Pharmacy with Integrated Foundation Training UCL

Overview

As experts in medicine with a detailed understanding of the scientific basis of therapy, pharmacists play a vital role at the forefront of healthcare delivery.

The role and responsibilities of pharmacists are expanding. The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) published new Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists in 2021, placing a much greater focus on the development of clinical skills and person-centred care.

These changes will help to ensure that as a pharmacist, you’ll be fully equipped for your future role – providing clinical care to patients and the public, diagnosing disease and prescribing medicines, and applying the science that underpins pharmacy.

From 2026, all UK pharmacists will be able to independently prescribe medicines and treatment for minor illnesses. The skills, knowledge and attributes needed to do this are now part of the Pharmacy with Integrated Foundation Training programme offered by UCL.

Careers

The most common career route for a pharmacist involves serving the healthcare needs of the community, working in high street, supermarket or GP pharmacies.

Another popular route is hospital pharmacy, working closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. With one or two years' experience, you can then choose to specialise in areas such as cancer, paediatrics, HIV, surgery or education and training.

This master’s degree also qualifies you to work as an industrial pharmacist in research and development, production, quality control, clinical trials, product registration and medical information.  

Alternatively, you could pursue an academic career through teaching and research.