Will a 2:2 degree hold me back in my future career? Can I still get a job in a hospital and in GP practice? Will it be a problem when applying for the Clinical Diploma and IP course?

Consultation link: Consultation on internationally-qualified pharmacists’ education and training | General Pharmaceutical Council (Closing date 21 July)

The GPhC is currently consulting on proposed changes to the route for internationally qualified pharmacists wanting to register in Great Britain.

The proposals include:

• reducing the current route from two years to one year;
• allowing prior learning and experience to shorten training;
• building independent prescribing into the new route;
• creating new learning outcomes for internationally qualified pharmacists.

Why pharmacists should respond

Even if you support the proposal, it is important to respond. This affects:

• future pharmacist supply;
• pharmacist pay and competition;
• independent prescribing capacity;
• domestic pharmacy education;
• patient safety;
• public confidence in the register;
• the value of UK-based pharmacy training.

The consultation is open to individual pharmacists. A high response rate from practising pharmacists is more likely to make the practical consequences visible.

Below is a draft Q&A template. Please adapt it to reflect your own views rather than submitting it unchanged.

Q1. Should training be reduced from two years to one year?

Suggested answer: No

I do not support reducing the route from two years to one year without stronger independent evidence.

The proposed reduction may improve speed of registration and workforce supply. However, it also risks lowering the effective cost and training burden required to enter the same professional register.

The GPhC appears to rely on individual qualification checks, comparison of national standards, GB-based conversion training, supervised practice and the registration assessment. It does not appear to provide for full audit or accreditation of the original non-EEA university, including admissions standards, assessment quality, clinical exposure, placement quality, faculty standards, regulatory oversight or provider costs.

That matters because non-EEA pharmacy education systems may vary substantially. Some may have lower entry requirements, lower tuition costs, lower provider costs, less clinical exposure or different assessment standards than GB pharmacy education. If those upstream differences are not fully audited, a one-year route may create an unequal pathway into the same protected profession.

There is also an economic risk. A shorter route may increase pharmacist supply. If funded service demand does not increase proportionately, the likely effects are greater competition, weaker wage growth, and reduced return on investment for pharmacists who trained domestically. It may also undermine the perceived value of GB pharmacy degrees and domestic pharmacy schools.

There is also a potential institutional conflict of interest. Increasing pharmacist intake increases future registration-fee income for the regulator. This does not imply improper motive, but it does mean the proposal should be supported by independent evidence and transparent economic analysis.

For these reasons, I would only support a shortened route where equivalence is demonstrated, not assumed. The GPhC should publish evidence on how foreign education systems are assessed, whether provider-level audits are performed, and how differences in admissions, training intensity, clinical exposure, educational cost and regulatory oversight are accounted for.

Without this, I do not believe a blanket reduction from two years to one year is justified.

Q2. What alternative route should be used?

I would prefer a conditional route rather than a blanket one-year route.

The default route should remain two years unless the applicant can demonstrate strong equivalence in prior education, clinical exposure, assessment standards and professional experience. A shortened route should only be available where the GPhC has verified that the applicant’s original training system is substantially comparable to GB standards.

A stronger alternative would include:

• initial GPhC eligibility checks, including qualification validity, registration status, good standing and fitness-to-practise checks;
• jurisdiction-level and provider-level assessment of the original education system, including admissions standards, assessment quality, clinical exposure, placement quality, faculty standards, regulatory oversight and provider costs;
• national criteria for recognising prior learning, so previous education or experience is assessed consistently across all GB providers;
• minimum supervised GB practice exposure, including UK law, ethics, NHS systems, safeguarding, clinical governance, responsible pharmacist duties, patient-facing care and professional accountability;
• independent prescribing only after sufficient GB clinical supervision and prescribing-specific assessment;
• the Common Registration Assessment for all candidates;
• published outcomes by provider and route, including pass rates, attrition, supervisor feedback and fitness-to-practise issues;
• independent economic and regulatory impact assessment, including effects on domestic pharmacy schools, pharmacist pay, competition, workforce supply, registration-fee income and the value of GB pharmacy degrees.

This would allow genuinely equivalent candidates to progress faster while reducing the risk of inconsistent standards, unfair competition, public-protection gaps, and economic disadvantage to domestically trained pharmacists.

Q3. Should providers be allowed to recognise prior learning and experience to shorten training?

Suggested answer: No / Disagree unless nationally controlled

I do not support provider-level discretion to shorten training unless it is controlled by a clear national GPhC framework.

Recognition of prior learning is reasonable in principle. It may prevent unnecessary duplication for candidates with recent, relevant and genuinely comparable education or experience. However, if individual providers decide this locally, there is a risk of inconsistent standards between universities.

The threshold for “recent, relevant and similar to Great Britain” must be nationally defined. Otherwise, two candidates with similar backgrounds could receive different training requirements depending on which provider assesses them.

There is also a public protection risk. Prior experience may be recent and relevant, but still not equivalent to GB practice in areas such as UK law, NHS systems, safeguarding, clinical governance, responsible pharmacist duties, patient-facing care and prescribing accountability.

I would only support recognition of prior learning where the GPhC sets mandatory national criteria, requires evidence of equivalence, audits provider decisions, and publishes outcome data. Without this, shortening training through provider discretion risks inconsistent access to the register and reduced confidence in the fairness of the route.

Q4. Do you agree with the proposed criteria for recognising prior learning and experience?

Suggested answer: Disagree

I disagree with the proposed criteria in their current form.

Recognising prior learning and experience is reasonable in principle, but the criteria appear too broad and may create inconsistent standards. In particular, allowing reductions based on full-time work in community or hospital pharmacy support roles may not reliably demonstrate equivalence to pharmacist-level education, clinical judgement, legal accountability, prescribing readiness, or autonomous professional decision-making in Great Britain.

The proposal also places significant responsibility on programme providers to verify evidence and determine relevance. This risks variable interpretation between providers unless the GPhC sets strict national criteria, audits decisions, and publishes outcome data.

I am also concerned that qualification equivalence appears to rely on national standards and learning outcomes verified by the GPhC, rather than full provider-level audit of the original overseas university or training provider. This may not adequately account for differences in admissions standards, assessment quality, clinical exposure, placement quality, faculty standards and educational infrastructure.

Prior learning should only reduce training where equivalence is clearly demonstrated against pharmacist-level GB standards. It should not be used to shorten the route on the basis of support-role experience alone unless there is robust evidence that the experience included relevant patient-facing clinical responsibility, supervised assessment, and comparable professional outcomes.

I would support recognition of prior learning only if it is governed by a mandatory national GPhC framework, with minimum GB practice exposure that cannot be waived, independent moderation of provider decisions, and transparent reporting of pass rates, attrition, fitness-to-practise issues and early-career outcomes.

Q5. Should independent prescribing be built into the new route?

Suggested answer: No, not automatically

I do not support automatically building independent prescribing into the new route in its current form.

Independent prescribing requires more than general pharmacist competence. It requires safe clinical assessment, diagnostic reasoning, risk management, understanding of UK prescribing governance, NHS pathways, referral thresholds, monitoring responsibilities, and accountability within GB practice.

For UK-trained pharmacists, prescribing is being integrated after several years of education and staged exposure to the GB healthcare system. For internationally qualified pharmacists, prior education and clinical exposure may vary substantially. If the GPhC has not fully audited the original overseas provider, it is difficult to assume that a compressed one-year programme can reliably provide equivalent prescribing readiness for all candidates.

There is also a fairness issue. Many existing GB-trained pharmacists registered before prescribing was integrated must complete a separate IP qualification at additional time and cost. Automatically giving the same annotation through a shortened international route may create unequal treatment between cohorts.

I would support inclusion of independent prescribing only where the candidate has completed a minimum non-waivable period of supervised GB clinical practice, prescribing-specific supervision, assessment against national criteria, and independent moderation. Prescribing status should be awarded only where competence is clearly demonstrated in the GB context, not automatically attached to completion of a shortened conversion route.

Q6. Are the proposed learning outcomes sufficient?

Suggested answer: Strongly disagree

I strongly disagree that the learning outcomes are sufficient in their current form.

The proposed outcomes may describe general pharmacist competence, but they do not appear to address the main risk in this route: whether internationally qualified pharmacists have had equivalent upstream education, clinical exposure, assessment standards and professional formation before entering a shortened GB programme.

Learning outcomes alone do not prove equivalence. A candidate may be assessed against outcomes at the end of the programme, but this does not necessarily replace several years of GB-based education, practice exposure, legal context, NHS experience, safeguarding, governance and professional accountability.

Additional learning outcomes should include explicit competence in:

• GB pharmacy law, NHS systems, clinical governance and safeguarding;
• responsible pharmacist accountability and autonomous decision-making in GB practice;
• UK prescribing governance, referral thresholds, monitoring duties and escalation pathways;
• patient-facing clinical assessment in the GB context, including risk recognition and documentation;
• understanding differences between the candidate’s original training system and GB pharmacy practice;
• evidence-based use of prior learning, including awareness of the limits of overseas or support-role experience;
• professional and economic understanding of the GB pharmacy system, including service funding, workforce pressures and the pharmacist’s role within multidisciplinary care.

I am also concerned that the outcomes do not compensate for the lack of provider-level audit of the original overseas university. If admissions standards, assessment quality, clinical exposure and training infrastructure vary substantially between countries, then learning outcomes delivered within a compressed programme may not be sufficient to ensure equivalent readiness.

Therefore, the outcomes should be strengthened and linked to minimum supervised GB practice exposure, independent prescribing readiness, and nationally audited assessment standards.

What is the best place to work? What are the pros and cons? Can you have a good career in community?

appreciate this is a weird question. I passed my gphc exam last year, and have just managed to get a part time role in hospital near me. During university I banked as a HCA on the wards, and really enjoyed it. As my role is only part time, and I can't drive at the minute, meaning locum work is not really much of an option as I live quite remote, but within commuting distance of a hospital, one of the wards I used to bank on in the summer said to me I should try get on the bank as HCA for some extra money
however i'm a bit concerned that this wouldn't be appropriate given i'm working as a band 6 in a different site? anybody every heard of anyone doing this or similar? (bank pays well on a weekend and i miss the job)

Saw that the MHRA has officially tightened up safety warnings for finasteride and dutasteride over psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction. With so many people getting these from online hair-loss clinics without face-to-face consults, how are you handling this at the counter? Are you proactively mentioning it to patients or waiting for them to ask?

Hi everyone,

I’m applying for first-time GPhC registration as a pharmacist and the fitness to practise declaration asks whether I’m currently under investigation by a criminal enforcement authority, e.g. police.

I have an ongoing police investigation but I have not been charged, cautioned, convicted, or found guilty of anything. I understand I need to declare it honestly, but I’m worried about what happens next.

Has anyone gone through first-time GPhC registration with an ongoing police investigation? Did they pause the application until the police outcome, or did they assess it and continue?

Looking for some advice and understanding if I'm unreasonable in not being happy about this! So my partner went to collect my prescription (repeat prescription). The medication was not ready. The lady who works on the counter (sorry I don't know the name of the job) and the pharmacist, both started talking at my partner about my medical history, told him things about Dr notes that were on my file from previous medical appointments relating to my medication. He repeatedly asked them to stop telling him as he didn't have permission to know my medical information but they continued. They shared personal information about me that im upset about being shared.

Do pharmacists not have to keep people's medical information and notes confidential?

There were also other people in the pharmacy and I feel completely humiliated that my medical information has been shared and I am trying to understand how and why this is allowed to happen?

So I’ve been looking into some pharmacy assistant apprenticeships and a hospital pharmacy tech apprenticeship. I’m wondering how much standing, walking around, and walking while carrying things there might be and how viable it is for me to do.
I walk around home unaided so I am able to walk but for extended periods it becomes painful. I use a cane when I go out and have recently got a rollator for shopping so I can actually carry things home independently and for longer outings.
A seat would likely be a reasonable accommodation I could get for stationary work but I’m not sure about moving around if it’s too much for me unaided, especially in terms of space for any aids (and what would space be like for retail vs hospital).
Any info on what it’s like and what accommodations could be possible would be appreciated!

Guys, I’ve been a hospital pharmacist working in the front line for TOO LONG now. It has drained me life away. Recently, I’ve been thinking of buying a house with my bf. Then I’m like, WHATS THE POINT OF A NICE HOUSE IF IM TOO TIRED/NOT THERE TO ENJOY?!?

Another point, I hate clinical, I’m an 8a now mostly doing high cost drugs reports and dealing with homecare problems, so not as clinical compared to other pharmacists.

So here I am asking everyone,

1. Does climbing up the bands in hospital unlock being able to work from home??? Like how high do I have to go… 8c?!!?

2. Do I actually need to get out of the NHS to achieve WFH?

3. Any recommendations to WHAT DO I DO OMG IM SO TIRED OF THIS

Hi everyone,

I’m 18 and currently doing a pharmacy technician apprenticeship. I’ll probably finish when I’m around 20, but lately I’ve been thinking about becoming a pharmacist instead.

I did a BTEC Applied Science course and got MMM. I’m just unsure what the route into university would be from here. Are there any access courses or foundation years that would help me get onto an MPharm degree?

I’m also worried that if I wait until I’m 21 to start university it might be too late, although maybe I’m overthinking it. I just don’t really want to feel stuck as a pharmacy tech long term because I’ve heard progression can be limited.

Has anyone here gone from pharmacy technician/apprenticeship into pharmacy at university? Any advice or experiences would really help.

Thanks :)

Trying to find a more logical way of learning rather than just repeating notes.

I recently started at Boots as trainee dispenser and I absolutely hate it. When I have a question I feel like such a burden, the store is so unorganised and because I'm on the counter. I'm in charge of finding out where the prescriptions are and their stage of readiness (I struggle finding them cause of the disorganisation so I end up having to ask) I even put stock away wrong apparently, even though, as a 30 year old adult, I do know the alphabet.. obviously.. I will admit my skills dont really line up with a trainee dispenser role HOWEVER my store has had 3 people (4 including me) have to quit, go on sick, or ask to move stores so I know it isn't just a 'me' problem. My family and friends just think it cant be that bad but its really damaging my mental health. I had a random panic attack the other week because I was just so overwhelmed. I have a probation meeting coming up soon, and I definitely haven't passed my probation as there isnt time to train me because we are so understaffed, so I think I will end up getting dismissed because I dont think a 1 month probation extention will make any difference. Its a bit worrying possibly being out of work but I really think I will hit complete breaking point if I stay there any longer

Hi all, I’m sitting the upcoming June exam and I’m in the final couple of weeks of preparation.

I was wondering how similar the actual exam felt compared to the mock papers released by the different providers. So far I’ve completed around 15 clinical mock papers and 6 calculations papers, averaging about 101/120 in clinical and 35/40 in calculations.

For those who have already sat it, did you find that passing mock papers was a good predictor of passing the real exam? Or did the actual paper feel noticeably different in terms of difficulty/style?

Also, does anyone have any tips for the last couple of weeks? I have made notes on the questions/topics I have made mistakes on etc and I’m also reviewing content where I can

Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!

Hi All, I’ve done two shifts in Boots as a Saturday job as a trainee dispenser. On the first shift I was given an SOP to read on handing out prescriptions. I didn’t have much time to read it in detail, but did the quiz at the end just fine.

Once read, I was whisked to the counter where I soon realised this would be a baptism of fire. I’m a very competent person in my regular 9-5 and would work to a high degree of autonomy, so I was dishearten to continually need to go to the Pharmacist or the store manager (ACT) for answers to questions every five minutes. Although everyone is supportive and willing to help- I know they’d rather me ask plenty and double-check than go ‘rogue’, I do want to fast-track my training and development myself.

I know it will come with time, and in the two shifts I’ve worked I have picked up a couple OTC products that I can start ‘confidently’ advising on.

Is there any way to access the training/learning portal for Boots SOPs from my own laptop at home or is it something that can only be accessed from work computers in the dispensary and an intranet.

With working only Saturdays I’m sure I’ll never get the proper time to read any SOPs especially when they need to use computers in the fast paced environment that is the dispensary.

Hi all,

I'm a 4th year mPharm student about to finish my degree and enter pre-reg. I want to know what other opportunities are available with the degree and pharmacy qualifications, specifically abroad as I'm interested in moving abroad in the future.

Prospects aren't too great in the UK, so i would like to see what other options are available.

Let me know your ideas. Thank you

I got an offer for Access to Combined Medicine, but my plan was to apply for Pharmacy afterwards.
The problem is that recently I keep hearing people say pharmacy in the UK is oversaturated now, jobs are getting harder to find, it’s not secure anymore, and that a lot of graduates struggle after uni. Some people are even telling me it’s basically 50/50 whether you get a good job afterwards and that I’d be better off choosing a different degree.
Now I’m honestly really unsure what to do. I already got the offer and filled everything out, but if I don’t go down the pharmacy route, I genuinely don’t even know what else I’d do.
People already in pharmacy (or graduates), what’s the reality actually like right now in the UK? Is it really that bad or is social media exaggerating it

Hello!

My work has offered me the opportunity to enrol and be a trainee technician. I am absolutely over the moon, I've wanted this since I was 16 so I'm very excited. I've submitted my application and qualification certificates so hopefully I'm accepted.

However, I've been trying to read up on what the course contains, looks like an english and maths assessment, online modules, I'm assuming tests for each (if the previous Buttercups MCA and dispenser courses are anything to go by). And possibly some assignments, projects and portfolio activities - which aren't worrying me too much.

But I've seen there's an end-point assessment and I don't know anything about that. I've read somewhere that it's some sort of assessment where I'd have to speak in front of people about certain things? Does anyone know if this is true? Because if it is it's put the fear of God into me and I for sure will fail!

If anyone could shed any light on what the end point assessment is, or even what kind of assignments/projects/activities I can expect, I'd really appreciate it please! Obviously I'm not looking for answers or anything, I just would rather know what to expect!

Thank you!

Hi all just looking for some advice or where to look for this info.

I’m a first year pharmacy student and I have my dispensing qualification with buttercups from my part time job.

I recently did my first year placement in a pharmacy not too far from me and they also have branches dotted around near me. The pharmacist was really impressed with me and passed on my details to the owner as I want to locum dispense in the summer.

Someone told me that it’s a conflict of interest and I’m not allowed to locum dispense under the same health board I work under? Is this true? I know loads of people that do it so I didn’t know it was an issue before agreeing to shifts with this other pharmacy.

Is it a case of I just tell the owner and see if it’s ok or is it outright not allowed? I’m not sure where to look for this sort of information so if anyone can help I would greatly appreciate!! Branching off of this is there anything I need to do prior to locum dispensing?

I never really appreciated how much pharmacists actually know until something happened recently that honestly made me feel a bit guilty for underestimating them all these years. I went to collect some medicine and my prescription had accidentally got wet in my bag, so most of the writing was faded and difficult to read. There was a pharmacist there I hadn’t seen before, so I assumed he was new, and I kept insisting I’d just come back another day because I didn’t want any mistakes with the medication. Instead, he looked over the prescription, asked me maybe two quick questions about what the doctor had said and what symptoms I had, then immediately knew exactly what medicines were meant to be on it. Not only that, he explained what each one was for without even hesitating. I was honestly shocked, and if I’m being real, I think part of me doubted him because he looked young and unfamiliar. Afterwards, I even started casually asking him random questions about medicines out of curiosity and every answer was spot on. Proper detailed too, not vague guesses. Walked out of there feeling a bit embarrassed about how much I’d underestimated pharmacists in general. You lot genuinely have an insane amount of knowledge and I don’t think most people realise it enough.