Entry characteristics and academic performance of students in a master of pharmacy degree program in the United Kingdom

To evaluate the characteristics of a cohort of master of pharmacy (MPharm) students upon entry into the program and examine associations between entry qualifications, type of secondary school attended, socioeconomic status, age, and academic performance in the MPharm program.

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of student data for graduates of the Aston University MPharm program during the 5-year period 2005-2006 through 2009-2010 (n=644).

MPharm entrants were disproportionately drawn from socioeconomically deprived areas and independent (private) schools. Achievement prior to admission was related to the type of school attended but not to socioeconomic status. Performance in the program was not related to type of school or socioeconomic status but was strongly correlated with prior academic achievement.

Prior academic achievement was the most important predictor of performance in the MPharm program; however, the superior prior achievement of students who attended independent secondary schools was not seen at the point of graduation. These findings may have implications for admissions policies.