Launch of Bangor University pharmacy course ‘a big shot in the arm’ for local services 

Bangor University is celebrating the formal launch of its Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) Programme at the North Wales Medical School - a course that has been developed in partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The launch was officiated by Andrew Evans, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer of Wales with many stakeholders from across the sector in attendance. 

The Master of Pharmacy Programme is another major milestone for Bangor University’s North Wales Medical School as it expands its healthcare provision. It is part of the University’s mission to train the next generation of physicians, scientists, researchers, and health leaders. 

Previously students from North Wales would have had to look outside the region to undertake this kind of qualification.  

Bangor University has enrolled over 30 students in the MPharm’s first cohort. The ambition is to increase the number every year until there is capacity to enrol up to 100 students annually.  

Professor Stephen Doughty, Head of Pharmacy Programme at Bangor University’s North Wales Medical School said, “Our Master of Pharmacy Programme is a big shot in the arm for local services in North Wales. Enrolling our first cohort of pharmacy students further strengthens our contribution to the healthcare workforce of the region. Our rapid progress is the result of collaboration and shared vision, with our students, staff across the University, clinical partners in both primary and secondary care within Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board. The MPharm qualification is equipping students with the knowledge and the skills they need to serve local communities. It’s wonderful to see how the North Wales Medical School is already playing a key role in addressing the healthcare needs of North Wales, as it embeds students within local communities to gain vital clinical experience.” 

Professor Edmund Burke, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University said,  “The development of the Master of Pharmacy Programme reflects our sustained commitment to outstanding education, world-class research and addressing local healthcare needs. This is an excellent example of how our challenging, research-informed degree programmes, taught by experienced and highly qualified academic staff, are empowering students to become knowledgeable, employable and innovative graduates. Together with our partners, we are shaping a healthier future by training the next generation of healthcare workers within our communities. Our academic and professional staff have brought energy, expertise, and a shared commitment to our mission of addressing regional healthcare needs while promoting excellence in education, research and community engagement.”   

Lois Lloyd, Chief Pharmacist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Working in partnership with Bangor University to launch the new Master of Pharmacy Programme marks an important step in strengthening the future of pharmacy services across North Wales. By training the next generation of pharmacists here in our region, we are investing directly in a sustainable local workforce and creating education and employment opportunities for the communities we serve. This collaboration will help ensure that patients across North Wales benefit from highly skilled pharmacy professionals with a strong understanding of the NHS and local health needs.” 

Aled Jones-Griffiths, Chief Executive of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai said, "We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the new Pharmacy programme at the University and we’re thrilled that Grŵp Llandrillo Menai students have joined the very first cohort. We are committed to working together with the University to establish new pathways for local learners to establish their future careers in the region and we’re thrilled to see this success in this very first cohort of the new programme."