Pharmacist migration to UK

This page is for Pharmacists Migrating to the UK.

If you want to become a GPhC registered pharmacist in the UK, and you fall into either of these categories:

  • are qualified as a pharmacist outside of the European Economic Area (EEA),
  • or hold an EEA pharmacist qualification which is not a ‘relevant‘ qualification (other than a UK-recognised pharmacist qualification)

You will need to undergo,

  1. an Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)
  2. 52 weeks of pre-registration training in England, Scotland or Wales
  3. signed off as satisfactory by your tutor the GPhC registration assessment with a pass result

The primary stage listed above is the OSPAP, to apply you first must submit an application fee of around £600 and send an “applying-for-eligibility-to-complete-an-overseas-pharmacists-assessment-programme-form”. The key points the GPhC is looking for you to meet include:

  • Your degree must be determined to be comparable to the UK Bachelor’s degree completed by NARIC.
  • You must hold a license to practise pharmacy in a given country.
  • A professional and academic reference.
  • A score of 7 across the board in one sitting of IELTS.
  • Passing an interview by the OSPAP board (if you are called up)
  • Complete 12 months Pre-Registration Training after you have passed the OSP Assessments. This pre-registration training period is to be completed under the same terms and conditions as required of UK MPharm graduates.
  • Sit and pass the GPhC’s registration examination.

If you are accepted you will be put on a course  in a University the course includes::

  • General pharmacy law – tutorials and resources dedicated to improving your understanding of UK Pharmacy Law.
  • Pharmacy sciences –  key points in Evidence-Based Medicine in the UK.
  • Ethics – tutorials on the Medicines Ethics and Practice, the bible for UK Medical Ethics.
  • Working practices – tutorials and resources dedicated to looking at the differences between pharmacy in the UK and abroad.
  • Societies and associations – introduction to a database of associations that can aid you in your move.