
Can the student register as a Pharmacist after completing an MSc in Pharmacy in the UK?
MSc Pharmacy is NOT the pathway to register directly as a pharmacist in the UK.
- To practice as a pharmacist in the UK, a student must complete an MPharm (Master of Pharmacy) degree, which is accredited by the GPhC.
- An MSc in Pharmacy or related fields (e.g., Pharmaceutical Sciences) is typically research-focused or designed for academic and industrial roles and does not lead to registration as a pharmacist.
Pathway for International Pharmacy Graduates:
- If the student has already completed a pharmacy degree (BPharm or PharmD) in India, they need to follow the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) to register as a pharmacist in the UK.
Procedure for Registering as a Pharmacist in the UK (OSPAP Pathway)
1 - Apply to the GPhC for Eligibility:
The student must submit an application to the GPhC to assess their qualifications and language proficiency.
Requirements include:
- A pharmacy degree equivalent to UK standards.
- Proficiency in English, proven by a valid IELTS score (typically 7.0 in each section).
2 - Complete the OSPAP Course: If eligible, the student will need to complete the OSPAP course at an accredited UK university. This is a one-year postgraduate diploma focusing on bridging gaps between the student’s prior education and UK pharmacy practices.
3 - Undertake a Pre-registration Training Year:
- After OSPAP, the student must complete a 52-week pre-registration training placement under the supervision of a GPhC-registered pharmacist.
4 - Pass the GPhC Registration Assessment:
- The final step is passing the GPhC exam, which tests clinical knowledge and the application of pharmacy law and ethics in the UK
Can they study any MSc course or university for pharmacy registration?
- MSc Courses: An MSc in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences will not make a student eligible to register as a pharmacist in the UK. These courses are academic or research-oriented and are not designed for clinical registration.
- University Accreditation: Only GPhC-accredited programs (e.g., MPharm or OSPAP) are acceptable for registration as a pharmacist. The university offering the MSc is irrelevant for this purpose unless it offers the OSPAP program.
Key Notes for the Student:
If the goal is to register as a pharmacist in the UK, they must complete the OSPAP route or pursue an MPharm program if they are at the undergraduate level. Research-based MSc programs can be valuable for academic or industry roles but do not qualify for pharmacist registration.