FAQ’s
Everything you need to know about BPSA membership, events, executive reports and how to get involved - if you can't find your answer here, our team is just an email away via our contact us page.
The British Pharmaceutical Students' Association is the official student body of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS/RCPharm), representing over 15,000 pharmacy students and Trainee Pharmacists in the UK. Founded in 1942 by delegates from eleven pharmacy schools, it advocates for and represents pharmacy students' interests.
Full membership is free for first-year-and-above MPharm undergraduates and OSPAP students (via RCPharm sign-up) and for recent graduates/Trainee Pharmacists (via a separate registration form). Associate membership for others is available at the Executive's discretion.
Automatic membership in EPSA (European Pharmaceutical Students' Association) and IPSF (International Pharmaceutical Students' Federation), eligibility for international exchanges and competitions with prizes, networking with industry and sponsors, access to BPSA events, free UKCPA membership, plus RCPharm perks like the MEP, Pharmaceutical Journal access, discounts on Pharmaceutical Press titles, and mentoring.
No — you need to actively re-register as a graduate member using the dedicated form; it doesn't continue automatically.
A mobility scheme run with IPSF letting pharmacy students and pre-reg pharmacists do work placements abroad (community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, industry, or university research) across 90+ participating countries. Placements typically run 2–4+ weeks, mainly in the Winter (Jan–Mar) and Summer (Jun–Aug) windows.
The application fee is €42 (only charged if you clear the second selection round; €18 refunded if unsuccessful or you cancel). Students cover their own travel and insurance, though hosts sometimes help with accommodation or a stipend. Funding routes include the BPSA Travel Fund, your School of Pharmacy, or sponsorship from local pharmacies/pharma companies.
By a 20-person Executive (students, trainees, and newly qualified pharmacists doing this alongside their own studies or jobs), supported by National and International Representatives at every UK School of Pharmacy, plus independent review and auditing committees for governance.
Policies are voted on by delegates at the BPSA Annual Conference, then actioned by the Executive. Members can feed back via the Policy Officer.
Use the Contact Us form on the site, or email a specific Executive member directly (contact details listed on the Executive page) — e.g. seo@bpsa.co.uk for the Student Exchange Programme, policyofficer@bpsa.co.uk for policy matters.
The Publications and Announcements sections carry Executive reports and member stories, the Events and Competitions pages list what's currently open, and Educational Resources and the Mental Health page offer study and wellbeing support.