Pharmacy vs pharmacology: what’s the difference?

What is pharmacy?

Pharmacy is the practical side of medicines. It is a patient-focused profession centred on the safe and effective use of medication.

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who:

• dispense and prescribe medicines
• advise patients on correct medication use
• ensure treatments are used safely and responsibly

You will find pharmacists working in community pharmacies, hospitals, and GP surgeries, where they play a vital role in patient care.

Studying pharmacy

To qualify as a pharmacist, you will need to complete:

1. A four-year MPharm degree
2. A year of pre-registration training
3. A professional exam to gain registration

Pharmacy is an excellent choice if you:

• enjoy working with the public
• like problem-solving and applying medical knowledge
• want a stable, rewarding healthcare career with strong job security

Find out more about becoming a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician.

What is pharmacology?

Pharmacology is the scientific study of how drugs interact with the body, often described as the science behind medicines.

Pharmacologists do not prescribe or dispense medicines. Instead, they investigate:

• how drugs work at the molecular and cellular level
• how medicines affect biological systems
• how new treatments can be developed for diseases

This is a research-driven field, ideal for those who love biology, discovery, and solving problems through scientific innovation.

Studying pharmacology

A pharmacology degree usually involves:

• three years of study (BSc)
• a focus on lab-based research, data analysis, and drug mechanisms

Unlike pharmacy, pharmacology does not lead directly to a registered healthcare role. However, it opens doors to exciting careers in:

• drug discovery and development
• the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology industries
• academic or government research
• specialist roles in toxicology, neuroscience, or pharmacogenomics

Which degree should you choose?

• Choose pharmacy if you want to work directly with patients, apply medical knowledge in practice, and build a healthcare career.
• Choose pharmacology if you are passionate about scientific research, drug development, and making discoveries that could shape future medicine.

Both fields are crucial in healthcare, pharmacy ensures medicines are used safely, while pharmacology drives innovation by developing new treatments.