Creating Career Path...

Finding Further Careers...

Healthcare

Pharmacist

View this career for different education levels:

Primary Secondary Post-16

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are experts in medicines and their use. In the UK, pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their main responsibilities include dispensing prescriptions, advising patients and healthcare staff on the safe use of medicines, and ensuring that medication is stored and handled correctly. Pharmacists also provide health advice, carry out health screenings, and deliver vaccination services. To become a pharmacist in the UK, you need to complete a Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm), followed by a one-year pre-registration training and registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Pharmacist

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Pharmacists in the UK typically earn between £32,000 and £45,000 per year, with experienced pharmacists and those in managerial roles earning up to £60,000 or more.

Employment Numbers

There are over 58,000 registered pharmacists in the United Kingdom as of 2023.

Job Growth

The demand for pharmacists is expected to grow by around 5 percent between 2022 and 2030, particularly in community and hospital settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Hospital Pharmacist

Works within a hospital setting to prepare and dispense medicines, advise healthcare staff, and ensure the safe and effective use of medication for patients.

Flag Media

Please select a reason for flagging this content.

Community Pharmacist

Works in a high street or local pharmacy, providing advice on medicines, dispensing prescriptions, and offering health services such as flu vaccinations.

Clinical Pharmacist in General Practice

Based in a GP surgery, supporting doctors and nurses by reviewing prescriptions, advising on treatments, and helping patients manage long-term conditions.

Achieve Strong Academic Foundations

Study Relevant GCSEs

Focus on achieving good GCSE grades, especially in science subjects such as chemistry, biology, and maths.

Most pharmacy degree programmes require at least five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English, maths, and science. Excelling in these subjects will give you a solid foundation for A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Take Appropriate A-levels or Equivalent

Choose A-levels (or equivalent qualifications such as Scottish Highers) in chemistry and at least one other science subject.

A-level chemistry is essential for entry into most pharmacy degree programmes. Biology, maths, or physics are also highly valued. Aim for high grades, as pharmacy courses are competitive.

Gain a Pharmacy Degree

Apply for an MPharm Degree

Apply to study a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree at an accredited UK university.

The MPharm is a four-year undergraduate degree approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You will study topics such as pharmacology, chemistry, clinical practice, and law. Research universities to find the course that best suits you.

Complete the MPharm Course

Successfully complete all four years of the MPharm degree, including any practical placements.

Your studies will include lectures, laboratory work, and placements in real pharmacy settings. This hands-on experience is essential for developing your skills and understanding the profession.

Undertake Pre-Registration Training and Registration

Complete Pre-Registration Placement

Undertake a one-year paid pre-registration placement in a community, hospital, or primary care pharmacy.

During this year, you will work under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist to gain practical experience and develop your professional skills. You will keep a portfolio of your work and complete assessments.

Pass the GPhC Registration Assessment

Sit and pass the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration assessment at the end of your pre-registration year.

The assessment tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you are ready to practise as a pharmacist. You must pass this exam to register as a pharmacist in the UK.

Register as a Pharmacist

Apply for registration with the GPhC to become a fully qualified pharmacist.

Once you have passed the assessment and completed your training, you can apply to join the GPhC register. You are then legally allowed to practise as a pharmacist in the UK.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Pharmacist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through a university course.

University

To become a pharmacist, you'll need to complete a master's of pharmacy (MPharm) degree, approved by the General Pharmaceutical Council which takes 4 years. 

You'll then need to complete the pharmacist foundation training scheme which takes 1 year.

If you do not have the qualifications to get onto a master's of pharmacy degree, you could do a pharmacy foundation degree which takes 2 years.

You could then take a job as a pharmacy assistant or pharmacy technician and apply to join the master's degree in its second year.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry

More Information

More Information

Registration

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a pharmacist from Health Careers and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Interested in More Career Paths?

Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.

Browse All Careers Generate New Career Path

Stay connected

Join our newsletter to stay up to date on features and releases

Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK

Phone
01603 273515

Email
[email protected]

Developing Experts

LessonsAboutResearchReportingPlans & Pricing

Legal

GDPRPrivacy PolicyTerms and ConditionsCookie Policy

Contact Us

Get in touchRequest SubscriptionChildren's CodeAbout UsCareers

Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.