Area

Detail

GCSEs → A Levels (or equivalent) → MPharm Degree (Master of Pharmacy, 4 years) → Foundation Training Year (1 year) → GPhC Registration → Practising as a Pharmacist

Pharmacy Degree Apprenticeship (a developing pathway) -TBC - no other alternatives currently for pharmacist role. However, a pharmacist technician role has an on-the-job pathway. Overseas-qualified pharmacists can register via an Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP).

Minimum Grade B (6/7) in English, Maths, and Sciences (especially Chemistry and Biology). Strong GCSE results are needed to progress to suitable A Levels.

Typically AAB–BBB, including Chemistry and at least one other science (Biology, Physics, or Maths). Universities may accept equivalent qualifications.

Yes — an MPharm degree accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) after passing the Foundation Year and registration assessment.

Independent Prescribing Qualification (IP), Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc, Leadership or management training.

Gain work experience in a local pharmacy or healthcare setting. Study science-based subjects (essentials at A level). Learn about patient care, communication, and healthcare ethics.

Potential to own or co-own a community pharmacy business. Consultancy work, locum shifts, or private services (e.g. travel clinics) can supplement income. Some pharmacists invest in health-related ventures or provide paid training.

Checking prescriptions. Providing advice on medicines and minor illnesses. Running health services (e.g., vaccinations). Managing staff, stock, and compliance. Liaising with doctors.

Typically full-time is 35–45 hours per week. Community pharmacies often open evenings and weekends — some flexibility is possible, especially for locum (self-employed) pharmacists.

Newly qualified: £35,000–£45,000. Experienced: £45,000–£60,000+. Pharmacy manager or owner: £60,000–£100,000+.

Varies by setting. Full-time community pharmacists often work varied patterns.

Both options exist. Many are employed. Self-employment possible as a locum pharmacist or pharmacy owner.

High level of professional responsibility. Increasing clinical autonomy through prescribing and independent service delivery.

Pharmacy Manager, Independent Prescriber, Clinical Pharmacist (GP surgeries or hospitals), Regional Manager, Academic roles.

Boots, Well Pharmacy, Peak, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, local independent pharmacies, NHS Primary Care Networks or Hospital Trusts.

Automation in dispensing. AI-assisted medication safety checks. Digital health consultations. Use of data analytics.

The role of community pharmacists is expanding (more clinical services). Strong communication and problem-solving are essential.

General Pharmaceutical Council website, NHS careers, Pharmacy schools, Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Area

Detail

GCSEs → A Levels (or equivalent) → MPharm Degree (Master of Pharmacy, 4 years) → Foundation Training Year (1 year) → GPhC Registration → Practising as a Pharmacist

Pharmacy Degree Apprenticeship (a developing pathway) -TBC - no other alternatives currently for pharmacist role. However, a pharmacist technician role has an on-the-job pathway. Overseas-qualified pharmacists can register via an Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP).

Minimum Grade B (6/7) in English, Maths, and Sciences (especially Chemistry and Biology). Strong GCSE results are needed to progress to suitable A Levels.

Typically AAB–BBB, including Chemistry and at least one other science (Biology, Physics, or Maths). Universities may accept equivalent qualifications.

Yes — an MPharm degree accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) after passing the Foundation Year and registration assessment.

Independent Prescribing Qualification (IP), Clinical Pharmacy Diploma or MSc, Leadership or management training.

Gain work experience in a local pharmacy or healthcare setting. Study science-based subjects (essentials at A level). Learn about patient care, communication, and healthcare ethics.

Potential to own or co-own a community pharmacy business. Consultancy work, locum shifts, or private services (e.g. travel clinics) can supplement income. Some pharmacists invest in health-related ventures or provide paid training.

Checking prescriptions. Providing advice on medicines and minor illnesses. Running health services (e.g., vaccinations). Managing staff, stock, and compliance. Liaising with doctors.

Typically full-time is 35–45 hours per week. Community pharmacies often open evenings and weekends — some flexibility is possible, especially for locum (self-employed) pharmacists.

Newly qualified: £35,000–£45,000. Experienced: £45,000–£60,000+. Pharmacy manager or owner: £60,000–£100,000+.

Varies by setting. Full-time community pharmacists often work varied patterns.

Both options exist. Many are employed. Self-employment possible as a locum pharmacist or pharmacy owner.

High level of professional responsibility. Increasing clinical autonomy through prescribing and independent service delivery.

Pharmacy Manager, Independent Prescriber, Clinical Pharmacist (GP surgeries or hospitals), Regional Manager, Academic roles.

Boots, Well Pharmacy, Peak, Superdrug, Tesco, Asda, local independent pharmacies, NHS Primary Care Networks or Hospital Trusts.

Automation in dispensing. AI-assisted medication safety checks. Digital health consultations. Use of data analytics.

The role of community pharmacists is expanding (more clinical services). Strong communication and problem-solving are essential.

General Pharmaceutical Council website, NHS careers, Pharmacy schools, Royal Pharmaceutical Society