The University of Sheffield has announced it will launch a new four-year pharmacy degree in September 2025, as well as a dedicated programme for pharmacy technicians to qualify as pharmacists. 

The UoS said the course will offer a “strong foundation of scientific understanding” with an emphasis on a “firm commitment to patient care,” with placements in community, hospital and primary care pharmacy settings. 

The UoS will also offer qualified pharmacy technicians the opportunity to complete a pharmacy degree “through its Masters of Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year programme,” according to the university’s statement.  

P3pharmacy has approached the UoS for more information on the qualification stream for pharmacy technicians.  

A web page for the course says the entry requirements will include AAB at A level, including chemistry and another science.  The university is “in the process of confirming modules” and is “working towards accreditation” by the GPhC, which will grant provisional accreditation for the time being.

Professor Susan Matthews, who was appointed head of pharmacy at the university in January, said: “Our course is designed to produce graduates who are not only experts in medicines but also compassionate healthcare professionals who can make a real difference in people’s lives. 

“Sheffield pharmacy graduates will be of their community and for their community.” 

Professor Matthews said that the course’s “social accountability placement” will be a “unique feature” distinguishing it from other pharmacy degrees. 

She explained: “This gives students the opportunity to undertake a placement with one of over 130 community partners in the voluntary sector to develop and deliver activities that have a positive impact on health and wellbeing while understanding the broader health needs of the community.”  

Osman Chohan, chief pharmacist at the Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having a school of pharmacy at the University of Sheffield is a really exciting prospect, not just for Sheffield and South Yorkshire but for neighbouring regions too. 

“At a time when the NHS has significant workforce gaps and demand for NHS services is unrelenting, the prospect of a steady stream of highly skilled, highly trained pharmacists to support the local population.  

“Medicines are the most common intervention we make in the care of patients but medicines are not without their risks. 

“Pharmacists are a critical part of ensuring patients get the best outcomes from their medicines whilst minimising risk and side effects.”

Last month, the Pharmacy Schools Council warned that the “uncontrolled” increase in the number of pharmacy schools is placing strains on the available academic workforce and called on NHS England to review this, including looking at pay disparities between higher education and the “external workplace” for qualified pharmacists.