Best Pharmacy Universities in UK
Table of Contents
If you’re dreaming of becoming a pharmacist, the UK is home to some of the best pharmacy universities in the world. Schools like University College London, Cardiff University, and Queen’s University Belfast offer top-ranked MPharm programs, excellent research, and strong career support. With impressive graduation rates, excellent teaching, and global recognition, these universities prepare students for successful pharmacy careers in hospitals, research, and the pharmaceutical industry—all while gaining hands-on experience in real healthcare settings.
Top Pharmacy University in UK
University College London
University College London (UCL), located in London, is one of the top universities in the world. Founded in 1826, UCL is especially famous for its School of Pharmacy, which ranks 4th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2024 for Pharmacy and Pharmacology. With over 45,000 students, UCL provides a diverse and supportive environment, and 94% of students graduate successfully. The student-faculty ratio of 10:1 means you’ll get lots of personal support from professors, and graduates earn an average starting salary of £28,000. Below are the key details of University College London:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | London, England |
| Founded | 1826 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 26% (competitive for MPharm) |
| Total Enrollment | Over 45,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £9,250 per year |
| Average Starting Salary | £28,000 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 94% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 10:1 |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering |
| Notable Alumni | Alexander Graham Bell (Inventor), Mahatma Gandhi (Leader) |
Queen’s University of Belfast
Queen’s University Belfast, located in Northern Ireland, is well-known for its excellent School of Pharmacy. Established in 1845, the university has around 24,000 students and provides a welcoming atmosphere with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for more one-on-one attention. Moreover, Queen’s offers a high-quality MPharm program focusing on the design, development, and safe use of medicines. The graduation rate is around 90%, and graduates from the pharmacy program earn an average starting salary of £25,000. Below are the key details of Queen’s University Belfast:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Founded | 1845 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 80% |
| Total Enrollment | Around 24,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £4,530 per year (Northern Ireland students); £9,250 per year (other UK students) |
| Average Starting Salary | £25,000 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 90% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 15:1 |
| Campus Size | 100 acres |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Engineering, Law |
| Notable Alumni | Seamus Heaney (Poet), Mary McAleese (Former President of Ireland) |
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham, located in Nottingham, England, is one of the UK’s leading universities for pharmacy education. Established in 1881, Nottingham’s School of Pharmacy is globally recognized and consistently ranks among the top institutions for pharmacy studies.
Nottingham pharmacy graduates have an outstanding reputation, with a 99.43% pass rate on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s registration exam in March 2021. With over 33,000 students and a supportive 14:1 student-faculty ratio, Nottingham offers both a large university feel and individual attention to help students succeed. Below are the key details of University of Nottingham:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Nottingham, England |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 65% |
| Total Enrollment | Over 33,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £9,250 per year |
| Average Starting Salary | £33,500 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 76% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 14:1 |
| Campus Size | 300 acres |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering |
| Notable Alumni | D.H. Lawrence (Author), Sir Peter Mansfield (Nobel Laureate) |
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool, located in Liverpool, England, is well-known for its MPharm program. Founded in 1881, Liverpool’s School of Pharmacy is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). The university has around 27,000 students, and with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students enjoy personalized support from expert faculty. Graduates of the pharmacy program have a strong track record, with an average starting salary of £35,000 and a 92% graduation rate. Below are the key details of University of Liverpool:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Liverpool, England |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 14.39% |
| Total Enrollment | Around 27,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £9,250 per year |
| Average Starting Salary | £35,000 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 92% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 12:1 |
| Campus Size | 100 acres |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering |
| Notable Alumni | Sir Ronald Ross (Nobel Laureate), Dame Stella Rimington (Former MI5 Director-General) |
Cardiff University
Cardiff University, located in Cardiff, Wales, is widely respected for its School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, which is one of the top pharmacy schools in the UK. Established in 1883, with over 31,000 students and a supportive 13:1 student-faculty ratio, Cardiff helps students build the skills they need to work in hospitals, community pharmacies, research, and industry. Graduates from Cardiff enjoy an average starting salary of £30,000, making it a smart choice for those pursuing pharmacy careers. Below are the key details of Cardiff University:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Cardiff, Wales |
| Founded | 1883 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 75% |
| Total Enrollment | Over 31,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £9,000 per year |
| Average Starting Salary | £30,000 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 85% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 13:1 |
| Campus Size | 135 acres |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering |
| Notable Alumni | Sir Martin Evans (Nobel Laureate), Gillian Clarke (Poet) |
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol, located in Bristol, England, is a top-ranked UK university. Established in 1876, Bristol’s School of Pharmacy offers an excellent MPharm program that blends scientific learning with hands-on clinical skills. With about 25,000 students and an impressive 11:1 student-faculty ratio, students at Bristol get personalized attention and access to expert faculty. Graduates typically earn an average starting salary of £32,000, reflecting the high quality of education and career readiness the university provides. Below are the key details of University of Bristol:
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Bristol, England |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 67% |
| Total Enrollment | Around 25,000 students |
| Tuition (UK Students) | £9,250 per year |
| Average Starting Salary | £32,000 after graduation |
| Graduation Rate | Approximately 88% |
| Student-Faculty Ratio | 11:1 |
| Campus Size | Urban campus |
| Popular Programs | Pharmacy, Medicine, Engineering |
| Notable Alumni | Paul Dirac (Physicist), Angela Carter (Author) |
Conclusion
From the world-leading research at UCL to the supportive campuses of Liverpool and Bristol, these top pharmacy universities in the UK give students everything they need to build rewarding careers in healthcare. With high graduate salaries, expert faculty, and strong industry connections, you can study at one of these outstanding schools knowing you’re on the right path to becoming a skilled and confident pharmacist ready to make a difference in people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average tuition fee for pharmacy programs in the UK?
For UK students, pharmacy tuition fees typically range from £9,000 to £9,250 per year, depending on the university. Northern Ireland residents studying at Queen's University Belfast pay a reduced rate of £4,530 per year.
What is the average starting salary for pharmacy graduates in the UK?
Pharmacy graduates in the UK can expect average starting salaries between £25,000 and £35,000. For example:
- Liverpool graduates earn around £35,000.
- Nottingham graduates earn approximately £33,500.
- Cardiff graduates earn around £30,000.
What are the entry requirements for pharmacy courses in the UK?
Pharmacy courses in the UK are competitive. Typical requirements include:
- A-levels: Often AAA–ABB, including Chemistry and Biology.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Usually 34–38 points.
- IELTS: Around 6.5–7.0 if English isn't your first language.
Can international students apply for pharmacy programs in the UK?
Yes! Most UK pharmacy schools' welcome international students. Requirements include academic qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels and English proficiency tests like IELTS.
Is studying pharmacy in the UK worth it?
Absolutely. The UK offers some of the best pharmacy programs globally, with strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and world-class education that prepares students for successful careers.
