What is the ideal course A-Level or Access course to study pharmacy in university?

I want to study pharmacy but I don't know which pathway will lead me to university. I have been doing some research recently; however, none of the information that I come across seems to address my question. What is the ideal pathway to uni? Is it An Access Course or An A-Level?
I achieved grade 8 in GCSE in three science subjects, including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. 7 in Mathematics, and English.
I am 29 years old, but I don't see my age as an obstacle I just want the pathway that
will lead me to the university for sure.
Thank you

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 1

DeafDragon

Given that you are 20 I would recommend the Access course over A/-Levels.

It not only gives you the qualification to progress to Uni it helps you with study skills such as essay writing and referencing rtc to help you be ready for your degree.

You’d need to make sure the University you want to apply for accepts the course, some universities will only accept the Access from certain providers or in person study.

Good luck x

Reply 2

Albook

Original post by DeafDragon

Given that you are 20 I would recommend the Access course over A/-Levels.
It not only gives you the qualification to progress to Uni it helps you with study skills such as essay writing and referencing rtc to help you be ready for your degree.
You’d need to make sure the University you want to apply for accepts the course, some universities will only accept the Access from certain providers or in person study.
Good luck x

Really appreciate. Thanks

Reply 3

Tw1x

Original post by Albook

Really appreciate. Thanks

Access course for definite but make sure you email the unis you wish to go too because some require more chemistry units, some ask for specific modules. Where are you hoping to go? (Also a mature student looking into doing an access course to get into Pharmacy 😀 )

Reply 4

McGinger

Original post by Albook

I'm hoping to study at Liverpool John Moores University.
I attended the open day on 21/ 6/ 24, so they do accept Access. However, my concern is after you finish the uni. Because I have seen some duds talking about employers looking at A-level students rather than Access. So I don't if that's true.
Thank you for the recommendation Tw1x

Its a nonsense.
Once you have your degree, no-one in the NHS will care whether you have A levels or not - all they will care about is that you are a qualified Pharmacist.

Reply 5

Albook

Original post by McGinger

Its a nonsense.
Once you have your degree, no-one in the NHS will care whether you have A levels or not - all they will care about is that you are a qualified Pharmacist.

Oh, thank you you made my day!
I lost sleep over this pondering, whether to take this or that.

Reply 6

McGinger

The only thing to think about is that A levels are a 2-year course, and Access is only about 8 months - this makes it a much more intense course and many people find this difficult, especially for STEM subjects. The amount of Chemistry covered in an Access course is far less than doing a 2-year A level and this puts you at a disadvantage when starting the course - your first term will be a scramble to catch up.

Reply 7

Albook

Original post by McGinger

I will study A-level Chemistry and Biology online while I am doing the Access course. Recently I came across some really good YouTube channel, which covers most A-level topics in both Chemistry and Biology. Maybe that will help a little bit, so I will continue with that channel.
Thank you McGinger