To become a registered pharmacist in the UK, graduates need to complete a pre-registration year as a trainee pharmacist, set by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This includes a training placement and an assessment exam.
The year is designed to test graduates on their knowledge and how they can apply it to make professional judgements in pharmacy practice. A maximum of three attempts are allowed and only trainees that pass are added to the register. This helps to ensure that pharmacists on the register can practice safely and effectively.
Bath has had consistently good results in the pre-registration exams over the last eight years, with pass rates ranging from 93% - 100%.
Students studying the MPharm course have opportunities to train in both community and hospital pharmacies during their degree, giving them the customer-facing and dispensing experience needed to practice as a pharmacist. They also have the option of going on a placement with one of the University’s industry partners.
There is also a five-year course exclusively for international students who would like to take their pre-registration training in the UK, whilst keeping their student status.