BTEC National Diploma - A BTEC in an appropriate science-based subject with Distintion, Distinction, Distinction will be considered. A-level Chemistry (minimum Grade B) will also be required.
Irish Leaving Certificate - Six subjects at Higher Level, including Chemistry and a second science from Biology, Maths or Physics is required with a typical offer being AAAABB.
Scottish qualifications - Chemistry and one further science from Biology, Maths or Physics at Advanced Higher Grade AA plus Higher AABBB is required.
Combined qualifications - Applicants offering a combination of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, however the entry grades need to be equivalent to the standard A-level requirement.
Mature and graduate entry - Mature students will be required to meet the same requirements as other candidates. Graduates in an appropriate subject with substantial appropriate chemistry content will be considered providing an award of at least a 2.1 honours degree (GPA 3.0) is offered. Various grades at A-level together with an incomplete or partial degree would not be considered.
International (including EU) students
International Baccalaureate Diploma -
A minimum of 35 points overall including grades 6, 6, 5 at Higher Level, including Chemistry plus one from Biology, Physics or Maths plus three further subjects at Standard Level. Maths with Further Maths will count as one higher and one subsidiary. Where relevant, Language A must be English at grade 5. Bonus points will not be taken into account.
Applicants must have excellent written and spoken English. Please note that the university’s Standard English language requirements are minimum standards, which may be raised through competition.
Learn more about international entry requirements
Non Academic offer requirements
All accepted candidates will be required to complete a health declaration form and provide appropriate evidence of immunisation against rubella, measles, tuberculosis and varicella. Some candidates may be contacted by an Occupational Health Physician where appropriate.
It is a condition of the entry to the MPharm programme that all pharmacy students must be screened to ensure that they are not carriers of the Hepatitis B virus. All applicants who accept an offer must:
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undertake a screening blood test for Hepatitis B
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if negative, start a course of immunisation
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thereafter, provide certified evidence of these
Some NHS Trusts may refuse to allow non-immunised students access, and therefore such students will be unable to participate in placement activities in these Trusts. Hepatitits B immunisation takes several months; therefore, prospective students are strongly advised to take the blood test in good time.
The College of Medical and Dental Sciences will reimburse students with financial hardship for up to £200 of the cost of their vaccinations. If you are eligible for an award under the National Scholarship Programme (i.e. qualify for at least one of the state benefits associated with Free School Meals entitlement, classed as a Care Leaver or with a household income of £16,190 or less), you are advised to obtain receipts for any health checks that you have had to pay for. Once you commence study at the University of Birmingham, you may then apply for reimbursement from the College, up to the cost of £200.
A satisfactory Criminal Records Bureau / Disclosure Scotland check is required from accepted UK candidates prior to registration on the programme. Non-UK based applicants are required to provide a Certificate of Good Conduct and Character, which must be requested from a formal authority such as the police, the Foreign Affairs Department or equivalent. It must include all the information on any criminal convictions that you have, or otherwise confirm that you don't have any cautions, warnings, reprimands, convictions or similar.
All students are required to agree to the "College of Medical and Dental Sciences Code of Conduct for MPharm Students" prior to entry. Applicants are advised to familiarise themselves with the General Pharmaceutical Council's "Code of conduct for pharmacy students" and "Guidance on student fitness to practice procedures in schools of pharmacy". The British Pharmaceutical Students' Association has also produced a short video that may be of interest.
General Pharmaceutical Council
The General Pharmaceutical Council is the independent regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicicans and pharmacy premises in Great Britain. Applicants for entry to MPharm programmes should be aware of the following advice issued by the GPhC:
"Pharmacy is a healthcare profession requiring a high level of education and training.
To qualify as a pharmacist takes a minimum of five years and includes the following steps:
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Successful completion of a GPhC accredited Master of Pharmacy Degree (MPharm), which is a full-time, four year course
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Successful completion of one year's pre-registration training, a period of paid employment in a community or hospital pharmacy during which a trainee is required to build up a portfolio of evidence and demonstrate their competence whilst being observed at work
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Successful completion of the GPhC's registration exam
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Meeting the fitness to practise requirements for registration as a pharmacist.
Only after completing these steps can you apply for registration with the GPhC as a pharmacist. As part of the registration process, applicants have to make a health declaration and character checks are carried out."
Prospective students should note that the GPhC is unable to offer prospective registration advice. Applicants that have been refused registration with the GPhC are entitled to appeal against the decision via the GPhC Appeals Committee. Furthermore, all Fitness to Practise decisions made by the University relate to an individual student's ability to practise on the course as a student. Such decisions do not (and indeed cannot) bind the GPhC in its determination of an individual's Fitness to Practise upon any application for professional registration as a pharmacist.
The interview process
All students who are offered a place will be subject to an interview. Interviews will take place between October and March and successful applicants will be called for interview during that period. Selection for interview will be based on achieved and predicted grades, information provided in the personal statement and the reference. A candidate must provide good evidence of interest and commitment to pharmacy, which should include relevant work experience. This work experience does not specifically need to be in a Pharmacy environment as we appreciate that this can be difficult to secure, but should be in an environment that enables relevant and appropriate interaction and communication with the public.
We are also looking for individuals who have the appropriate qualities for the profession. Candidates must be well-rounded individuals, evidence for which may be provided through involvement in extracurricular activities and/or paid work in society.
All candidates (including overseas applicants) will be required to attend a panel interview, held within the College of Medical and Dental Sciences at the University of Birmingham. The interview will be approximately 20 minutes in duration; the first half will involve general questions relating to the candidate’s application and the second half will include scenario and ethical based questions. Mathematical ability will also be assessed during the interview process.
We will aim to communicate decisions within two to three weeks following an interview, although please note that the earliest date you will receive an offer will be December 2012. However, some candidates will be placed on a reserve list based on their interview score and final decisions will not be taken until after all interviews have been completed.