What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacy courses teach students how to be experts on medicines and their functions. It involves knowledge and understanding of the chemistry and pharmacology of medicines as well as the biology, pathology and diagnosis of disease. In Pharmacy courses, students will be exposed to how medicines are formulated and manufactured including how medicines are absorbed in the body and eliminated. Students will also learn how to communicate effectively with patients to ensure patients consistently receive the best possible care.
What Are The Disciplines of Pharmacy?
Pharmaceutics | the study of the process of turning a new chemical entity or old drugs into a medication to be used safely and effectively by patients. |
Medicinal Chemistry | the study of drug discovery and development with efficiency and safety. |
Pharmacognosy | the study of plants or other natural sources as a possible source of drugs. |
Pharmacy Practice | the practice of pharmacists in-depth research trials, surveys of new drugs and novel therapeutic approaches. |
Pharmacology | the study of the branch of medicine regarding the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs. |
How To Become A Pharmacist?
After completing your SPM or IGCSE, you would need to study a pre-university program which would take 1-2 years to complete. Upon completion of your pre-university program you can then proceed to study Bachelor of Pharmacy, which typically takes up to 4 years to complete. After you have graduated, you will need to complete training for one year and spend another year doing compulsory service at a training premise that is recognised by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia. There will also be an examination within the training period called Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.
To sum it up, it will take around 6 years for you to be a Fully Registered Pharmacist (FRP).
Here’s the visual summary:
Why Study Pharmacy in The UK?
1. Obtain a Masters Degree without a Bachelor's Degree
With a duration of 4 years, the UK pharmacy degree is called the MPharm. Since there is no UK equivalent of BPharm, the 4 years of study qualifies students with a Masters degree (MPharm), without graduating with a Bachelor’s degree beforehand.
2. Modern and Applicable
Among the subjects offered at the universities in the UK, study and research of medicinal drugs is leading in modern applications. The extensive use of workshops and educational innovations throughout the program proves that the teaching styles are modern as well.
3. Internationally recognised
Each MPharm is quality assured by its own University and also the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the independent regulator of the profession of pharmacy in the UK. The GPhC accreditation provides assurance that every graduate of every UK MPharm degree meets educational standards.
What Are The General Entry Requirements to Study Pharmacy in The UK?
IB score | Minimum 34 points with six higher level points in Chemistry and other science subjects (Biology, Physics, Psychology or Maths). |
STPM/ A Level | AAB in three subjects including Chemistry and one other science or mathematics subject. *If you are taking a GCE A level in a science subject, you will need to pass any separate science practical endorsement. |
IELTS | 7.0 (no less than 6.0 in any element) |
(Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.)
*The requirements may vary among universities
Which Are The Top Universities to Study Pharmacy in the UK 2020? (Recognized by Pharmacy Board Malaysia)
1. Queen's University Belfast
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £20,800 |
2. University of Portsmouth
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £16,400 |
3. De Montfort University Leicester
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £14,250 |
4. University of Manchester
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £24,000 |
5. University of East Anglia
Program Duration | 4 years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Annual Fee 2020 | £20,200 |
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Nurul Nadira
I am an English undergraduate student who reads and listens to bands.