Oriel Preferencing Guide

Once you've submitted your Oriel application, you'll be invited to rank the Foundation Pharmacist training programmes you would be willing to accept.

This process is known as preferencing.

Rather than applying to individual employers, you'll create a ranked list of programmes in order of preference. When offers are made, the Oriel matching system considers both your national ranking and your programme preferences to determine which programme you may be offered.

How does preferencing work?

In simple terms:

  1. View all available Foundation programmes.

  2. Research each programme carefully.

  3. Rank every programme you would genuinely be happy to accept.

  4. Submit your preferences before the deadline.

Your assessment ranking and your preference list are then used together during the national matching process.

Research before you rank

Choosing a programme is about much more than location.

Things to consider include:

  • Employer type

  • Hospital or community pharmacy

  • Multi-sector rotations

  • Region

  • Commuting distance

  • Prescribing learning opportunities

  • Accommodation and travel

  • Future career goals

  • Visa sponsorship (if applicable)

Taking time to research programmes can help you make informed decisions before the matching process begins.

Use Oriel Filters

Oriel provides several filters to help narrow down the available programmes.

You can search by:

  • Region

  • Employer

  • Hospital

  • Community pharmacy

  • General Practice

  • Number of rotations

  • Multi-sector programmes

  • Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship

  • Employer size

  • Specialty

Using filters can make it much easier to identify programmes that match your preferences.

Choose the Right Sector for You

Before you start ranking programmes, take some time to think about which pharmacy sector best matches your interests and long-term career goals. Your Foundation training year is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and develop the skills you'll use throughout your career.

Depending on the programme, you may train in one or more of the following settings:

  • Hospital Pharmacy

  • Community Pharmacy

  • General Practice (GP)

  • Integrated Care Board (ICB)

  • Health & Justice (Prisons and Secure Environments)

  • Pharmaceutical Industry

  • Academic and University-based Pharmacy

  • Distance Selling (Online) Pharmacy

  • Multi-sector Rotational Programmes

Each sector offers a different learning experience, patient population, and career pathway. Think about where you'll receive the training and exposure that best supports your future goal, not just where you would like to live.