MPharm Pharmacy with Preparatory Year at University of Reading

Programme overview

A five-year MPharm that includes a foundation preparatory year leading directly into the four-year MPharm Pharmacy course. The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council and includes placements in hospital, community and GP settings.

Duration: Full time: 5 years (including a preparatory year) | Study mode: full-time (integrated master's) | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

The preparatory year covers Essential Foundation Chemistry 1 and 2, Foundation Biology 1 and 2, Academic and Scientific Skills for Global Challenges and Foundation in Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences. Later years cover Professional Practice 1-4, Clinical Therapeutics 1-5, Fundamentals of Pharmaceutical Science, Introduction to Medicines Design and Research Skills, with optional modules in the final year.

Career pathways

94% of Reading School of Pharmacy graduates are in work or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2023/24), and pharmacy courses are ranked 5th in the UK for graduate salary (Telegraph analysis of DfE data, 2025). Placements take place in community pharmacies, GP surgeries and hospitals.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A level: BCC for applicants holding MPharm-aligned subjects (B in any subject, minimum C in Chemistry and one other science); ABB for applicants without MPharm-aligned subjects. Acceptable sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Psychology, Geography, Environmental Studies, Applied Science, Geology, Computer Science, ICT. IB: 26 points with HL Chemistry and another science, or 32 points otherwise. BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM with the four specified Applied Science (2016) chemistry units, otherwise DDM. GCSE: grade 4 (C) in Science if not studying sciences at A level. Interview required. Self-declarations, Enhanced DBS check, occupational health questionnaire, declaration of health and up-to-date vaccinations (MMR, varicella, tuberculosis); Fitness to Practise Regulations apply. Progression from the preparatory year to Year 1 requires meeting the programme-specification academic requirements. English language: IELTS 6.5 with no component below 6.0.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Foundation (preparatory) year fee for 2027/28; home fee subject to annual increases in subsequent years. Source

International applicants: GBP 23,850 a year (2027/28). Foundation year fee for 2027/28, then rising to the standard course fee (£31,800 for 2027/28) for the rest of the bachelor's-level study. Source

Duration: 5 years full-time

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