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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 primarily 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.
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.
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.
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 (QS World rankings 2024)
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.
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.
Module information
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research project.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
Full-time
2025/26
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 2 |
| Research Methods and Practice based project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Structured Reflective Portfolio | 0 | Full Term |
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.
International requirements
For international students there is an English language requirement to have an IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
If you're made an offer of a place to study and you don't already meet the language requirement, you have the option to enrol on our English for Academic Purposes Presessional Course. If you successfully complete this, you'll be able to fulfil the language requirement without needing to take a further qualification.
Fees and scholarships
- 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.
30 June 2025
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 primarily 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.
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
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.