what is pharmacy like and is it worth it
what is pharmacy like is it easy to get jobs and is it a hard degree?
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Hi! im currently in my third year of the MPharm at UCL. In the UK, there's definitely a shortage of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, so I imagine there are plenty of vacancies to apply to. I can't confirm for sure, but from what i have heard, it is not too difficult to get employed.As far as the degree itself its concerned, it's difficult. Don't do it if you're not keen on hard work- they're not kidding when they say it's full time. There is a lot of content and it can be difficult to keep up, but if you enjoy it then it's not so bad.Hope this helped
Reply 2
Original post by pharmak
Hi! im currently in my third year of the MPharm at UCL. In the UK, there's definitely a shortage of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, so I imagine there are plenty of vacancies to apply to. I can't confirm for sure, but from what i have heard, it is not too difficult to get employed.As far as the degree itself its concerned, it's difficult. Don't do it if you're not keen on hard work- they're not kidding when they say it's full time. There is a lot of content and it can be difficult to keep up, but if you enjoy it then it's not so bad.Hope this helped
hi is it like medicine how often do u spend studying a day do u take any days off a week? also what is the salary of a pharmacist like?
Original post by Rohan007best
what is pharmacy like is it easy to get jobs and is it a hard degree?
Hi @Rohan007best
My name is Aaliya, I am a fourth year pharmacy student.
Pharmacy is a challenging degree and it does require hard work and determination. It's not impossible (clearly as there are pharmacists around) however, it does require motivation and passion.
If you are willing to put the hard work in and do have an interest in pharmacy as a subject then you should be fine.
There are jobs in different sectors of pharmacy. This can include hospital, community and also industry. The country will always need healthcare staff especially as people are living longer so there are always opportunities for jobs in pharmacy.
Hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Reply 4
Original post by University of Huddersfield Student Rep
Hi @Rohan007best
My name is Aaliya, I am a fourth year pharmacy student.
Pharmacy is a challenging degree and it does require hard work and determination. It's not impossible (clearly as there are pharmacists around) however, it does require motivation and passion.
If you are willing to put the hard work in and do have an interest in pharmacy as a subject then you should be fine.
There are jobs in different sectors of pharmacy. This can include hospital, community and also industry. The country will always need healthcare staff especially as people are living longer so there are always opportunities for jobs in pharmacy.
Hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
My name is Aaliya, I am a fourth year pharmacy student.
Pharmacy is a challenging degree and it does require hard work and determination. It's not impossible (clearly as there are pharmacists around) however, it does require motivation and passion.
If you are willing to put the hard work in and do have an interest in pharmacy as a subject then you should be fine.
There are jobs in different sectors of pharmacy. This can include hospital, community and also industry. The country will always need healthcare staff especially as people are living longer so there are always opportunities for jobs in pharmacy.
Hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
hi is it like medicine how often do u spend studying a day do u take any days off a week? also what is the salary of a pharmacist like?
Original post by Rohan007best
hi is it like medicine how often do u spend studying a day do u take any days off a week? also what is the salary of a pharmacist like?
How do you mean is it like medicine? Do you mean the content we learn or the timetable?
My timetable consists of lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab sessions. At Huddersfield, the timetable changes each week but we do usually have one day off during the week. It's up to you what you do in that day some people choose to come into university to study, some people make plans outside of studying and some people study from home.
How much studying I do during the day depends on a lot of things such as, what I have got going on during the week, how many assignments I have due that week and whether I have made plans outside of studying.
It is really important to have a healthy work life balance this can help reduce a lot of stress whilst studying
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Reply 6
Original post by University of Huddersfield Student Rep
How do you mean is it like medicine? Do you mean the content we learn or the timetable?
My timetable consists of lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab sessions. At Huddersfield, the timetable changes each week but we do usually have one day off during the week. It's up to you what you do in that day some people choose to come into university to study, some people make plans outside of studying and some people study from home.
How much studying I do during the day depends on a lot of things such as, what I have got going on during the week, how many assignments I have due that week and whether I have made plans outside of studying.
It is really important to have a healthy work life balance this can help reduce a lot of stress whilst studying
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
My timetable consists of lectures, tutorials, workshops and lab sessions. At Huddersfield, the timetable changes each week but we do usually have one day off during the week. It's up to you what you do in that day some people choose to come into university to study, some people make plans outside of studying and some people study from home.
How much studying I do during the day depends on a lot of things such as, what I have got going on during the week, how many assignments I have due that week and whether I have made plans outside of studying.
It is really important to have a healthy work life balance this can help reduce a lot of stress whilst studying
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
hi i meant content wise does it relate to medicine
Here is the course content for
Manchester - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2022/01695/mpharm-pharmacy/course-details/
Portsmouth - https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mpharm-hons-pharmacy#what-youll-study
Each course will cover essentially the same material - its an accredited course - but often in a slightly different order or format.
I
Manchester - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2022/01695/mpharm-pharmacy/course-details/
Portsmouth - https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mpharm-hons-pharmacy#what-youll-study
Each course will cover essentially the same material - its an accredited course - but often in a slightly different order or format.
I
Reply 8
Original post by McGinger
Here is the course content for
Manchester - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2022/01695/mpharm-pharmacy/course-details/
Portsmouth - https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mpharm-hons-pharmacy#what-youll-study
Each course will cover essentially the same material - its an accredited course - but often in a slightly different order or format.
I
Manchester - https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2022/01695/mpharm-pharmacy/course-details/
Portsmouth - https://www.port.ac.uk/study/courses/mpharm-hons-pharmacy#what-youll-study
Each course will cover essentially the same material - its an accredited course - but often in a slightly different order or format.
I
what is the salary of a pharmacist like? like i know once u done med if u want to be a gp u do 2 years as junior doctor earning 28k then 5 years training how is it like a pharmacist
If you want to do this just for ££ then you need to rerthink your career aims.
No-one works in the NHS for the money.
Btw, If you bothered to follow some of the links in the 'Interview resources' thread you could have saved yourself some time - or you could just google for Pharmacy job ads.
No-one works in the NHS for the money.
Btw, If you bothered to follow some of the links in the 'Interview resources' thread you could have saved yourself some time - or you could just google for Pharmacy job ads.
Reply 10
Original post by McGinger
If you want to do this just for ££ then you need to rerthink your career aims.
No-one works in the NHS for the money.
Btw, If you bothered to follow some of the links in the 'Interview resources' thread you could have saved yourself some time - or you could just google for Pharmacy job ads.
No-one works in the NHS for the money.
Btw, If you bothered to follow some of the links in the 'Interview resources' thread you could have saved yourself some time - or you could just google for Pharmacy job ads.
its not just for money i wanted to see the salaries across different times and see what happens after u finish your degree. like in medicine u finish then do fy1 and fy2 etc I want to know how it works in pharmacy
Original post by Rohan007best
hi i meant content wise does it relate to medicine
Here is a little snapshot into the content of MPharm year 1 at the University of Huddersfield:
Modules:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compound of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
Pharmacy Practice 1:
This module introduces you to the practice of pharmacy, the role of the pharmacist in society and their role as a member of the healthcare team, and highlights issues related to ‘health and illness’. In accordance with the annual theme 'Foundations of Pharmacy', you'll be introduced to the dispensing of medicines with respect to the underpinning skills, pharmaceutical legislation and ethics. You'll also be introduced to the concept of self-care and the process of differential diagnosis with emphasis on the treatment of minor self-limiting illnesses such as coughs and colds. Pharmacy placement visits will provide you with the opportunity to become familiar with the practice of pharmacy in both hospital and community pharmacy environments.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1:
This module lays the foundations for the study of those aspects of chemistry that are necessary in order to understand the science behind the discovery and use of medicines of chemical synthetic and plant/natural origin. The importance of physicochemical principles and the use of physical and chemical tests and analytical methods (principles, design, development and application) will include an introduction to infra-red, ultra-violet and mass spectrometry and also NMR. In the second half of the module, the chemistry and properties of the principal functional groups will be considered to highlight how physical, chemical and drug properties can be predicted.
Human Physiology and Pathology
All the major organs of the body will be covered together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health. Inter-professional education will be introduced with joint study with students from other disciplines.
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
This module introduces you to the underpinning physical pharmaceutics and the skills appropriate for the formulation and compounding of medicines prepared extemporaneously. You'll be introduced to a range of dosage forms and will have the opportunity to adopt best practice in the preparation of a range of extemporaneous preparations including sourcing formulae, performing calculations and record keeping. The practical sessions will include an interpretation of the prescription for the extemporaneous item, relationship to underpinning pharmaceutical principles and simulations of how advice is given on administration and the use.
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
This module will provide an introduction to drug action in the body including their molecular and cellular targets, it will also provide an introduction to basic pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of biological macromolecules that interact with drugs, for example enzymes, receptors and membrane transporters will be outlined. DNA replication, transcription and translation will be covered. A basic introduction to innate and adaptive immunity will also be given. Drugs used for treating disorders of the gastrointestinal system, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as for the eye, ear, nose and throat will be considered as these are referred to in dealing with minor ailments in Pharmacy Practice 1 and Formulation and Compounding of Medicines.
I'm not sure how much this differs from medicine as it may be different to other universities. You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information and to compare with medicine.
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Reply 12
Original post by University of Huddersfield Student Rep
Here is a little snapshot into the content of MPharm year 1 at the University of Huddersfield:
Modules:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compound of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
Pharmacy Practice 1:
This module introduces you to the practice of pharmacy, the role of the pharmacist in society and their role as a member of the healthcare team, and highlights issues related to ‘health and illness’. In accordance with the annual theme 'Foundations of Pharmacy', you'll be introduced to the dispensing of medicines with respect to the underpinning skills, pharmaceutical legislation and ethics. You'll also be introduced to the concept of self-care and the process of differential diagnosis with emphasis on the treatment of minor self-limiting illnesses such as coughs and colds. Pharmacy placement visits will provide you with the opportunity to become familiar with the practice of pharmacy in both hospital and community pharmacy environments.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1:
This module lays the foundations for the study of those aspects of chemistry that are necessary in order to understand the science behind the discovery and use of medicines of chemical synthetic and plant/natural origin. The importance of physicochemical principles and the use of physical and chemical tests and analytical methods (principles, design, development and application) will include an introduction to infra-red, ultra-violet and mass spectrometry and also NMR. In the second half of the module, the chemistry and properties of the principal functional groups will be considered to highlight how physical, chemical and drug properties can be predicted.
Human Physiology and Pathology
All the major organs of the body will be covered together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health. Inter-professional education will be introduced with joint study with students from other disciplines.
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
This module introduces you to the underpinning physical pharmaceutics and the skills appropriate for the formulation and compounding of medicines prepared extemporaneously. You'll be introduced to a range of dosage forms and will have the opportunity to adopt best practice in the preparation of a range of extemporaneous preparations including sourcing formulae, performing calculations and record keeping. The practical sessions will include an interpretation of the prescription for the extemporaneous item, relationship to underpinning pharmaceutical principles and simulations of how advice is given on administration and the use.
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
This module will provide an introduction to drug action in the body including their molecular and cellular targets, it will also provide an introduction to basic pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of biological macromolecules that interact with drugs, for example enzymes, receptors and membrane transporters will be outlined. DNA replication, transcription and translation will be covered. A basic introduction to innate and adaptive immunity will also be given. Drugs used for treating disorders of the gastrointestinal system, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as for the eye, ear, nose and throat will be considered as these are referred to in dealing with minor ailments in Pharmacy Practice 1 and Formulation and Compounding of Medicines.
I'm not sure how much this differs from medicine as it may be different to other universities. You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information and to compare with medicine.
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Modules:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compound of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
Pharmacy Practice 1:
This module introduces you to the practice of pharmacy, the role of the pharmacist in society and their role as a member of the healthcare team, and highlights issues related to ‘health and illness’. In accordance with the annual theme 'Foundations of Pharmacy', you'll be introduced to the dispensing of medicines with respect to the underpinning skills, pharmaceutical legislation and ethics. You'll also be introduced to the concept of self-care and the process of differential diagnosis with emphasis on the treatment of minor self-limiting illnesses such as coughs and colds. Pharmacy placement visits will provide you with the opportunity to become familiar with the practice of pharmacy in both hospital and community pharmacy environments.
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1:
This module lays the foundations for the study of those aspects of chemistry that are necessary in order to understand the science behind the discovery and use of medicines of chemical synthetic and plant/natural origin. The importance of physicochemical principles and the use of physical and chemical tests and analytical methods (principles, design, development and application) will include an introduction to infra-red, ultra-violet and mass spectrometry and also NMR. In the second half of the module, the chemistry and properties of the principal functional groups will be considered to highlight how physical, chemical and drug properties can be predicted.
Human Physiology and Pathology
All the major organs of the body will be covered together with models of normal and abnormal bodily function. Emphasis will be directed to the concept of homeostasis and the integration of dynamic processes involved in the maintenance of health. Inter-professional education will be introduced with joint study with students from other disciplines.
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
This module introduces you to the underpinning physical pharmaceutics and the skills appropriate for the formulation and compounding of medicines prepared extemporaneously. You'll be introduced to a range of dosage forms and will have the opportunity to adopt best practice in the preparation of a range of extemporaneous preparations including sourcing formulae, performing calculations and record keeping. The practical sessions will include an interpretation of the prescription for the extemporaneous item, relationship to underpinning pharmaceutical principles and simulations of how advice is given on administration and the use.
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
This module will provide an introduction to drug action in the body including their molecular and cellular targets, it will also provide an introduction to basic pharmacokinetics. The structure and function of biological macromolecules that interact with drugs, for example enzymes, receptors and membrane transporters will be outlined. DNA replication, transcription and translation will be covered. A basic introduction to innate and adaptive immunity will also be given. Drugs used for treating disorders of the gastrointestinal system, skin, musculoskeletal system as well as for the eye, ear, nose and throat will be considered as these are referred to in dealing with minor ailments in Pharmacy Practice 1 and Formulation and Compounding of Medicines.
I'm not sure how much this differs from medicine as it may be different to other universities. You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information and to compare with medicine.
I hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
once you finish your pharmacist degree do you become a fully qualified pharmacist so don't have to do further training. also I struggle with organic chem is this something heavy in pharmacy?
Reply 13
Original post by Rohan007best
what is pharmacy like is it easy to get jobs and is it a hard degree?
Hi,
I am currently in my 5th and final year of pharmacy at the University of Bradford. I would say that it should generally be easy to find a job as there are many sectors you can work in apart from the usual community pharmacy and hospital routes. There are now emerging roles in GP surgeries, the pharmaceutical industry, the health and justice sector, academia, publications etc. so the opportunities are very vast.
As to whether it is a hard degree, it depends on your personality - if you are organised, have good memory, enjoy talking to patients, and are keen to always gain new knowledge, then pharmacy should be your cup of tea. It may vary in other universities, but from my experience, the course at Bradford is structured as a spiral curriculum, so you build up on your knowledge from previous years. In year 1, you learn about the basics of biology, chemistry, pharmacy law and public health. In year 2, it's mainly anatomy and pathophysiology of the various body systems then in year 3, the focus is more on the available treatments and how the drugs work and interact. In year 4, you tie it all together with holistic case studies and more emphasis on ethical decision making. If you would like to find out more about the 4-year and 5-year pathways, the link to the course website is here: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/courses/ug/pharmacy-mpharm/?gclid=CjwKCAjw8JKbBhBYEiwAs3sxN75__dC_DOgyyKA6gXl0IBDOgnEcqSjf5Zd6IJbsCRkWBu1QfODvPhoCavIQAvD_BwE
I hope this answers your question and I wish you all the best!
-PS
Uni of Bradford Rep
Reply 14
Original post by Rohan007best
once you finish your pharmacist degree do you become a fully qualified pharmacist so don't have to do further training. also I struggle with organic chem is this something heavy in pharmacy?
You do the 4 year degree, then you have to do a pre-registration year, in a setting like a community pharmacy or hospital, then you take the 'pre-reg exam' and THEN finally, if you pass all that you can register as a pharmacist.
This should all be explained on a university website, or the GPhC site.
https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/registration/registering-pharmacist
If you don't like chemistry or find it very difficult, you may find that part of the course difficult.
Original post by Rohan007best
once you finish your pharmacist degree do you become a fully qualified pharmacist so don't have to do further training. also I struggle with organic chem is this something heavy in pharmacy?
As previously mentioned, upon completion of the pharmacy degree, you commence your foundation training year in which you are required to sit and pass the GPhC exam. If successful, you qualify as a pharmacist and can begin working as one. You have three chances at sitting and passing this exam.
There is an element of chemistry throughout the course, it can be quite tricky at times and does require extra work. However, if you are willing to put in the work you should be okay.
I hope this helps
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Original post by University of Huddersfield Student Rep
As previously mentioned, upon completion of the pharmacy degree, you commence your foundation training year in which you are required to sit and pass the GPhC exam. If successful, you qualify as a pharmacist and can begin working as one. You have three chances at sitting and passing this exam.
There is an element of chemistry throughout the course, it can be quite tricky at times and does require extra work. However, if you are willing to put in the work you should be okay.
I hope this helps
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
There is an element of chemistry throughout the course, it can be quite tricky at times and does require extra work. However, if you are willing to put in the work you should be okay.
I hope this helps
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
What kind of topics come up in a Pharmacy degree?
Original post by ax4
What kind of topics come up in a Pharmacy degree?
Hi @ax4
There are biology, chemistry and mathematical elements to the MPharm degree at the University of Huddersfield. As well as this, the course requires us to submit assignments which therefore, enables us to use our essay writing skills.
The modules learnt in the first year of university include:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information
I hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any more questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
Reply 18
Original post by University of Huddersfield Student Rep
Hi @ax4
There are biology, chemistry and mathematical elements to the MPharm degree at the University of Huddersfield. As well as this, the course requires us to submit assignments which therefore, enables us to use our essay writing skills.
The modules learnt in the first year of university include:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information
I hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any more questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
There are biology, chemistry and mathematical elements to the MPharm degree at the University of Huddersfield. As well as this, the course requires us to submit assignments which therefore, enables us to use our essay writing skills.
The modules learnt in the first year of university include:
Pharmacy Practice 1
Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1
Human Physiology and Pathology
Formulation and Compounding of Medicines
Scientific Basis of Drug Action
You may want to visit https://courses.hud.ac.uk/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information
I hope this helps!
Please don't hesitate to ask any more questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
is it very chemistry heavy?
Original post by Rohan007best
is it very chemistry heavy?
Hi @Rohan007best
In the first year of university there is a chemistry module: Pharmaceutical Chemistry 1, this learning is then built on in the second year in the module Drug Synthesis Metabolism and Analysis. The chemistry content in years 3 and 4 isn't that heavy however, it is expected that you know the content learnt from the previous two years to understand how processes work.
The chemistry that is learnt is mainly organic chemistry.
Hope this helps!
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield
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