Pharmacy Education in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the current status of pharmacy education in the United Kingdom. A characteristic program is described which is based on the master of pharmacy (MPharm) model, which is an ''undergraduate'' master's degree. The type and length of training, numbers entering and leaving the profession, and criteria for admission are discussed, and an overview of the curriculum, which is normally based over 4 years, is given. The career opportunities of UK pharmacy graduates are discussed, as well as educational challenges such as plagiarism and the changing profile of schools of pharmacy, which is affecting supply and demand of pharmacists. The changing face of the profession in the UK is then addressed, including the advent of the prescribing pharmacist. PHARMACY DEGREEHistorically, entrance to the pharmacy profession required successful completion of a 3-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree followed by 1 year preregistration work under appropriate supervision. Since the turn of the century, however, the recognized qualification that permits registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) has been the 4-year MPharm program, followed by the compulsory 1-year work program prior to application for registration as a pharmacist. Under the Bologna agreement for educational equivalence across Europe, this is classed as an ''undergraduate masters program,'' which is a lesser qualification than the traditional MSc degree 1

The Challenges of Pharmacy Education in Yemen

“…Patient-centered education is rapidly becoming an essential component of pharmacy education in developed countries. [15][16][17][18][19][20] However, undergraduate pharmacy programs in Yemen, as well as in other Arab countries, remain influenced by traditional pharmaceutical sciences with limited application of knowledge to patient care (faculty member phone/in person interviews conducted over the course March 1-15, 2013).…”

Diversity of Pharmacy Faculty Members between UK and US

“…The reason is that of the training aim of both American and British pharmacy education was to develop pharmacy talents into qualified pharmacists for clinical hospital and community services, rather than scientists. 16,17 . Therefore, pharmacy education of both countries put more emphasis on with clinical service and community services.…”

Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Education in the Pharmacy Curriculum at European Universities

“…the shortest of the european pharmacy degrees is the United Kingdom's 4-year degree program (15 offering MPharm programs in eU, but the most important deciding factor for most applicants is performance in the national school-leaving examinations. Some universities put great emphasis on performance at interview and use this as an important factor in their selection process, others prefer recommendations.…”