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05th August 2022
Study for a masters or doctorate in pharmacy and propel your skills to the next level – whether that be in research or the workplace. This guide takes you through the postgraduate study options for pharmacy.
CONTENTS
A postgraduate pharmacy course will develop your understanding of how to deliver high-quality patient care in the pharmacy environment. Courses are suitable for skilled pharmacists and graduates from related areas.
You'll enhance your drug knowledge and clinical skills in various therapeutic areas, such as dermatology, oncology and metabolism. You’ll learn how to:
You’ll also build a strong awareness of the role pharmacy has within our national healthcare system.
A master's or doctorate pharmacy degree will greatly advance your pharmacy career. You’ll have the opportunity to specialise in certain areas and take part in practical placements, which will boost your career prospects.
Courses are often approved by, or are in line with frameworks set by, organisations like the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
Alongside expert clinical skills, you’ll build transferable skills such as:
Qualification options include masters, doctorates, certificates and diplomas in pharmacy. Each has a slightly different focus and style of teaching.
Taught masters in pharmacy
The most common pharmacy masters is the Master of Science (MSc). It’s a taught course where you spend time learning from qualified professionals and tutors in various practical environments.
Research in pharmacy
Pharmacy doctorate options include Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm). These are research programmes where you undertake independent research projects with guidance from supervisors and registered pharmacists.
Certificates and diplomas in pharmacy
Postgraduate certificates (PGCert) and postgraduate diplomas (PGDip) are similar, but shorter versions of an MSc. Qualified practitioners often choose a PGCert or PGDip to help in their current careers, without having to commit to a full masters.
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What are postgraduate degrees
Most masters graduates go into roles as clinical pharmacists or continue their studies and gain a doctorate in pharmacy.
Students often continue as researchers, scientists or medical writers, as academics or in the pharmaceutical industry.
Employers include organisations like:
To qualify for a master’s course, you’ll usually need:
MSc – bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with upper second-class honours (2:1) in a subject relevant to pharmacy
Depending on the course and university, you might need relevant work experience or to submit a research proposal. Health and background checks might also be required, especially if your course involves working with the public.
For other postgraduate courses, you’ll usually need:
Examples of postgraduate degrees in pharmacy on offer in the UK:
Areas you could be taught in or choose to focus your research on include:
If you’re on a taught course (MSc/PGCert/PGDip), you could learn through lectures, seminars, practical sessions, clinical placements, group work and workshops. Assessment could be through coursework, case studies, clinical portfolios, research projects, presentations and exams.
On a research degree (MPhil/PhD/DPharm), you’ll work with a supervisory team but receive less support than on a taught course. You’ll be assessed on an independent research project (thesis) and an oral exam (viva).
It depends on your chosen course, and many courses are available part time to suit those already working professionally. Generally, full-time courses last:
Part-time courses can last twice as long.
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