UCAS code B230
Discover the science behind better health with Liverpool’s MPharm. Study pharmacy at a prestigious Russell Group university where innovative research meets hands-on patient care. Our MPharm programme combines innovative, research-connected teaching and real-world placements, to prepare you for a dynamic career in healthcare, research, or industry. We provide our students with the resources and skills to be confident practicing pharmacists in whatever setting they choose to go into. So, whether you're passionate about drug discovery, personalised medicine, or improving lives through better care, this course empowers you to shape the future of pharmacy.
Our innovative four-year MPharm programme, designed in partnership with pharmacy experts, prepares you for the evolving role of the modern pharmacist, who is not only a medicine expert but also a key player in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Blending cutting-edge science with hands-on clinical training, this degree offers an integrated learning experience that takes you from the fundamentals of drug discovery and design through to delivering safe, effective, patient-centred care.
At Liverpool, you’ll benefit from teaching that’s grounded in real-world practice and powered by world-leading research. Our academic team includes practising pharmacists, clinical scientists, education experts and internationally recognised researchers in areas such as pharmacogenomics, antimicrobial resistance, chemistry, and precision medicine ensuring that your education is both scientifically rigorous and directly relevant to today’s healthcare challenges.
What sets our MPharm apart is its emphasis on integrated learning, practical experience and professional development. You’ll build your skills through placements across our extensive network of NHS trusts, community pharmacies, and through our links with the pharmaceutical industry, gaining exposure to diverse working environments, specialisms, and patient populations. You’ll also benefit from Liverpool being one of the few UK universities to offer clinical programmes across the full spectrum of healthcare, medicine and biosciences, with a multi-disciplinary, integrated learning approach to mirror the real-world experience.
Students will learn in our state-of-the-art Pharmacy, Lifesciences, and Sherrington Buildings, with access to advanced laboratories, a pharmacy suite and collaborative learning spaces that mirror real clinical and industrial settings. Throughout the MPharm programme, students will receive dedicated academic and pastoral support, with expert guidance, structured feedback, and wellbeing resources to help them succeed and thrive in a positive, inclusive learning environment.
An MPharm from Liverpool opens doors to diverse and rewarding careers in healthcare, research, industry, and beyond.
Please note: this programme is subject to approval for 2026 entry and may be subject to change.
The University of Liverpool are working towards accreditation of this programme with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The programme will be provisionally accredited until the accreditation process is complete. Upon graduating with your MPharm degree from The University of Liverpool, you’ll need to complete a mandatory 12-month structured foundation training period and assessment, to register as a Pharmacist with the GPhC.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Pharmacy MPharm is a non-modular programme. Year 1 comprises 4 teaching blocks: how the body works, how medicines work, minor ailments, digestion, liver and kidneys. Alongside these teaching blocks you’ll undertake a year-long professional practice teaching block.
How the body works: An understanding of how the human body functions under normal conditions is essential for all pharmacists. This foundational block introduces the integrated systems that maintain homeostasis, support growth, and enable adaptation to the environment.
You’ll explore the structure and function of key physiological systems including cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive, endocrine, renal, musculoskeletal, and immune systems and how they work together to maintain health. Emphasis will be placed on cellular processes, organ system interactions, and regulatory mechanisms such as neural and hormonal control.
Through lectures, labs, and applied case studies, you’ll develop the scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to understand disease processes and pharmacological interventions in later years. This block lays the groundwork for appreciating the complexity of human biology and the vital role pharmacists play in supporting health and wellbeing.
How medicines work: Understanding how medicines work is at the heart of pharmacy practice. This block provides an integrated exploration of the journey from medicinal chemistry through pharmacology to pharmaceutics, revealing how drugs are designed, interact with the body, and are formulated for safe and effective use.
You’ll begin by studying medicinal chemistry principles, learning how drug molecules are structured and modified to achieve desired therapeutic effects while minimising adverse effects. Building on this, the pharmacology component will explore drug mechanisms of action, receptor interactions, dose-response relationships, and the impact of drugs on physiological systems.
Pharmaceutics will focus on the science of drug formulation, delivery, and stability, examining how medicines are prepared, administered, and optimised for patient use. This includes understanding different dosage forms, routes of administration, and factors affecting drug absorption and bioavailability.
Through lectures, practical labs, and case-based learning, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific foundations behind medicines, and start to develop your research skills, equipping you to contribute confidently to their safe design, selection, and use throughout your pharmacy career.
Minor ailments: Minor ailments are common, self-limiting conditions that frequently present in community pharmacy and primary care settings. This block will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively assess, advise, and manage minor ailments, empowering patients to safely self-care or seek further medical advice when necessary.
You’ll explore the clinical features, causes, and treatments of a broad range of minor conditions such as colds and flu, coughs, sore throats, headaches, minor skin conditions, digestive complaints, and musculoskeletal pain. Emphasis will be placed on the use of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, non-pharmacological interventions, red flags for referral, and the principles of safe supply or medicines.
Through practical workshops, simulated consultations, and patient-centred case studies, you’ll develop confidence in communication, clinical decision-making, and delivering public health messages. This block highlights the pharmacist’s crucial role as an accessible healthcare professional supporting appropriate self-care, reducing the burden on urgent care services, and improving community health outcomes.
Digestive system, liver and kidneys: In this block, you’ll consider the pathophysiology of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatic system, and renal system, linking core science to common clinical conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, liver and kidney diseases. Emphasis will be placed on how dysfunction in these systems impacts pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, with implications for medicines selection, dosing, monitoring, and safety.
Through case-based learning and practical workshops, you’ll develop skills in interpreting clinical data, advising on medicines regimens and supporting patients in managing conditions.
Professional practice: This block develops the core professional skills and attitudes essential for safe, effective, and sustainable pharmacy practice including professionalism, pharmacy law and ethics, communication skills, clinical-decision making, prescribing skills and the principles of person-centred care. The block also fosters a commitment to lifelong learning, reflection, and professional development, preparing you to adapt to evolving healthcare challenges and innovations.
You’ll be introduced to practice-based learning through clinical placements and through case studies, ethical dilemmas, and simulated consultations. You’ll build the knowledge, skills, and professional judgement necessary to deliver high-quality, patient-focused care and contribute confidently to healthcare improvement.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Pharmacy MPharm is a non-modular programme. Year 2 comprises 4 teaching blocks: immunity and infection, respiratory system, cardiovascular system (1) and central nervous system (1). Alongside these teaching blocks you’ll undertake a year-long professional practice teaching block.
Infection and immunity: In this block you’ll explore how the human body protects itself against infection and how pharmacists play a critical role in supporting this defence through the safe and effective use of medicines. You’ll study the mechanisms of infectious disease, and the principles behind immunisation and antimicrobial therapy, reinforced through practical application in a laboratory setting. With a focus on clinical relevance and real-world application, this block will equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand infection pathways, combat antimicrobial resistance, and support patient care in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Through integrated learning, including microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and patient-centred case studies, you’ll develop a holistic understanding of how infection and immunity intersect in pharmacy practice, from advising on vaccinations to supporting infection control strategies and reviewing antimicrobial prescriptions.
Respiratory system: In this block, the pathophysiology of common respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, and infections, and the critical role pharmacists play in optimising respiratory care are studied. You’ll study the pharmacological basis and clinical use of key respiratory medicines and develop skills in advising patients such as correct inhaler technique, adherence, and lifestyle support. Through case-based learning, clinical scenarios, and practical workshops, you’ll apply scientific knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing your ability to contribute meaningfully to the multidisciplinary management of respiratory conditions.
This block will also highlight public health priorities, such as smoking cessation, and the impact of environmental factors on respiratory health, preparing you to act as a medicines expert and health advocate within your future pharmacy practice.
Cardiovascular system (1): In this block, you’ll explore the cardiovascular system in health and disease, with a focus on common conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and arrhythmias.
You’ll learn how to recognise the early signs and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, interpret clinical data such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, and ECGs, and apply this knowledge to support patients in preventing disease progression and avoiding complications such as a heart attack or stroke. The pharmacological basis and clinical use of key cardiovascular medicines will be explored.
Through patient case studies, practical workshops, and simulated consultations, you’ll develop the confidence to support patients with long-term cardiovascular conditions, address adherence and lifestyle factors, and work as part of the healthcare team to reduce cardiovascular risk.
This block builds the foundation for understanding more complex cardiovascular diseases later in the programme, while reinforcing the pharmacist’s role in promoting public health and delivering safe, effective, person-centred care.
Central nervous system (1): In this block, you’ll explore the pharmacology and clinical use of medicines used to manage common conditions affecting mental wellbeing and comfort. You’ll consider the impact of these conditions on patients’ daily lives, and how pharmacists can offer evidence-based support, lifestyle advice, and referral where needed. Through patient scenarios, prescribing decision-making, and communication skills development, you’ll learn how to offer effective, person-centred care while recognising the importance of safety, stigma, and medicines misuse.
This block prepares you to confidently support patients with common central nervous system conditions and contributes to the foundations needed for managing more complex neurological and psychiatric disorders later in the programme.
Professional practice: Building on year 1, in year 2 you’ll continue to develop your knowledge of professional pharmacy practice and skills. You’ll keep building your skills including patient counselling, consultation skills, prescribing decision-making skills and the principles of evidenced-based medicine and critical appraisal through case-based scenarios. You’ll undertake clinical placements as part of this teaching block. These periods of learning in practice will enable you apply your knowledge and skills in both simulated and real-world environments, preparing you for future professional practice.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Pharmacy MPharm is a non-modular programme. Year 3 comprises 4 teaching blocks: women and men’s health, endocrine and musculoskeletal systems, cardiovascular system (2) and central nervous system (2). Alongside these teaching blocks you’ll undertake a year-long professional practice teaching block.
Women and Men’s Health: You’ll study the reproductive and genitourinary systems, covering contraception, menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and endometriosis, while also exploring the safe and effective use of medicines during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and gender transition. You’ll also explore conditions that affect different populations in distinct or disproportionate ways, such as breast, prostate, testicular and skin cancers, as well as liver disease. The block will also address urgent public health priorities, substance misuse for performance enhancement, and the growing importance of mental health care.
You’ll engage with case-based learning, simulations, and interprofessional scenarios to develop the knowledge and confidence to support patients at different stages of life. This includes managing medicine switches, navigating complex consultations, and addressing health inequalities.
By the end of this block, you’ll be equipped to provide holistic, person-centred care that recognises biological, psychological, and social factors influencing health, enabling you to support patients in culturally sensitive, ethical, and impactful ways across community, primary and secondary care settings.
Endocrine and musculoskeletal systems: In this block, you’ll explore the pathophysiology of the endocrine and musculoskeletal systems, with a focus on conditions including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hyper- and hypothyroidism, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. You’ll examine the pharmacological management of these conditions and develop the skills to optimise treatment through effective medicines selection, monitoring, and patient education.
Through interactive workshops, patient scenarios, and clinical reasoning exercises, you’ll learn how to interpret key clinical data, identify red flags, and support patients to self-manage their conditions safely and confidently. You’ll also consider the pharmacist’s role in preventing complications, supporting lifestyle changes, and delivering services such as diabetes reviews and insulin counselling.
This block prepares you to play an active role in endocrine and musculoskeletal care across a variety of pharmacy settings, ensuring patients receive personalised, evidence-based support to live well with long-term conditions.
Cardiovascular system (2): In this block, you’ll build on foundational cardiovascular knowledge to explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of complex cardiovascular disease.
You’ll study the mechanisms and clinical consequences of myocardial infarctions and heart failure, the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies used in acute and chronic care, and the pharmacist’s vital role in improving outcomes and experience for these patients. You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of key medicines and how to tailor therapy based on clinical guidelines, comorbidities, and individual patient needs.
Using realistic case scenarios, discharge planning exercises, and multidisciplinary perspectives, you’ll learn to identify and respond to red flags, optimise medicines regimens, manage polypharmacy, and support safe transitions across interfaces of care for example, from hospital to community. The importance of patient education, adherence support, and lifestyle modification will also be emphasised.
By the end of this block, you’ll be equipped with the clinical reasoning, communication skills, and professional judgement needed to contribute confidently to the care of patients with complex cardiovascular disease across a range of pharmacy settings.
Central nervous system (2): In this block, you’ll deepen your understanding of the central nervous system (CNS) pathophysiology and the pharmacological strategies used to manage chronic neurological and psychiatric disorders. You’ll explore the mechanisms and clinical use of key medication as well as the importance of medicines monitoring, side effect management, and individualised treatment planning.
Through clinical case studies, ethical discussions, and simulated consultations, you’ll consider the broader implications of complex CNS conditions including safeguarding, capacity and consent, polypharmacy, and the importance of building trust with patients and carers. You’ll develop confidence in supporting adherence, managing medicines in vulnerable groups, and working collaboratively within mental health and neurology teams.
This block will equip you with the skills and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the care of people living with complex CNS disorders supporting safe, compassionate, and evidence-based practice across a wide range of healthcare settings.
Professional practice: In year 3 you’ll continue to strengthen your knowledge of professional pharmacy practice and skills gained in years 1 and 2. You’ll enhance your approach to providing person-centred care by advancing your consultation and prescribing decision-making skills. Through case-based scenarios, you’ll apply the principles of evidence-based medicine and critical appraisal to ensure the safe and optimal use of medicines. You’ll continue your period of learning in practice with simulation and clinical placements. Gaining experience with different patient groups, carers and other healthcare professionals across varied healthcare settings will help to inform your plans for Foundation Training year, following graduation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Pharmacy MPharm is a non-modular programme. In Year 4 you’ll complete advanced therapeutics, advancing prescribing practice and professional practice teaching blocks. You’ll also undertake a research project.
Advanced Therapeutics: In this teaching block you’ll build on your foundational pharmacology and clinical skills to prepare you for high-level, real-world decision-making in patient care. You’ll learn to manage complex cases, optimise medicines use, and personalise treatments based on the latest evidence and research. You’ll examine how genomics, biomarkers, and patient-specific data influence therapeutic decisions and future medicine development
Advancing Prescribing Practice: This teaching block will prepare you for the transition into your Foundation Training year and beyond as a safe, skilled, and confident prescriber-ready graduate. The focus is on developing your ability to assess patients, make clinical decisions, and prescribe appropriately within a multidisciplinary team.
Research Project: This teaching block is your opportunity to explore a real-world question or problem in pharmacy through supervised, independent investigation. Undertaking a research project builds your ability to think critically, analyse evidence, and contribute to innovation in medicines and healthcare.
Professional practice: In Year 4 you’ll bring together your knowledge, skills and experience and the cultivation of professional values and behaviours in readiness for your Foundation Training Year as a prescriber-ready trainee pharmacist. You’ll have developed the competence and confidence to deliver high-quality, person-centred care across a range of evolving healthcare settings. In this teaching block you’ll undertake your final period of learning in practice. Through simulation and clinical placements, you’ll consolidate your learning and pharmacist professional attributes in real-world settings in preparation for your Foundation Training year and future pharmacy career.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
You’ll be taught by a variety of methods designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject including lectures, workshops, laboratory sessions, simulated learning and clinical placements. You’ll learn the importance of multidisciplinary healthcare through our interprofessional sessions with medical, nursing and other healthcare students.
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours and periods of learning in practice. Timetabled contact hours vary throughout the course but are typically between 20 and 24 hours per week in your first year. In addition to timetabled contact hours, you are expected to undertake independent learning and assessment activities. Typically, this might be around 16-28 hours per week, and include individual research, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, preparing coursework assignments, presentations, or revising for exams. After your first year, the emphasis on independent learning becomes greater, for example, you will complete a final year project in the final year. Across the four years of the programme, you’ll spend approximate 400 hours learning in practice involving simulation and placements.
Your knowledge, understanding and practical skills will be assessed through a variety of methods including written exams, individual and group coursework, laboratory reports, portfolios and Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
As a guide, 60% of the assessment is by written exams in each year of the MPharm programme.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The University of Liverpool is the original red brick university and is one of the UK’s Russell Group universities. The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences is one of the few universities in the UK offering clinical programmes across the full spectrum of healthcare, medicine, and biosciences, with a focus on promoting interdisciplinary learning to best prepare its students for the real-world experience. We also pride ourselves on being a diverse, multi-cultural university, with students from all over the world coming to study and share their insights to provide a truly global experience. The city of Liverpool itself is a vibrant, welcoming city with a strong sense of community and a proud tradition of innovation in healthcare and science.
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As a University of Liverpool MPharm graduate, you’ll be well-equipped for a rewarding and flexible career in pharmacy, playing a vital role in modern healthcare by supporting patients to use their medicines safely and effectively. Pharmacy is changing fast, and this course will keep you ahead of the curve. You’ll graduate ready to work in a wide range of settings including hospitals, community pharmacies, GP surgeries, care homes, and even the military. You could become an expert in emergency medicine, support patients with long-term conditions, or help people stay healthy in your local community.
If you’re interested in research or technology you could work in industry, helping to create new medicines and vaccines. You could also go into regulation, or train the next generation of pharmacists as an academic. Some pharmacists work in several areas at once, building a portfolio career that fits their interests and lifestyle.
The University of Liverpool’s MPharm programme prepares you for a future full of options as an expert in medicines.
Career opportunities in the field of pharmacy are varied, but include:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Fees are for academic year 2025/26. Fees for academic year 2026/27 are to be confirmed.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Core placements are provided within the local region. The cost of travel to placements sites is dependent on the site location, but students are eligible for a discounted public transport pass. The cost of a one-week bus pass is approximately £25 (Trio Weekly Ticket 2025).
Under the NHS Learning Support Fund (LSF), Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses (TDAE) will reimburse excess costs incurred when undertaking practical training on placements. Minimum cost: approximately £100. Maximum cost: approximately £200.
All UK (Home) students registering on the MPharm are required to undertake a DBS check, which the University will pay for. However, the student will incur the cost of the additional £13 per year for the update service. Approximate cost: £13.
Core texts are available as e-books through the University library, but some students may prefer to purchase their own course books. Total approximate cost: £200.
Teaching materials are provided electronically, so printing costs are very minimal. Students will be required to print out a poster for their final year research project. Some students may elect to print PowerPoint hand-outs, but this isn’t essential. Total approximate cost: £50.
Students will need to purchase their Pharmacy uniform. Approximate cost: £20.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
We welcome applications from students holding a 2:1 Honours degree in a Biological, Biomedical, or Health Science subject.
Students with a 2:1 Honours degree in a non-science based or unrelated subject will be asked for Chemistry A level at grade B. Applicants must have five GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Level 5) to include Maths, English language and Science.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
AAB-ABB including Chemistry and either Biology or Maths, and one further A level excluding General Studies/Critical Thinking not accepted. No applicant will be accepted with lower than a Grade B in Chemistry.Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is ABB with A in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers. |
| T levels |
T levels are not currently accepted. |
| GCSE |
6 GCSE subjects at Grade 6 or above (A*-B) including English Language, Mathematics and two Sciences two Sciences from the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Core Science, Additional Science and Dual Science. Standalone English Literature is not accepted in lieu of English or English Language at grade B (GSCE). Applied GCSEs will not be considered. |
| Subject requirements | Where a science has been taken at A level (Chemistry, Biology or Physics), a pass in the Science practical of each subject will be required. |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | Grade D in lieu of the third A level only. It must be offered alongside A level Chemistry and either A level Biology or Mathematics at grades A/B. |
| BTEC Level 3 Diploma | D*D in a science-based subject (must include Biology or Mathematics) with A level Chemistry at grade B or above. |
| BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | D*DD in a science-based subject (must include Biology or Mathematics) with A level Chemistry at grade B or above. |
| International Baccalaureate | One of the following must apply:
|
| European Baccalaureate | We require an overall grade of 83% with grade 8 specifically in Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics. |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | H1, H1, H2, H2, H2, H3 |
| Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher | Advanced Highers: ABB to include Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics OR Highers: AAABB to include Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics OR Mixed: Advanced Highers at AB, plus Highers at AB. A mixed presentation must include Chemistry at either Higher Level (Grade A) or Advanced Higher Level (Grade B), plus Biology or Mathematics at either level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced | Grades AA at A Level including Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics, plus a B in the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate |
| Cambridge Pre-U Diploma | Will be considered at Grades D3, D3, M2. Must include Chemistry and either Biology or Mathematics. |
| AQA Baccalaureate | Will be considered |
| Access | Access to HE Diploma (QAA regulated): 45 graded Level 3 credits, with 36 at Distinction and 9 at Merit. 15 Distinctions are required in each of Chemistry and Biology or Mathematics. Applicants must also have 5 GCSEs at a minimum of Grade C (Level 5) including English language, Mathematics and Science. |
| International qualifications |
Whilst we do accept IELTS qualifications, we don’t accept IELTS qualifications that have been sat and gained online. We only accept qualifications that have been sat and gained in person. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5 |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.5 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 7.0 overall, with no component below 6.5, for further details.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 23 August 2025 / Programme terms and conditions