UCAS code B108
Our Preparation for Pharmacy year zero preparation course is designed for mature students who've typically been out of formal education for at least four years at the point of entry and/or who have taken non-traditional qualifications. Preparation for Pharmacy leads to access onto our undergraduate Pharmacy (MPharm) course.
The University of Liverpool, in collaboration with local FE partners, has developed a year zero preparation course that leads to access onto a variety of vocational Health Studies programmes. Our Preparation for Pharmacy course is for students seeking entry to undertake our Pharmacy (MPharm) course.
Students seeking entry to Pharmacy will study a preparatory year (year zero) at Carmel College, St Helens, about 9 miles from the University campus, where the class sizes are small and the standards of academic achievement high before joining the Pharmacy course on the University of Liverpool campus in year one following successful completion of the preparation year. Carmel College has bespoke higher education teaching classrooms and laboratories within a dedicated Higher Education Centre. Students on the preparatory year at Carmel College have access to all central University student services.
Please note that we won’t consider applications from prospective students who have multiple UCAS applications for a variety of courses as this doesn’t demonstrate a clear commitment. Graduates should apply directly to the MPharm course and would be considered ineligible to apply to the MPharm course with preparatory year. International applicants or deferred entry requests will not be considered via this route.
Please note: this course is subject to approval for 2026 entry and may be subject to change.
This course is designed for mature and non-traditional students who’ve typically taken a break from studies. Applicants applying to this route should have normally been out of education for at least 4 years at the point of registration.
During your studies, you’ll:
The University of Liverpool are working towards accreditation of the MPharm course with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The MPharm course will be provisionally accredited until the accreditation process is complete. Upon graduating with an MPharm degree from The University of Liverpool, students will 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.
This course provides the necessary academic grounding for admission to the MPharm course by studying the following modules in semester one:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL008) | 22.5 |
| BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL001) | 22.5 |
| MATHS FOR HEALTH STUDIES 1 (HEAL003) | 7.5 |
| FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (HEAL005) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
This course provides the necessary academic grounding for admission to the MPharm course by studying the following modules in semester two:
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (HEAL005) | 15 |
| BIOLOGY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL002) | 22.5 |
| CHEMISTRY FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL009) | 22.5 |
| MATHS FOR HEALTH STUDIES 2 (HEAL004) | 7.5 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The course structure centres around the student through a range of teaching methods such as interactive whole class sessions, small group tutorials, practical lab work, online activities and ongoing formative feedback. The practical lab activities are incorporated into the Biology and Chemistry modules providing students with an active learning experience. Teaching also facilitates the development of communication skills, teamwork skills and independent learning skills, which will be essential when you progress onto your degree. These skills are promoted in all modules but are mainly developed where small group tasks and presentations are required. These activities reflect those that will be needed during degree studies but also useful for future clinical practice where health care practitioners are often involved in research teams and presentation of results at conferences.
To support the transition from foundation to year 1 of the degree, a minimum of three ‘Taster Days’ at the University of Liverpool are built into the course to provide an insight into learning in the higher education environment. A range of activities are offered during these days to include didactic lectures, workshops, small group work and a Q&A café with previous students. The café provides an informal environment for current students to ask questions and receive support with the opportunity to identify peer mentors moving forward
The college also offers weekly staff-student liaison forums where the teaching and learning are explored through student feedback. A varied range of assessment methods are adopted, including written examinations, written assignments, presentations, practical logbook reports and a portfolio containing reflective accounts of their learning experiences. This foundation course can lead to direct progression to year 1 of the MPharm programme, following year average of 65%, with no lower than 60% module average in Chemistry
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 offers 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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Following successful completion of the Preparation for Pharmacy programme and then 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.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Foundation year fee - £9,535
Please note, UK full-time fees, year abroad and year in industry fees are for the academic year 2025/26. 2026/27 fees have yet to be confirmed. Please be advised that tuition fees are subject to increase each year, subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.
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.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
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.
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
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.
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Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
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.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| GCSE |
5 GCSE Grade 6 (B) to include Mathematics, English Language, Chemistry and Biology (or dual combined science). |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
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.
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.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Last updated 20 October 2025 / Programme terms and conditions