Mental health is a critical global health priority, and pharmacists are well positioned to enhance patient outcomes across various practice sectors. This investigation aimed to examine pharmacy students’ perspectives on instruction, learning, and future practice applications related to mental health. In February 2020, an anonymous digital survey was administered to pharmacy students across the UK and Ireland via the Qualtrics™ platform, yielding responses from 232 participants. The initial objective of the questionnaire was to evaluate the integration of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, and the quantitative findings have been documented in a prior publication. Participants were prompted to provide qualitative insights regarding MHFA. Additionally, the survey featured an open-ended prompt: ‘Do you have any other comments about mental health teaching and learning in the MPharm degree?’ The comprehensive qualitative text was evaluated through thematic analysis, yielding key themes. The thematic analysis revealed three primary themes: (i) Mental Health is important; (ii) Pharmacist roles; and (iii) So, Teach me. A fourth theme, Stigma, was identified as an interconnected element traversing all primary themes. Pharmacy students clearly acknowledge the significance of mental health management. Most participants recognize the pharmacist’s capacity to deliver person-centered care and identify opportunities to expand this professional responsibility. Students express a strong desire for deeper education to build the clinical confidence and capabilities necessary for their future contributions. They advocate for a more integrated curricular framework and increased patient engagement during training. Consequently, tackling stigma remains a vital priority for academic instructors.
