions (you can also request additional meetings with your tutor) over the academic year. These sessions are a mix of group and individual discussions. They focus on a range of topics from general discussion about the course, teaching, university life and discussion of exam results. Your tutor can also help with job applications, CVs and references.
Teaching methods and materials
Our course involves a mix of lectures, practical’s, lab work, workshops, tutorials, seminars, case studies, placements, small group team work. We include a range of digital and learning formats too. This includes interactive enagegment sessions with staff and students.
Most teaching materials, including lectures, practical scripts, case studies etc. are available online before the teaching session. Most teaching sessions, in particular lectures are recorded and available to all students enrolled on the module/course. We currently use Moodle and Echo 360/Engage for teaching materials and recordings.
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In each year of the course you will go on professional placements. The majority of placements are in Nottinghamshire. You may also be allocated to placements in Derbyshire and Leicestershire. All placements are accessible by public transport.
Placements are structured into the timetable and will vary according to each teaching block. You can expect to undertake placements in a variety of healthcare settings such as community pharmacies, hospital and GP practices. You will also undertake 'insight' placements in different settings and interprofessional education placements (IPE) where you work with students on other healthcare courses such as medicine and nursing.
For more information on placements please see the Pharmacy Placements webpage.
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The main opportunity to study abroad is through the University of Nottingham Malaysia 2+2 MPharm course. This is the same course as in the UK, and staff from Malaysia and Nottingham do teach on both courses. For UK students there is an opportunity to study year 2 of the MPharm in Malaysia for a semester or a full academic year. There is a reduction in fees and saving on cost of living. To take up this opportunity students must be marinating an average of 55%+ in year 1.
There are also study abroad opportunities in year 3 of the course and the research project. These are more ad hoc, but students have undertaken projects in Europe and as far afield as Australia and Canada.
You’ll pay a reduced tuition fee for the time that you’re abroad. The University also offers a range of funding opportunities, as well as external funding being available.
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What job roles are available at the School of Pharmacy?
Listen to Mr Gautam Paul discussing a variety of roles with a pharmacy degree.
Careers with a MPharm degree could lead you into areas such as:
- Hospital and community settings such as a pharmactist or technician
- Marketing, Research and Development specifically in areas related to manufacturing, drug discovery, patenting and licencing, regulations etc.
- Military and Rescue roles
- Medical law roles
- Vertinary pharmacy
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There is common fundamental science that underpins both courses, but they offer different career paths and opportunities.
The MPharm is an accredited degree and is absolutely required to become a registered pharmacist. MPharm is mostly patient facing involving direct interactions with the patient and other healthcare professionals, looking after the needs and wellbeing of the patient.
Pharmaceutical Sciences is more research and industry focussed, supporting healthcare, but having little or no direct contact with patients or healthcare professionals.
If you can get experience in a pharmacy or research/industry lab this can help you with your decision on which course and career is best for you. You can also look at the following resources:
Pharmacy:
Pharmaceutical Sciences:
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Our student vlogs by Seungeun and Amaifiok show us what it's like studying MPharm, food shopping, placements and their hobbies.
Maintaining a work/life balance
Maintaining a healthy work/life balance at university is important. You will be expected to spend time outside of scheduled sessions on your academic studies.
Planning your week in advance to ensure you can manage your time effectively between both studies and social activities can be useful especially when there are upcoming deadlines.
The career service
When preparing and searching for placements the careers service offer lots of support. There are sessions run by the careers service which are tailored towards finding placements within the pharmaceutical industry.
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PharmSoc - What is it? Why join?
It is a society available for all students within the School of Pharmacy. Joining the society will give you the opportunity to meet other pharmacy/pharmaceutical sciences students from different years, which you may not usually interact with.
They organise a number of academic and social events throughout the year.
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All on campus accommodation is catered; there are several room types available. Breakfast and Evening meals are served in your hall and £25 allowance (per week) on your university card to spend in outlets on campus.
There are several off-campus accommodation options, which are self-catered; Broadgate Park is the closest self-catered accommodation from University Park campus.
Find out more about your accommodation options.
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