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Pharmacist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are experts in medicines and their use. They work in a variety of settings such as community pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their main responsibilities include dispensing prescriptions, advising patients and healthcare professionals about safe and effective use of medicines, and providing health advice on topics such as vaccinations, smoking cessation, and healthy living. Pharmacists are also involved in managing repeat prescriptions and sometimes carry out health checks or screening services. To become a pharmacist in the UK, you will need to complete a Master of Pharmacy degree (MPharm), followed by a one-year pre-registration training and passing the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration assessment.

Pharmacist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

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

Number of Pharmacists

There are over 60,000 registered pharmacists in the UK as of 2023.

Job Outlook

The demand for pharmacists is expected to grow by 7 per cent by 2030, particularly in community and hospital settings.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Hospital Pharmacist

A pharmacist who works in a hospital setting, preparing and dispensing medicines for patients and advising medical staff on the safe and effective use of medicines.

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Community Pharmacist

A pharmacist who works in a high street pharmacy, advising customers on minor health concerns, dispensing prescriptions, and providing health services such as vaccinations.

Clinical Pharmacist in General Practice

A pharmacist who works alongside doctors in GP surgeries, helping to manage medicines for patients, carrying out medication reviews, and supporting people with long-term conditions.

Achieve Strong Academic Foundations

Complete GCSEs with Science Focus

Work towards achieving good grades in GCSEs, especially in science subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.

Most pharmacy courses require at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including English, Maths, and Sciences. Strong science results will help you meet entry requirements for A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

Study Relevant A-levels

Choose A-levels (or equivalent) in Chemistry and at least one other science subject, such as Biology, Physics, or Mathematics.

Most universities require Chemistry at A-level and one other science or maths subject for entry onto a pharmacy degree course. Check the specific requirements of universities you are interested in.

Obtain a Master of Pharmacy Degree

Apply for Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) Course

Apply to study a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited MPharm degree at university, usually lasting four years.

Look for universities that are accredited by the GPhC, as this is essential for your future registration as a pharmacist. Use UCAS to apply and make sure you tailor your personal statement to demonstrate your interest in pharmacy.

Complete the MPharm Degree

Successfully complete the four-year MPharm degree, which combines theory, practical skills, and placements.

The MPharm course covers pharmaceutical science, clinical practice, law, and ethics. You will also complete practical placements in real pharmacy settings, which give you valuable hands-on experience.

Gain Professional Registration

Undertake a Foundation Training Year

After your degree, complete a one-year paid foundation training placement (pre-registration year) in a pharmacy setting.

The foundation training year allows you to work under supervision and develop practical skills. You must demonstrate key competencies during this year and keep a training portfolio. The placement can be in a community, hospital, or industrial pharmacy.

Pass the GPhC Registration Assessment

Sit and pass the General Pharmaceutical Council registration assessment at the end of your foundation training year.

The registration assessment tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you are ready to practise safely and effectively as a pharmacist. Revision courses and guidance are available to help you prepare.

Register as a Pharmacist

Apply to join the GPhC register to become a fully qualified pharmacist in the UK.

Once registered, you can practise as a pharmacist in community, hospital, or other pharmacy sectors. Continuing professional development (CPD) is required throughout your career to keep your registration active.

🎯 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.

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Career Progressions

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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.

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