What IGCSEs Do I Need to Be a Pharmacist?

Pharmacy is an exciting career that brings together science, healthcare, and the chance to help others every day. If this sounds like the right path for you, now’s the time to start laying the groundwork. It all starts with the IGCSE subjects you choose.

The decisions you make at this stage will shape your options for A Levels, or the International Baccalaureate, and eventually university. This guide is here to help you understand what subjects matter most, so you can set clear goals and take confident steps toward becoming a pharmacist.

Why Your IGCSE Choices Matter for a Career in Pharmacy

The subjects you choose for your IGCSEs set the stage for everything that comes next in your journey to becoming a pharmacist.

Pharmacy is a science-heavy career, and you’ll need a solid understanding of how medicines work, how to calculate doses accurately, and how the body responds to different treatments. Because of this, universities look for strong science subjects right from the start.

To get into most pharmacy degrees (called MPharm programmes), you'll need specific A Levels. And to study those A Levels, you need the right IGCSEs first. Think of it like laying the groundwork – you can’t build a strong future without a solid base.

The good news? By choosing the right subjects now, you’ll be setting yourself up for success at every step, from A Levels to university and beyond.

Essential IGCSE Subjects for Aspiring Pharmacists

If you're serious about becoming a pharmacist, there are four subjects you really need to have on your IGCSE list. These will set you up for the A Levels and university courses that lead to a career in pharmacy.

Chemistry

IGCSE Chemistry is non-negotiable, it’s the heart of pharmacy. In fact, pharmacy is all about chemistry in action. You’ll learn

• how drug molecules interact with the human body, 

• how medicines are manufactured, 

• and how different compounds affect biological systems.

Every pharmacy degree in the UK requires Chemistry at A Level. And to take it at A Level, you must have taken it at IGCSE. If pharmacy is your goal, Chemistry IGCSE is a must.

Biology

Biology is another key subject that gives you a solid understanding of how the human body works. That’s vital when you're learning how medicines affect different organs or treat various illnesses.

In your degree, you’ll cover topics like pharmacology (how drugs work in the body), microbiology (understanding infections), and physiology, all of which build on what you’ll first learn in IGCSE Biology. 

Many universities either require or strongly recommend Biology at A Level, so taking it now keeps your options open.

Mathematics

Maths might not be the first subject that comes to mind, but it’s hugely important in pharmacy. From calculating drug dosages and solving complex problems involving concentrations and ratios, to working with data from clinical trials, pharmacists use maths every day.

IGCSE Maths helps you develop the problem-solving and logical thinking skills that are essential for keeping patients safe and making smart decisions. Some pharmacy courses also ask for Maths at A Level or AS Level, in which case, you’ll definitely need Maths IGCSE.

Language

Taking a language at IGCSE might seem less obvious for this particular career path, but, clear communication is a big part of being a pharmacist. You’ll need to explain medication instructions, write reports, and translate medical language into something patients can easily understand.

Having a strong grasp of IGCSE English Language, or whichever language is most widely spoken in your country/country you intend to work in, helps with everything from patient care to your research projects and dissertation at university. 

It’s just as important as your science and maths skills when it comes to succeeding in this field.

Other Useful IGCSE Subjects

Alongside the must-have subjects, there are a few others that can give you a helpful boost on your path to pharmacy.

Physics

Physics isn’t a required subject for most pharmacy degrees, but it can definitely work in your favour. 

It sharpens your scientific thinking and gives you a better understanding of things like measurement, data analysis, and how scientific processes work – skills that are useful in both pharmacy research and everyday practice.

Some areas of pharmacy, like drug delivery systems or medical devices, even overlap with physics. If you enjoy science and like solving problems, IGCSE Physics can really strengthen your overall science background.

Business Studies or Economics

These might not seem like obvious choices, but they can be surprisingly useful. Many pharmacists go on to manage their own businesses or take on roles in pharmaceutical companies. Knowing how businesses work, how markets operate, and how to manage money can give you an edge in these areas.

Taking Business Studies or Economics at IGCSE can help you understand the bigger picture (how pharmacy fits into the world of healthcare and business) and open up more career paths down the line.

How IGCSE Choices Affect A Level and University Options

Let's talk about the pathway from IGCSEs to your pharmacy career. The right IGCSEs open the doors to the A Levels, which, later, lead you to the university courses you’ll need to reach your goal.

The best way to think about it is to work backwards. Meaning, consider the degree you will need first, and plan out what you’ll need to get onto that course. Most universities require Chemistry A Level as a minimum. Many also require or prefer Biology A Level. Some accept Maths or Physics as alternatives to Biology, but Biology is usually the safer choice.

Here’s what most universities look for when it comes to MPharm degree entry:

• A Level Chemistry (usually a grade A or B).

• Another science subject (Biology is the most common and safest option)

• Strong GCSE/IGCSE grades, especially in English and Maths

For example, top ranked universities for MPharm, like Cardiff University, require AAB-ABB (opens in a new tab) which must include one from Biology or Chemistry, and one from either Biology, Chemistry, Maths or Physics.

Another top MPharm university, the University of Southampton, requires AAB (opens in a new tab) including Chemistry and one further science subject. They specify that the A level science subjects they’ll consider include Biology, Human Biology, Physics, Maths, Psychology, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Geography, and Geology.

Building Skills and Experience for a Career in Pharmacy

Academic subjects are just part of the puzzle. While you study your A Levels, you'll also need to start gathering practical skills and real-world experience.

Try to get work experience in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or other healthcare setting. This shows universities you have drive that is not just academic, and that you understand what pharmacists actually do, confirming your career choice is well-informed.

Key skills to develop include:

• Attention to detail (mistakes in pharmacy can be dangerous)

• Communication skills (explaining medications to patients)

• Customer service (dealing with people when they're unwell)

• Problem-solving (troubleshooting medication issues)

• Teamwork (working with other healthcare professionals)

You can build these skills through part-time work, volunteering, or even school projects and presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chemistry Essential at IGCSE to Become a Pharmacist?

Yes, Chemistry IGCSE is non-negotiable if you want to become a pharmacist. You need it to access Chemistry A Level, which is required for all pharmacy degrees.

Do I Need to Take All Three Sciences?

You don't need all three sciences to become a pharmacist, but you need Chemistry and Biology as a minimum. Physics is helpful, but not essential. Focus on getting strong grades in Chemistry and Biology rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Will Not Taking Physics Affect My Career in Pharmacy?

Not taking Physics won't prevent you from becoming a pharmacist. Chemistry and Biology are much more important. However, Physics can strengthen your scientific profile and help with certain aspects of pharmacy practice.

What Grades Do I Need at IGCSE to Study Pharmacy Later?

For Pharmacy courses, most universities expect strong IGCSE grades, typically A*/A grades in your science subjects and English. Each university has different requirements, so check their specific entry criteria early.

Final Thoughts

Your IGCSE choices are the first step on your journey to becoming a pharmacist. The essential subjects – Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and English Language/Languages – form the foundation for everything that follows.

Remember, pharmacy is a competitive field that requires strong academic performance throughout your studies. Start building good study habits now, seek out work experience opportunities, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

With the right IGCSE choices and dedication to your studies, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding career in pharmacy.

If you found this guide useful, we have plenty more articles about the IGCSE accreditation to help you on your academic journey. 

At Save My Exams, you’ll also find IGCSE revision resources, including revision notes, flashcards, mock exams and more, to set you up for exam success. 

References

• Cambridge IGCSE subjects (opens in a new tab)

• Pharmacology and Pharmacy Rankings 2026 (opens in a new tab)

• Pharmacy (MPharm) - Study - Cardiff University (opens in a new tab)

• Pharmacology (Hons) | BSc | University of Southampton (opens in a new tab)