School of Pharmacy tops rankings again

A North East university is celebrating continued success in national league tables.

The University of Sunderland’s School of Pharmacy has been ranked number one in The Guardian University Guide 2026 for pharmacy and pharmacology for the second consecutive year. 

The accolade reflects more than a century of pharmacy teaching in Sunderland and highlights the quality of its MPharm degree.

Dr Adrian Moore, head of the School of Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Sunderland, said: “For the second year running, to be ranked first in The Guardian University Guide for Pharmacy and Pharmacology is a wonderful achievement. 

“It reflects the enthusiasm, creativity, expertise and commitment of the fantastic team of staff we have and the incredible support we receive from our external stakeholders in delivering placements and colleagues internally.

“It is a proud moment for the School of Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and a testament to the inspiring environment we strive to create every day, the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, and the strength of our university community.”

Sunderland’s board of governors, which includes four qualified pharmacists – three of whom studied pharmacy at Sunderland – were quick to welcome the news. 

Mark Burdon, chair of the board of governors, who graduated from the University in 1999, said: “Pharmacy is close to my heart, being an alumnus. 

“To sustain the top spot is an excellent achievement; the MPharm course is well established, with over 100 years of pharmacy teaching in Sunderland. 

“Long may that continue.”

Helen Milford, who began her extensive career as a pharmacist after graduating from Sunderland in 1988, added: “As a proud graduate of the University of Sunderland's School of Pharmacy, it is truly inspiring to see our School once again ranked number one by The Guardian.

“Excellence has always been in our DNA, and this continued recognition is a powerful reminder that a legacy of quality education, innovation and dedication endures through generations. 

“Congratulations to the staff, students and all those who carry the torch forward.”

Debra Leeves, who graduated from Sunderland in 1985 and has gone on to work in medical technology and pharmaceuticals for the past 35 years, working for companies such as P&G, Merck, GSK and Pfizer across the globe, added: “I am delighted to see the MPharm course retaining the number one ranking in the UK.

“Getting my degree at the University was the springboard for a very rewarding and diversified international career. 

“At the time of graduating it was one of the few pharmacy courses in the UK that gave students an insight into careers in the pharmaceutical industry. 

“Long may the success of the University and the School of Pharmacy continue.”

Finally, Professor Gavin Brooks, who qualified as a pharmacist in 1984 and has over 40 years of experience in the higher education and health sectors, having joined the board of governors at Sunderland in August, added: “This excellent result demonstrates the high quality of teaching and training that students receive at Sunderland and the commitment that all staff contribute towards providing the best pharmacy education possible.

“I am delighted to be joining the board of governors at the University at such an exciting time.”

From left, Helen Milford, Professor Gavin Brooks and Debra Leeves

The University is also celebrating broader recognition, entering The Guardian’s Top 30 universities for the first time, coming in at number 27 overall. 

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