Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)
Why choose this course?
Are you interested in health issues and the treatment and prevention of disease? Have you considered a career as a pharmacist?
This course examines the science behind the preparation, supply and monitoring of medicines. You'll study law, ethics and clinical practice, the role of hospitals, community, GP practice, care home and industrial pharmacists.
Working alongside other future healthcare professionals, you'll talk to patients about their conditions and treatment. Through case studies, you'll learn how chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutics affect clinical practice. In Year 4, you'll complete a research-based project, for which you'll receive specialist tuition.
This course is currently being updated in line with the General Pharmaceutical Council's standards for initial education and training for pharmacists, which will enable pharmacy graduates to prescribe at the point of registration.
Please also visit our Pharmaceutical and Chemical Sciences Foundation Degree (Pre-Pharmacy) course page.
| Attendance | UCAS code | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years full time | B230 | 2024 |
| 5 years full time including foundation year | B231 | 2024 |
The above courses are now full for 2023 entry.
You may be interested in another of our Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical sciences courses.
For 2024 entry, please submit your application before the UCAS deadline as this course may not be in a position to consider applications submitted after this date.
| Location | Penrhyn Road |
Reasons to choose Kingston University
- This degree is fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
- Our pharmacy department's new GP simulation suite and simulated hospital ward, with life-like manikins, will provide you with the most up-to-date teaching to equip you for your future role as a prescribing pharmacist.
- This course is run jointly by Kingston University and St George's, University of London so you'll have access to specialist facilities and staff expertise.
What you will study
Foundation year
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
If you would like to study MPharm, but are not yet ready to join the first year of the course, you can include an extra foundation year to prepare you for the MPharm course. Please note, to progress to Year 1 of the MPharmacy programme, you must achieve a minimum average of 70% across the core modules, and pass a progression interview.
Core modules
Professional and Scientific Skills for Pharmacy
30 credits
This is a core module for the pharmacy route of the Foundation year in Science, Computing & Mathematics. The module provides a bridge between the wide range of study experiences of students at Level 3 and the demands of successful study within Higher Education at level 4.
The module allows students to develop effective study skills, in the context of pharmacy and the essential scientific and professional skills necessary to allow students to progress to their chosen degree subject. The module provides a coherent path through a set of practical and theoretical experiences to develop skills and knowledge and is designed to complement and support the subject content of the other modules within the foundation year programme.
A wide range of assessment methods are used in the module. These include a portfolio of skills and laboratory-based assessments, a written exam and a short capstone project culminating in a poster presentation which will use the skills developed in this module, alongside the subject material in other route specific modules, to consider a topical issue related to the student's chosen degree pathway. The personal tutorial system for the foundation year is incorporated within this module.
Biology
30 credits
This module is delivered as part of the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is core for students on the course as well as for alternative destinations such as degrees in a number of Life Science, Forensic, Chemical and Pharmaceutical related degrees. The module is designed to provide an essential introduction to the biological sciences, through the study of basic biochemistry, the characteristics of life, selected body systems, genetics and evolution. It also introduces some of the relevant tools and techniques used in modern biology.
Chemistry
30 credits
This module is delivered as part of the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is core for all students on this programme as well as for alternative destination such as degrees in a number of Life Science, Forensic, Chemical and Pharmaceutical related degrees. It is also an optional module for those who intend to study degrees in Geography, Geology and the Environmental Science.
The module covers a wide range of fundamental chemical concepts including: atomic and nuclear structure, bonding and structure, energetics, thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, redox reactions and organic chemistry including, isomerism and introduction & reactions of alkanes, haloalkanes, alkenes, alcohols, amines, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and carboxylic acid derivatives. The module allows students to see the application of Chemistry to a number of Science-based disciplines.
Mathematics for Science
30 credits
This module is a core module for all students following the Foundation Pharmacy one year programme. The module is designed to allow students to develop competence in a range of mathematical and statistical techniques which they can then apply within a range of scientific contexts. The module reinforces basic mathematical concepts and is accessible to students with a wide range of previous mathematical experiences. The structure and programme of delivery is specifically designed to support the other modules within the programme so ensuring that students have developed the necessary skills at the correct time for their application within the other modules.
Year 1 introduces the scientific basis of pharmacy, including cell biology, physiology and pharmaceutical and biological chemistry (including the importance of natural products as medicines). You will study important pharmaceutical dosage forms, formulation and manufacturing processes, physico-chemical aspects of drug stability and pharmacopoeial and regulatory requirements. You will gain a clear understanding of the profession of pharmacy and the practical and theoretical aspects of dispensing.
Core modules
The Human Body
30 credits
The module gives an overview of the cell biology and physiology of the human body.
Emphasis is placed on understanding the body as a homeostatic system that controls key components of the extracellular environment (blood, interstitial fluid). The structure and function of the body's constituent cells are explored, as is the subcellular chemistry that allows cellular function. Another emphasis is on how common diagnostic results (BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose) can be used to promote healthful living by non-pharmacological means (diet, exercise).
The Role of the Pharmacist
30 credits
This module is a core requirement for students reading the MPharm degree. The module introduces the principles of the role of a professional pharmacist and the pharmacist's various responsibilities in providing healthcare or support for healthcare. You will be introduced to the principles of health and well being, as well as providing a foundation to responding to symptoms and health promotion knowledge. Basic pharmaceutical skills will be developed including those of dispensing, analysing prescriptions, performing calculations, dosage forms and recognising adverse drug reactions and interactions. An introduction to communication skills will be provided together with critical appraisal, presentation and scientific report writing all with the emphasis to application in pharmacy.
Making Medicines
30 credits
The module introduces key concepts in the manufacture and use of medicines in pharmaceutics, microbiology and pharmacy practice. It provides you with an understanding of essential concepts and physico-chemical principles and techniques used in the design and production of various pharmaceutical dosage forms with links to the route of delivery into the body. The making and labelling of extemporaneous preparations are undertaken as relevant to the clinical practice of pharmacy. Fundamental concepts relevant to the clinical microbiology of disease-causing organisms, their manipulation, and use in manufacturing are also explored.
The Science of Drugs
30 credits
This module introduces the idea that chemistry is a central and underpinning science in pharmacy, describing how aspects of organic, inorganic, physical and analytical chemistry are essential to a full understanding of the science of a drug. The module outlines the structure, bonding and chemical reactivity of various important classes of organic molecules, ranging from simpler examples of hydrocarbons or those containing a single functional group, to some of the important biological molecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids and proteins. It also examines the chemistry of some inorganic compounds, particularly the complexes of transition metal ions that have important applications in medicine. The importance of the physical and chemical properties of molecules in determining the activity of a drug, including an introduction to structure/activity relationships, is discussed. You are also introduced to the essentials of spectroscopy in the analysis of drugs. Thus the module introduces you to a range of core principles that underpin the actions, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of drugs in the body, as well as in vitro aspects of stability, pharmaceutical analysis and molecular manipulation.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Year 2 places more emphasis on the role of hospital, community and industrial pharmacists. It includes the study of pharmacy law, ethics and good dispensing practice. You will integrate science with practice, learning through case studies how chemistry, pharmacology and pharmaceutics affect clinical practice. You will also learn about conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as depression and those that affect the cardiovascular system such as atrial fibrillation.
Core modules
Drug Design and Medicine Development
30 credits
The module builds upon themes and chemical topics that are introduced in the Level 4 modules PY4030; Making Medicines and PY4040; The Science of Drugs developing them further in conjunction with pharmacologists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists. The chemistry of carbonyl compounds is developed from the Level 4 module to include carbanion chemistry and the associated reactions with applications in biosynthetic pathways such as the catabolism of glucose. Similarly aromatic chemistry is extended to look at the second substitution reaction-orientation effects using the formation of an anaesthetic as a case study. Asymmetric synthesis will be extended to include the synthesis of chiral medicines using ibuprofen as a case study. The mechanistic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and bioanalytical chemistry taught in this module will underpin applications in later Level 6 and 7 modules.
The medicinal chemistry topics will include antifungals, enzyme inhibition and novel peptides (solid support synthesis). Drug/receptor interaction will be introduced in terms of bonding interactions and signal transduction. Pharmacognosy will introduce you to natural products used for the treatment of cancer, e.g. taxol, calicheamicin and vincristine/vinblastine and cardiothoracics such as plant glycosides and bronchodilators. These topics will be taught in the context of themes/case studies and be augmented by inputs covering formulation and pharmaceutics, regulatory affairs associated with drug development in terms of clinical trials, licensing and registration. Various anchor points throughout the module will feed into other Level 5 modules as well as higher-level modules.
The lectures and associated workshops will develop your problem solving and team working skills in preparation for your future careers. This will be carried out in workshops and during the laboratory-based work where you will undertake various activities including group "mini-projects" that will be assessed using a range of methodologies such as oral presentations, report writing and group poster presentations.
Pharmacy Law, Ethics and Practice
30 credits
This module covers a number of core concepts and requires you to demonstrate proficiency in use of your learning at a higher level than other modules. It is a module that reflects the key professional regulations, law and obligations required to become a pharmacist, as dictated by the governing professional body and government legislation. The module advances your knowledge in relation to legal and ethical practices related to pharmacy. It builds on teaching you the skills you will need for professional practice such as analysing prescriptions and dispensing relevant products, interpretation and application of law using problem solving, and using professional judgement. Approximately 20% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.
The Central Nervous System and Mental Health
30 credits
The module gives an overview of the structure and function of the CNS. These lectures, tutorials and practicals will set the scene for the teaching of neurological and mental health dysfunction including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, drug abuse and addiction, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and pain. The focus will be on the more common psychiatric and neurological disorders, which future pharmacists will need to treat and will cover pathology, diagnosis, treatment and treatment side-effects. There will also be discussion of treatments with respect to drug development and individual variations to treatment. The development of specialist formulations used in the management of these conditions, such as IV infusions, depot injections and patches will also be covered.
The Cardio-respiratory System 1
30 credits
This module introduces the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular and respiratory disease and their treatment. The lectures, tutorials and practicals will set the scene for the teaching of cardiac and respiratory function and dysfunction including angina, dysrhythmias, heart failure, asthma and stroke. The focus will be on the more common cardiac and respiratory, which future pharmacists will need to treat and will cover pathology, diagnosis, treatment and treatment side-effects. There will also be discussion of treatments with respect to drug development and individual variations to treatment as well as dealing patients presenting with minor ailments in the pharmacy. The development, pharmaceutics and design of delivery systems for pulmonary administration of medicines such as inhalers and nebulisers will also be covered.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Year 3 focuses on body systems and disease states. Examples of study include: the role of the liver in health and disease; cancer – its causes, the science behind its treatment and the clinical management of cancer patients; and diabetes – its public health impact and management. You will have opportunities to learn alongside other future healthcare professionals, and talk to patients about their conditions and treatment.
Core modules
Infection, Immunology and Cancer
30 credits
This module addresses a number of core principles and concepts within the MPharm programme. It serves to develop knowledge of the immune system in health and disease including the use of vaccines. Infective agents and the science and practice of their control are investigated as well as cancer as a disease. The mechanisms of action and practical applications of chemotherapy are described together with novel drug targeting and palliative care. The delivery is via lectures supported by workshops integrating the different subject areas in case studies.
Endocrine, Reproductive and Inflammation
30 credits
This module will deal with physiology and pathology of the endocrine and reproductive systems and inflammatory processes and how they can be affected by, or cause disease. The chemistry of the drugs which affect the endocrine and reproductive systems and are used to treat inflammatory disease and their relevant structure activity relationships will be covered together with the science and use of various formulations to ensure optimal drug delivery in these areas. The module will use a series of patient centred case studies to link the scientific content and the application of pharmaceutical care to treat and manage patients, in a variety of settings from disease prevention, managing risks, disease identification, responding to symptoms in the community pharmacy, prescribing and dispensing, through to the management of hospitalised patients.
The Cardio-respiratory System 2
30 credits
This module builds on relevant basic scientific knowledge acquired in other modules and integrates it to cover the presentation, clinical features and management of cardiovascular, respiratory and renal diseases in patients. This module will provide you with an insight into the management of these conditions in primary and secondary care as well as dealing with aspects of public health associated with these conditions.
Gastrointestinal, Liver & Skin in Disease
30 credits
This module will deal with physiology and pathology of the gastrointestinal system, including the liver and how it can be affected by disease, the chemistry of the drugs which affect the gastrointestinal system and are used to treat gastrointestinal diseases and relevant structure activity relationships. The science and use of various formulations to ensure optimal absorption, along with the science and practice of ensuring local delivery of drugs not only to the GI tract but also transdermally. The module will examine the treatment of skin disorders, in addition to dealing with the structure of the skin and its pathophysiology. Drug metabolism and the central role that metabolism plays in many drug interactions will be dealt with within this module. Material that has been considered in previous years (examples; drug dissolution, cell structure) will be revisited in this module and the knowledge built upon. Key skills will be developed whilst employability has been embedded into the assessment strategy through the use of group work and the development of oral presentation skills
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
A major element of Year 4 is the research-based project. For this you will receive tuition in research skills. A problem-based approach is used for advanced teaching in areas such as pharmaceutical technology and biotechnology. Professional practice topics include advanced prescription analysis, risk management and drug interventions, as well as the wider role of the pharmacist in pharmaceutical care and public health. Students run themed health campaigns directly to the public and also virtually via social media. A total of 20 placement and inter-professional activity days, mostly in hospital or community pharmacies, are spread throughout the course. These serve to introduce and develop professional skills.
Core modules
Technology to Care
30 credits
This module is designed to integrate advanced clinical and scientific concepts as they relate to patient care. Using complex patient cases as the basis for group discussions, you will learn how to apply your clinical skills and scientific knowledge (pharmaceutics, chemistry, pharmacology etc.) to provide the most appropriate recommendations. Emphasis is placed on the development of problem-solving skills and independent learning.
Effective Decision Making for Pharmacy Practice
30 credits
This module is a core module for the MPharm degree. It will draw together a number of themes that have developed over the previous 3 years in order to prepare you for practice as a preregistration trainee and a future pharmacist, in all areas of practice. The aim of the module is to enable you to become a pharmacist who can make decisions when faced with a scenario, even if all the necessary information is not available, based on the skills and competences gained throughout the MPharm programme as well as your knowledge. The module also aims to enable you apply the knowledge you gained through your MPharm course in a safe and effective manner for patient care. Nearly 30% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.
Research Methods and Project
60 credits
This module is designed to meet the research methodology requirements of the MPharm programme. Following a taught introduction to research methodology you will undertake a substantial piece of original research or clinical audit that requires the collection of data and subsequent analysis of that data.
Academic and Professional Portfolio
0 credits
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Teaching includes lectures, workshops, tutorials, seminars and practical classes, backed up by computer-assisted learning, problem-based learning and self-directed study. A unique feature of the course is that a significant component of teaching is by scientists and clinicians at the medical school at St George's, University of London. As well as being taught by practising pharmacists, doctors and pharmaceutical scientists you will also work with hospital and community pharmacists and other healthcare professionals. You will also have contact and learn from patients.
Assessment includes module (not modular) exams, coursework and practical assessments including professional and clinical skills.
What our students say
Pharmacy student Arzoo Parveen talks about her experiences of studying at Kingston:
Pharmacy student Maria Kyriakidou talks about her experiences of studying at Kingston:
Staff teaching on this course
This course is delivered by the School of Life Sciences and Chemistry.
The School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry offers an outstanding and diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, forensic science, pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical sciences, and sport science and nutrition.
We've invested heavily in the development of new facilities including laboratories for teaching and research to provide students with access to ultra-modern equipment in a wide range of teaching facilities.
Postgraduate students may run or assist in lab sessions and may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.
Facilities
Pharmacy simulation suites
In 2022, our two hi-tech pharmacy simulation suites were opened at Kingston University by healthcare pioneer Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu. The simulation suites consist of a mock hospital ward, pharmacy dispensing suite and GP surgery, and are equipped with the latest technology including patient simulator manikins that students can administer drugs to and monitor their pulse and breathing. These suites enable students to learn in a safe environment that simulates real-life healthcare settings.
The hospital ward features six beds with drug cabinets and curtains, a nurse's station and equipment that can be used to assess students' bedside manner and debrief them on best practice. The ward also leads into a pharmacy dispensing suite where students can practice prescribing the correct medication, and the right quantity, for certain illnesses. The GP suite has six cubicles for students to simulate seeing patients within a surgery environment, with desks and pedestals. Three of the bays have couches and the other three have chairs for patients to be examined.
Pharmacy lab
Central to your learning is our pharmacy practice laboratory, designed to allow you to experience what it is like in a real pharmacy and finesse your skills before you start working in the health service. Based at our Penrhyn Road campus, the centre includes:
- 40 medicine-dispensing stations
- a pharmacy counter
- a consulting area
- computers connected to the Pharmacy Manager System (used in many local pharmacies).
You will practise your people-skills and diagnostic skills through role plays, taking it in turns to play the patient. Other role plays include advising doctors (usually played by experienced tutors) on how to deal with prescribing errors and clinical problems. When dispensing prescriptions, you will have to make all the same checks that you would make in a real pharmacy, including:
- analysing prescriptions to check they have been filled in correctly by doctors
- checking clinical issues such as how one medicine might interact with another
- advising pretend patients on how to take their prescriptions.
Other facilities
There is a wide range of facilities for practical work at our Penrhyn Road campus, where this course is based. You will have access to a modern environment with the latest equipment, including:
- the Eadweard Muybridge building with state-of the art laboratories
- specialist equipment, such as:
- gas and liquid chromatography
- electron microscopy
- a range of spectrometers, including mass spectrometers, infrared spectrometers and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers
- nuclear science equipment
- thermal analysis
- x-ray diffractometers
- electrochemical analysis.
- computing laboratories and a team of IT technicians to offer assistance.
The Library offers:
- subject libraries, plus a free inter-library loan scheme to other libraries in the Greater London area
- online database subscriptions
- a growing selection of resource materials.
Course fees and funding
Additional costs
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.
Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.
Accreditation
The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree is fully accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
After you graduate
Careers and progression
You'll graduate ready for the next steps towards becoming a pharmacist in the UK. This is a year's foundation training in an approved pharmaceutical establishment and passing the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registration exam.
What our students say
Pharmacy at Kingston
Meet pharmacy student Josh and find out about his journey to becoming a registered pharmacist.
Becoming a pharmacist
To become a pharmacist you need to:
- achieve an accredited four-year degree in pharmacy;
- satisfactorily complete a year of pre-registration foundation training in approved pharmaceutical establishments; and
- pass the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) professional registration exam.
This course's accreditation means that if you graduate with an MPharm from Kingston University you can:
- progress to register for your pre-registration foundation training; and
- after carrying out your pre-registration foundation training and passing the GPhC registration exam, go on to become a pharmacist in Great Britain.
You can then work as a pharmacist in a hospital, GP practice, community pharmacy or the pharmaceutical industry. A number of other healthcare-related jobs will also be open to you.
Fitness to Practise
Annual self-declarations will be required during the MPharm course. New conduct issues may be referred to the pharmacy department Fitness to Practise (FtP) Committee for consideration. Further details can be found on our pharmacy department FtP blog.
The Department of Pharmacy at Kingston University is part of the Excluded Students Database. Excluded Students Database runs between Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Veterinary Schools Councils, and General Medical Council in order to verify the applicant FtP. This is used only for FtP purposes in order to protect patients and the public, and to prevent fraudulent applications.
How we work with other organisations
St George's, University of London
This course is run jointly by Kingston University and St George's, University of London. Most of the teaching takes place at Kingston, but you will also have access to the specialist facilities and staff expertise of St George's.
Industrial placement
The Clinical Pharmacy module includes placements in hospitals and community pharmacies. This gives you the chance to apply your academic studies to real situations and experience on-the-job training.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
