The Student Room Group
Reply 1
trouttrout
I thought I'd be able to go into a research position, but apparently you need a masters to do that...

What can I do then? Haven't got a degree yet...


You've made a v. good choice in considering to read a degree in pharmacology in my opinion because the pharmaceutical industry is expected to be one of the significant growth areas. See http://www.pjonline.com/Editorial/20000122/articles/careers_industrial.html There are also opportunities overseas, such as the Biopolis in Singapore.

I know a friend who's working on the E-Neuron Project at Keio University in Japan. (Like me, he will also be taking some time off to visit the Expo in Aichi! :smile:) Even though the salary may not match that of an investment banker for example, researchers are well-respected in society and some of them are working on projects that could benefit the whole of humanity. Money isn't everything. If it were, nobody would think twice about becoming a prostitute. So obviously, for a career, there are other factors to consider besides the monetary rewards.

As one common saying goes, choose something you love, and you'll never have to work for a day of your life. :smile:

Some useful links:
Page on Prospects
http://www.sciencejobs.com/search.action
http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/jobsearch2.asp?Region=0&keywords=pharmacology&sectors=25

Entry into a research scientist role requires, at the very least, a good first degree. Most people entering this field of work will have completed a postgraduate qualification, usually a PhD. It is possible to work as a research scientist with a relevant undergraduate degree only, for example in industry, but with some employers, particularly in academia or research councils, career progression may be impeded without a higher degree.

Entry into academic institutions without a PhD is possible. As well as employment at a technician level (available to HND and foundation degree holders), there are also jobs available for research assistants. Working as a research assistant often includes the opportunity for first degree holders to study for a PhD whilst providing technical and research support, and possibly teaching, supervising and demonstrating to students. Research assistants will also receive a salary higher than typical PhD student funding, but this should be balanced against the responsibilities and time constraints of the job. For HND and foundation degree holders, further progression would require a first degree.
Reply 2
vivado
You've made a v. good choice in considering to read a degree in pharmacology in my opinion because the pharmaceutical industry is expected to be one of the significant growth areas. See http://www.pjonline.com/Editorial/20000122/articles/careers_industrial.html There are also opportunities overseas, such as the Biopolis in Singapore.

I know a friend who's working on the E-Neuron Project at Keio University in Japan. (Like me, he will also be taking some time off to visit the Expo in Aichi! :smile:) Even though the salary may not match that of an investment banker for example, researchers are well-respected in society and some of them are working on projects that could benefit the whole of humanity. Money isn't everything. If it were, nobody would think twice about becoming a prostitute. So obviously, for a career, there are other factors to consider besides the monetary rewards.

As one common saying goes, choose something you love, and you'll never have to work for a day of your life. :smile:

Some useful links:
Page on Prospects
http://www.sciencejobs.com/search.action
http://www.redgoldfish.co.uk/jobsearch2.asp?Region=0&keywords=pharmacology&sectors=25


Thanks very much.

You couldn't give me an indication of what salary is expected could you?
trouttrout
I thought I'd be able to go into a research position, but apparently you need a masters to do that...

What can I do then? Haven't got a degree yet...


If you want to go into research I would strongly advise you to consider a PhD.
Reply 4
ChemistBoy
If you want to go into research I would strongly advise you to consider a PhD.


Yeah, that's what I thought. Cheers.

Just messed my second year up badly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Reply 5
How does Pharmacy differ from Pharmacology?
Pharmacology is really just how drugs interact with cells and the effects that they have.

Pharmacy is the study of the chemistry of drug molecules, compounding of medicines, some pharmacology, therapeutic uses of drugs and pathology of illness.
Reply 7
trouttrout
Thanks very much.

You couldn't give me an indication of what salary is expected could you?


According to one site, starting salaries for graduates are around £16,000 to £21,000 a year. Those with a PhD are likely to earn up to 25 per cent more than these rates. Pharmacologists in senior positions may earn £28,000 to £50,000 a year.

See this page: http://www.connexions.gov.uk/jobs4u/furtherdetails.cfm?id=285&parentID=348

EDIT: Of course, this is all dependent on where you work. The figures for overseas opportunities may be different. You may also wish to consider entrepreneurship in this area. Starting up a company involves a great deal of risk but if you're successful, you'll really make loads of money. Not least, you'll be the one employing people with PhDs, Masters, etc. from top universities.
Reply 8
Cheers all.