Ranking
Top 100
for Pharmacy in the world.
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Course overview
This programme is designed for non-UK qualified pharmacists who want to develop advanced clinical skills, with a focus on clinical pharmacy research and healthcare leadership. It’s aimed at overseas pharmacists with prior clinical experience, helping them build on their expertise to practice at an advanced level.
Our master's programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy, patient-centred care, and healthcare leadership. It emphasises evidence-based medicine and its role in improving patient outcomes across various healthcare settings.
The course equips you for senior specialist roles in both academia and clinical practice, providing a strong foundation in leadership and the skills needed to drive change in healthcare.
Course Structure
This course will run over 12 months full-time. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.
First Term
First Term
In term one, you’ll be introduced to the key concepts and skills which are routinely applied in a clinical setting, and you’ll learn the principles of evidence-based medicine.
Additionally, you’ll explore leadership and its relationship to change by considering the conceptual frameworks and scholarly practices within which leadership and change is situated and applying these within a contemporary health and social care context.
Second Term
Second Term
In term two, you’ll build on further on your knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic approaches and rational medicines use in these areas, as well as imparting principles which can be applied in disease states.
You’ll be introduced to topics that are pertinent to conducting research including critical review of published literature, developing a research protocol, research ethics, study design and research methodology.
Communication and clinical skills training within our Interactive Studies Unit will also provide you with background in the systematic approaches around history taking, physical examinations and communication techniques.
Third Term
Third Term
In term three you’ll complete a focused research project. You’ll also be assigned to a clinical placement site at either a NHS teaching hospital in the West Midlands area, a primary care general practice, or within a community setting.
Course highlights
What makes this course different?
Our MSc in Clinical Pharmacy (International) is an advanced programme offered by the School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with NHS teaching hospitals, primary care practices, and community settings in the West Midlands. This programme helps you develop the clinical expertise and leadership skills needed to deliver advanced pharmacy services tailored to your home country or pursue a PhD in the UK or abroad.
With state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including clinical skills labs, simulation spaces, and patient consultation suites, you'll benefit from a modern curriculum. Additionally, communication and clinical skills training in our Interactive Studies Unit will equip you with top-tier skills in clinical communication, language, and professionalism.
- Learn from renowned experts in clinical pharmacy and benefit from the UK's NHS system, recognised globally for its patient-centred approach.
- Gain exposure to real-world clinical environments with placements, ensuring you develop practical, evidence-based skills, essential for modern pharmacy practice.
- Engage in research-driven coursework and practical clinical placements, empowering you to apply modern pharmaceutical care in complex healthcare environments.
Alongside being in the Top 100 Universities in the world for Pharmacy in the QS World University Ranking. The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
- 1st
for Pharmacy in the West Midlands
Complete University Guide, 2024
- 15th
for Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Times, 2024
- Top 100
in the world for Pharmacy & Pharmacology
QS World rankings, 2025
You'll gain practical experience in various healthcare settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real clinical environments. The course offers training in patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and pharmaceutical care planning, preparing you for advanced roles in hospital pharmacy, clinical practice, and academia.
You'll also participate in innovative research projects alongside leading pharmacy professionals, developing the skills needed to advance your career in research.
Talk to our students
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
The course includes a combination of lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials, and placements. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner.
This course consists of four taught modules and one research project.
Taught modules - these include lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials. You’ll also receive support to help you address any personal questions or challenges, and to reinforce your understanding of both scientific and professional topics.
Research project - utilises the knowledge and experience gained through the programme (including knowledge of research methods) to answer a relevant research question. This individual research project will allow you to demonstrate higher level skills of analysis, self-direction, independent thought, creativity, and autonomy.
Clinical placements - build on the learning gained through the taught clinical pharmacy topics as well as the problem-based learning sessions to learn appropriate methods (not specific knowledge) to identify and manage pharmaceutical care and medicines optimisation issues for individual patients.
Assessments - these include written exams, coursework, research projects and presentations.
Lecture
Tutorial
Workshop
Projects
1:1 Supervision
Module information
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
Full-time
2026/27 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 1 | 40 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2 | 40 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical examination skills and on-site clinical practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Leadership and Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods and Practice based project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Structured Reflective Portfolio | 0 | Full Term |
Teaching staff
Dr Asma Yahyouche
Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmacy and Prescribing
Staff profile of Dr Asma Yahyouche, Academic Practitioner, Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Therapeutics Section, School of Pharmacy, University of Birmingham.
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
You should have a 2:1 Honours degree (at least 55%- 3 out of 4- GPA) or equivalent in Pharmacy.
You should have a 2:1 Honours degree (at least 55%- 3 out of 4- GPA) or equivalent in Pharmacy.
You must also be a registered pharmacist in your home country with at least 6-months of patient facing practice-based role.
We also require students to have a DBS check and complete an occupational heath check once in the UK to be able to start their placements.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English presessional programmes
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
- N/A
Unavailable for UK applicants - please select your country
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. International Students should be aware that this course doesn’t lead to registration to practice as a pharmacist in the UK.
- 3 July 2026
Application deadline for international students requiring a visa. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
Our MSc in Clinical Pharmacy (International) is designed for international students, helping you develop advanced skills and knowledge to practice at a specialist or senior specialist pharmacist level, depending on the requirements of your country's regulatory bodies.
This programme equips you with the clinical expertise and leadership abilities necessary to enhance pharmacy services in your home country, whether in government ministries, hospitals, universities, or other healthcare settings.
This MSc is also excellent preparation for a PhD, either in the UK or abroad.
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We're first choice for graduate employers... again!
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
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Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Campus life
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