51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

Key facts

Entry requirements

96 or MMM

Full entry requirements

UCAS code

B231

Institution code

D26

Duration

5 yrs full-time

Five years integrated with Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

Entry requirements

UCAS code

B231

Institution code

D26

Duration

5 yrs full-time

Five years integrated with Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

Start your journey to becoming a pharmacist with 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø’s Pharmacy MPharm (Year Zero) – a solid foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.

Your first year is taught at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇøIC, located in the heart of the 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø campus. As a 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇøIC student, you’ll have full access to all university facilities, including the library, gym, cafes, and computer labs. You’ll benefit from small class sizes, expert tutors, and plenty of support to help you succeed.

This five-year Pharmacy MPharm Year Zero is perfect if you want to become a pharmacist but don’t have the grades for direct entry. In Year Zero, you’ll build essential skills in chemistry, biology, mathematics, IT, and communication—all key to your future studies in pharmacy. Once you’ve completed Year Zero and have met the criteria for continuation (criteria include an interview and a review of both academic and non-academic considerations), you’ll progress directly onto the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accredited Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) programme at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø.

Key features

  • Build strong foundational skills: Complete Year Zero and meet our progression criteria to transition onto our professionally accredited Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) course.
  • Expert teaching: Learn from experienced tutors who combine academic excellence with high levels of personalised support.
  • A renowned reputation: Benefit from over 120 years of teaching experience in the renowned Leicester School of Pharmacy.
  • Collaborative learning: Work alongside future health and social care professionals, gaining valuable team-based learning experience.
  • Career ready: 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø MPharm graduates have gone on to rewarding careers across all sectors of pharmacy, including roles in community pharmacies, NHS settings, primary care, and the pharmaceutical industry.

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Our next Open Day is on
Saturday 29 March

Join us in 18 days and 10 hours.

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What you will study

Human Biology

This module aims to introduce human body systems, how they are organised and integrated into physiological processes. It is intended to serve as a foundation for the study of anatomy, physiology and histology on the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) undergraduate degree programme.

Basic Microbiology for Biomedical Science

Introduces you to aspects of fundamental microbiology required for the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) programme. The classes provide a knowledge base on the range, characteristics and properties of micro-organisms. Topics covered include the structural, metabolic, and genetic characteristics of micro-organisms. Where appropriate those features will be used to begin to discuss the importance of micro-organisms to man, particularly in relation to infection, disease and the control of micro-organisms.

Introduction to Psychology

Introduces the main theoretical approaches and perspectives in psychology. You will also be introduced to psychological and physiological explanations of cognition and human behaviour. Historical developments, treatments and therapies of related case studies such as depression, stress, mental illness and schizophrenia will be considered in context of contemporary issues.

Study Skills 1: Introduction to 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø

Provides you with the opportunity to participate in a range of on- and off-campus activities for a thorough introduction into the life and culture at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø and the City of Leicester, to enable you to integrate more fully into both. Ten activities are offered and you will be required to engage in at least of four of these during the term. The list of activities is made up of the following (or similar):

  • Campus tour
  • Talk on and tour of the city
  • LRC introduction and workshop
  • Introduction to the Square Mile Project
  • Freshers’ Fair
  • Involvement in a University club or society
  • 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø social event/gathering
  • 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø/City sporting activity
  • Seminar on cultural awareness
  • A visit to the Faculty which offers the student’s chosen degree programme.

Study Skills 2: Information Technology and Numeracy

Aims to give you the appropriate foundation in computing and numeracy skills for success at undergraduate level. Your prior learning in computing and mathematics is consolidated and then enhanced with the introduction of new topics and approaches relevant to study in the UK Higher Education environment. Teaching and study time are divided equally between IT skills and basic mathematics required for undergraduate study with an overlap between the two in classes on statistics and study of spreadsheet construction. The IT element includes tuition in the use of three key programmes in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and PowerPoint, retrieving and assessing material through the use of internet search engines and the using e-mail. Mathematics includes the performance of a range of algebraic calculations, fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, powers, roots and the solving of equations, the gathering and presentation of statistical information and the fundamentals of probability.

Study Skills 3: Communication Skills

Will support and enhance the key learning elements in the final term of English for Academic Purposes, to improve learner self-awareness and give students insight into the use and effectiveness of learner platforms and academic forums. You will study referencing in academic writing and how to avoid plagiarism, experience note-taking in a lecture hall environment and develop your speaking capabilities and confidence by undertaking exercises in public speaking and debating. The module will have a focus on ‘learning to learn’ to help you improve your self-study abilities and develop as an independent learner. You will also experience group work to improve your ability to work in a team to produce a piece of academic work.

Functions of Cells and Tissues

Introduces basic concepts of anatomy, histology and physiology as an integrated experience of theory and laboratory observation. It is intended to serve as a preparation and foundation for histopathology/physiology studies delivered in the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) programme. Topics covered include: cellular anatomy, cellular function, how cells form tissues, physiological function of tissues, and form and function of tissues.

Chemistry 1

Introduces post-GCSE topics in chemistry and builds the subject knowledge and practical skills required for further study. You will begin to develop your understanding of basic theoretical principles and associate these with appropriate laboratory practice. You will consider: formulae, equations and moles; atomic structure; an introduction to redox; thermodynamics; and bonding. This module prepares students for Chemistry 2 and together these two modules form the basis for study of Pharmacy at degree level.

Chemistry 2

Aims to introduce further topics in chemistry and to build on the subject knowledge and practical skills acquired and developed in Chemistry 1. You will further develop your understanding of basic theoretical principles and associated laboratory practice, and appreciate the social, environmental, economic and technological impact of chemistry on the wider community.

Introductory Biochemistry

Provides the fundamental aspects of introductory biochemistry necessary for an understanding of the specialised subjects dealt with later in the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) degree programme. The practical classes will place emphasis on lab safety and will introduce the basic principles in biochemistry. The material in this module also underpins the biochemistry required. Basic biochemical processes and concepts relevant to human health and disease will be explored.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

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Our facilities

Hawthorn Building

Home to students and staff from Health and Life Sciences courses spanning pharmaceutical, healthcare, lab based and social science disciplines.

The facilities and spaces in the Hawthorn Building are designed to replicate current practice in health and life sciences, including contemporary analytical chemistry and formulation laboratories, audiology booths and nursing and midwifery clinical skills suites.

Purpose-built clinical skills areas allow you to practice in a safe environment. You will receive guidance and support from expert academic and technical staff.

Recently renovated, the Undercroft offers dedicated break out spaces and study spaces allowing for collaborative and interprofessional learning beyond the classroom.

Accreditations, awards or memberships

GPhC logo (teal text on a white background)

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

The Year Zero in Pharmacy has a continuation route onto the MPharm at 51ºÚÁÏÉçÇø. Our MPharm is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Where we could take you

Students working on a laptop at the Careers Hub

Graduate careers

Once you have successfully completed the initial Year Zero programme and have met the criteria for continuation, you will progress on to our Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) degree - a course which has been accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

If you would like to continue to the Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) degree, you must achieve an overall average of 60 per cent for the Pharmacy Year Zero programme, with 65 per cent in chemistry core skills. The number of formal reassessment opportunities on this programme is restricted to two per module.

Our MPharm graduates progress on to rewarding and stimulating careers in all sectors of pharmacy, including major employers in community pharmacy, the NHS, primary care settings and the pharmaceutical industry.

Throughout your five years with us we will help you to enhance your employment opportunities by embedding transferable skills into the programme and exposing you to key employers and stakeholders through the bespoke Leicester School of Pharmacy careers events and mentoring scheme.

We also offer a range of postgraduate opportunities including:

Course specifications

Course title

Pharmacy Year Zero

Award

Foundation

UCAS code

B231

Institution code

D26

Study level

Foundation

Study mode

Full-time

Start date

September

Duration

Five years integrated with Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)

Fees

2025/26 UK tuition fees:
£9,535*

*subject to the government, as is expected, passing legislation to formalise the increase.

Entry requirements

GCSEs

  • GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in Maths and English Language (or IELTS 6.5, with no element at lower than 6.0, or equivalent by the end of the YZ)

Plus one of the following:

A level

  • A minimum of 96 UCAS points from 3 A levels, including Biology or Chemistry at Grade C or above. If applicants have both Chemistry and Biology then one must be a grade C or above, and the other a grade D or below.

T Level

  • Pass in Science (C or above on the core)

BTEC

  • BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science - Merit/Merit/Merit

Applicants with chemistry A2 and BTEC National Diploma – Applied Science should consider applying for the MPharm 4 year course)

Access Course

  • Pass Access to Science HE diploma with equivalent to 96 tariff points, to include 15 level three chemistry or biology credits at merit

Applicants with 15 level three credits in chemistry and biology should consider applying for the MPharm 4 year course.

English Language and Maths GCSEs required as separate qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language an IELTS score of 6.5 overall is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Interview: Yes

The interview will take the form of a structured discussion and will include numeracy questions as well as scenarios focusing on values and judgement. Interviews are currently being conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams.

Non-academic requirements:

Continuance on the YZ or IYZ MPharm programme is subject to annual completion of a self-declaration (from L3) and enhanced DBS (from L4 onwards). It is important that your self-declaration is completed by the end of teaching week 3 after enrolment on YZ or IYZ.

Once you progress to the MPharm you will need to complete your enhanced DBS application and self-declaration by end of teaching week 3 after enrolment, and self-declaration completed by end of teaching week 1 in years 2 to 4 at the latest.

Failure to engage with this process will result in a review of your continued registration, the normal outcome of which will be discontinuation of your registration from the YZ or IYZ MPharm programme. For international students a certificate of good conduct from your home country is required in lieu of a DBS check.

Please note that we do not normally accept applicants who have previously enrolled on a Pharmacy MPharm degree or a science foundation degree/year zero in the UK.