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Pharmacist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are experts in medicines and how they are used to treat illnesses. In the UK, pharmacists work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, and pharmaceutical companies. Their main duties involve dispensing prescriptions, advising patients and healthcare professionals on the safe and effective use of medicines, and providing health advice such as flu vaccinations and blood pressure checks. Pharmacists also play a crucial role in ensuring that patients receive the correct medication and dosage, managing repeat prescriptions, and checking for possible drug interactions. To become a pharmacist in the UK, you need to complete a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), followed by a year of pre-registration training and passing the GPhC registration assessment. Pharmacists need strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of science, especially chemistry and biology. The profession is highly respected and offers opportunities for progression into management, specialist clinical roles, research, or teaching.

Pharmacist

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📊 Statistics

Average Starting Salary

Newly qualified pharmacists in the NHS typically earn between £32,306 and £39,027 per year, based on Agenda for Change pay bands.

Experienced Salary Range

With experience, pharmacists can earn between £41,659 and £47,672, while consultant pharmacists can earn up to £70,000 or more.

Number of Registered Pharmacists

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

🚀 Careers in this path

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Hospital Pharmacist

Works within a hospital setting, advising on and dispensing medicines for patients and supporting doctors and nurses with medication management.

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Community Pharmacist

Based in local pharmacies or chemists, providing advice to the public on health issues, dispensing prescriptions, and offering health services such as flu vaccinations.

Clinical Trials Pharmacist

Specialises in managing and supplying medicines used in clinical trials, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations during medical research.

Achieve Strong Academic Foundations

Study Science Subjects at School

Focus on subjects like Chemistry, Biology, and Maths at GCSE and A level (or equivalent).

Most pharmacy degree courses will require A levels (or equivalent) in Chemistry and often Biology, with high grades. Maths or Physics can also be helpful. Research specific university requirements to ensure you are taking the right subjects and achieving the grades needed.

Gain Relevant Work Experience

Seek work experience in a pharmacy or healthcare setting, either through part-time work, volunteering, or shadowing.

Spending time in a community or hospital pharmacy will give you valuable insight into the profession and strengthen your university applications. Contact local pharmacies or hospitals to ask if they offer placements or shadowing opportunities.

Complete Required Higher Education

Apply for an MPharm Degree

Enrol on a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree at university.

The MPharm is a four-year full-time course that covers pharmaceutical science, clinical practice, and patient care. Check entry requirements for individual universities, as they can vary. Apply through UCAS and prepare for interviews if required.

Undertake a Pre-registration Training Year

After graduating, complete a one-year paid pre-registration placement in a community, hospital, or industrial pharmacy.

This year is supervised and provides practical experience in all aspects of pharmacy. You will need to secure a placement, often during your final year at university, and pass the GPhC registration assessment at the end of the year.

Register and Begin Your Career

Register as a Pharmacist

Successfully pass the GPhC registration assessment and register as a qualified pharmacist.

Once registered, you are legally able to practise as a pharmacist in the UK. Maintain your registration by completing continuing professional development (CPD) each year.

Seek Employment and Continue Professional Development

Apply for jobs in community, hospital, or specialist pharmacy roles, and take opportunities for further training.

Pharmacists can work in a range of settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, GP surgeries, or industry. You can also specialise in areas such as clinical pharmacy, research, or education. Continuing education and training will help you progress in your chosen field.

🎯 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

No career progressions found for Pharmacist

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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