What is Pharmacy? 5 Benefits of Studying a Pharmacy Degree

When you think of a pharmacist you might typically think of someone preparing and giving out over-the-counter medication, however the role encompasses much more than that. Pharmacists help to manage a patient’s health and chronic conditions. They provide vital consultation services to ensure pharmaceutical drugs are used safely. Pharmacy graduates can work face-to-face with patients in a clinic or hospital, or use their expertise as a research scientist, helping to research and develop new drugs. Here’s what you need to know about studying pharmacy and how a pathway programme at Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre can help you build a fulfilling career in healthcare.

What is pharmacy? 

Pharmacy is the science and technique of preparing and dispensing medicines, and offering additional clinical services such as vaccinations, health screenings and advice on issues such as how to stop smoking or manage conditions such as diabetes and asthma. It is a profession that links health sciences with pharmaceutical sciences to ensure the safe and effective use of pharmaceutical drugs.

5 Benefits of studying a pharmacy degree

Fulfilling a vital healthcare role

The importance of pharmacy extends beyond just giving out medicine. Pharmacists provide essential information and healthcare services to patients who might need help in addition to that provided by their doctor. As a qualified pharmacist, you would manage and monitor plans for patients to help prevent any medication errors or adverse reactions.

Diverse career opportunities 

So, what can you do with a pharmacy degree? As a pharmacist, you can choose to either work directly with patients as a clinical pharmacist in pharmacies, hospitals and clinics, or go on to work as a research scientist and, for example, conduct trials to help discover new ways of treating conditions that are safe and effective. One of the benefits of being a pharmacist is that you can also use your degree to work in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of non-scientific roles (eg sales or regulatory affairs), become an academic researcher, medical writer, or go down the entrepreneur route and open an independent pharmacy, or collaborate with others to develop your own healthcare products.

Global opportunities and mobility

Pharmacists are universally sought after, meaning that once you’ve completed your pharmacy degree, you’ll be able to gain accreditation in most other countries and work almost anywhere in the world.

While studying for a pharmacy degree that has international accreditation, you’ll learn about different healthcare systems and clinical practices, which will broaden your understanding of global approaches to healthcare and will prepare you to adapt to different clinical environments when you start your career.

Competitive salary and benefits

Pharmacy degree graduates have a broad range of career opportunities ahead of them, in community pharmacies, hospitals, academia and the pharmaceutical industry. The average base salary for a pharmacist in the UK is £45,000 (Glassdoor 2024), however, this will increase as you gain experience and take on additional responsibilities, such as moving into higher management positions or specialising in areas such as geriatric care. It’s a rewarding career that can lead to a great salary and even greater job satisfaction.

High demand globally 

Chronic disease is on the rise and with it comes the need for more personalised patient care, underlining the importance of pharmacy and the growing need for more practitioners. Advances in healthcare and the provision of online health services mean that pharmacists can now contribute to health initiatives that address global issues, such as pandemics, and ensure access to essential medicines in developing countries. A degree in pharmacy will give you the tools to practice in diverse environments, from offering remote services to onsite roles in multinational healthcare teams.

Study Pharmacy at Liverpool John Moores University

So why study pharmacy at Liverpool John Moores University? As well as being voted best student city by students at the StudentCrowd University Awards in 2023 and the 11th best UK university for job prospects, a recent survey found that 95% of students from Liverpool John Moores University secure employment or are in further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes Survey, published summer 2023). 

For those interested in going on to study MPharm Pharmacy at Liverpool John Moores University, there are two fantastic International Foundation Year programmes available at the International Study Centre:

• International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences, which requires an overall IELTS score of 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each area) for students wishing to progress to MPharm Pharmacy
• Extended International Foundation Year in Engineering, Computing and Life Sciences,, which requires an overall IELTS score of 5.5 (minimum 5.0 in each area) for students wishing to progress to MPharm Pharmacy.

These programmes are designed for international students who would like to improve their subject knowledge and English language level before starting their chosen undergraduate degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Places are limited on the MPharm Pharmacy degree at Liverpool John Moores University but Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre also offers progression to BSc Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Science from the International Foundation Year and Extended International Foundation Year programmes.

Contact us to find out more about entry requirements, fees and visa requirements and our support team will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the course that’s right for you.

FAQs

Is pharmacy a good career?

Not only is pharmacy a good career, but it’s also a very rewarding one. As a pharmacist, you’ll be able to help improve your patients’ health and wellness. One of the benefits of being a pharmacist is that it’s a stable career that is always in demand and comes with opportunities for continual professional growth.  

Why choose the UK for pharmacy?

The UK offers an excellent pharmacy education that is recognised globally. Studying pharmacy at a UK university means you will receive diverse clinical experiences and robust training, leaving you well-prepared for working in the healthcare sector. Studying in the UK will also offer plenty of networking opportunities to help you get started.

What does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists manage and dispense medications, help educate patients on their medication and conditions, and conduct health screenings. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals to optimise patient treatment plans. As a trained pharmacist, you can also research and work on developing new medicines.