Pharmacists are experts in the field of drugs and medicines, and many now prescribe medicines independently of a doctor. They may be involved in any aspect of drug/medicines preparation and use, from discovery to supply to the patient, while many have a role in optimising drug therapy. This means that qualified pharmacists have a wide choice of career options in hospitals and community practice, industry and research in the UK or elsewhere in the world.

On this four-year programme you will learn about the discovery and development of new drugs; about their chemical, physicochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties; you will study the clinical uses of medicines and the role of the pharmacist in relation to other healthcare professions. You will learn about the underlying pathophysiology of many human diseases, and how the use of medicines can halt, slow the progression of, or reverse disease processes. You will study in a thriving intellectual environment, alongside leading research laboratories, and a variety of postgraduate and professional courses in the pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy.

The programme is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and draws on the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) subject benchmark for pharmacy.  After completing our MPharm degree, you will be in a position to apply for the pre-registration year. Once this pre-registration year has been completed successfully, you will be eligible to become a qualified pharmacist. The MPharm will also prepare you for other career avenues in health, science or education. 

The Cardiff School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is one of the long-established pharmacy schools in the UK, and retains a strong and supportive 'family' atmosphere.  It is based in its own Redwood Building, named after the first professor of pharmacy in the UK.

Distinctive features

Undertaking the Mpharm at Cardiff University means studying at one of the top schools of Pharmacy in the UK and we do everything we can to ensure that our students are ready for their next step in their pharmacy career when they graduate from our School.

That’s why every single one of our students who sat the General Pharmaceutical Council registration exam in June last year passed first-time and, for many years, 100% of our graduates have obtained pre-registration training positions, using our internationally respected Pharmacy degree as a springboard from which to launch their careers

Our academic staff have a broad and extensive range of experience and expertise. In fact, we were ranked joint first School of Pharmacy nationally in the most recent Research Excellence Framework. This is a direct result of the quality, and cutting-edge nature of our research projects and, by choosing to study here, you’ll be taught by the very people carrying out this ground-breaking research.

You’ll also get to learn from expert practitioners based in community, hospital, primary care and industrial settings who’ll give guest lectures to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the profession of Pharmacy. 

Aside from your academic and scientific learning, you’ll also be given the opportunity to hone your inter-personal and communication skills which are essential for many Pharmacy related careers.

Once you get to the final year of the course, you’ll put all this knowledge and experience into practice as you present your research project findings at a ‘School Research Poster Day’.

You’ll also be welcomed by our active student society that arranges social, sporting and other events and you’ll be given the chance to provide feedback through our dedicated Undergraduate Student Staff Panel.

Students are also given the opportunity to engage in the ‘life’ of the profession through local pharmacy evening meetings or conferences of the British Pharmaceutical Students Association, and, further afield, the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation.

We foster opportunities for ERASMUS international exchange visits of students and have funded summer placements in its laboratories for undergraduates too

As a close-knit school, with a family feel, we strive to support students so that they have an academically rich and fulfilling experience throughout their time here.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Cardiff School of Pharmacy. It’s ranked among the best in the country for the quality of its teaching and research – and now I know why. The course has been challenging and stimulating and we’re taught by lecturers who are experts in their fields, but who are always willing to lend a helping hand. There's a family feeling among staff and students alike.”