Frequently asked questions
We have answered some of your MPharm Pharmacy undergraduate questions. If you need more information please visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk/enquiry
We offer one MPharm course:
Jump ahead to a specific topic:
See the MPharm course prospectus for more information on entry requirements and how to apply.
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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.
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 (see prospectus) 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.
For further information see MPharm interview process.
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Course structure
The MPharm course is taught in teaching blocks (previously known as modules) which are fully integrated across the course. Please look at our prospectus pages:
Contact time
The amount of time you'll have in contact for teaching and learning is around 20 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 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.
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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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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Find out more about your accommodation options.
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