Hi
@aryc_30Congratulations on your GCSE grades, they're amazing!
As I study pharmacy I may be able to give you some insight into Pharmacy as a degree and a career.
To study pharmacy at the University of Huddersfield you must have 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C including Maths and English. For applicants not taking A levels, this must also include GCSE Chemistry and Biology or GCSE Double Award Science/Double Science/Combined Science.
Are you currently studying A Levels or anything equivalent? I only ask as this would be the next step to getting into pharmacy.
To study pharmacy at the University of Huddersfield A Level grades: ABB-BBB are required. This must include A Levels in Chemistry and at least one further science subject from Biology, Maths or Physics. The endorsement for practical work is an essential part of Science A Level study, and is a requirement for entry to our degree course.
You may want to visit:
https://courses.hud.ac.uk/2024-25/full-time/undergraduate/pharmacy-mpharm for more information!
Here is a little information about pharmacy as a career:
To become a pharmacist you must study the MPharm degree and complete the foundation training year. This will allow you to sit the GPhC exam which will enable you to start working as a pharmacist.
Following this, pharmacists can work in the community, in hospitals, in GP surgeries or even in industry!
The majority of community pharmacists in the UK work in large retail chains or independent pharmacies of various sizes. Responsibilities as a community pharmacist include:
1. Supplying prescription medicines to the public
2. Selling over-the-counter medicines and advising the public on the treatment of minor ailments
3. Providing a range of services such as the flu vaccination service and health checks such as blood pressure monitoring.
The majority of hospital pharmacists work for hospitals within the NHS. It's also possible to work for private hospitals. Responsibilities as a hospital pharmacist include:
1. Participating in ward rounds to take patient drug histories
2. Liaising with other medical staff on problems patients may experience when taking their medicines
3. Answering questions about medicines from within the hospital, other hospitals and the general public
Pharmacy graduates are also employed in industry by private sector organisations, such as pharmaceutical companies and food and drink companies, to work in areas such as research and development, quality assurance, marketing, sales and management.
Recently, pharmacists have been able to work as prescribers in GP surgeries and health centres.
Qualified pharmacists can work as locum (temporary replacement) pharmacists, either on a self-employed basis or through an agency.
If you have good interpersonal, communication and organisation skills, pharmacy may be suitable for you.
You may want to visit
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/pharmacy for more information!
As you are also thinking about accountancy you could write lists of what you like and don't like about pharmacy and accountancy and take it from there.
Have you had any work experience in a pharmacy or in an accountancy firm? That could help with making a decision too.
I hope this has been of some help!
Please don't hesitate to ask any questions
Aaliya ~ 4th year pharmacy student ~ University of Huddersfield