The Student Room Group

Unsure between pharmacy next year or pharmacology this year

Okay so I've received my alevel grades and have missed my medicine offer, however I was able to get Pharmacology via clearing at Uni Of Liverpool.

I'm currently wating on a remark and this could potentially give me the grades needed for Pharmacy.
However I'm unsure of what to do.
Currently I'm thinking about accepting the Pharmacology offer with Uni Of Liverpool and reapplying for pharmacy for 2025 entry. If I don't achieve the grade in remark, I'd also resit alevel chem.

I know some people say to just do a gap year, but I'm afraid if I don't get into pharmacy via the interviews and the grade then I may not get the chance to do Pharmacology in a Russel group uni.

Also If anyone could inform me of the job prospects for Pharmaology that'd be great because one of my biggest conerns is to do the degree and not have any job opportunities that aren't in a lab (more of a people person hence wanting to do medicine and now pharmacy)

Also I'm considering reapplying for medicine but don't know if I could mentally do UCAT and interviews again
If you want to do Pharmacy, then turn Pharmacology down now, resit your A levels and apply for Pharmacy for 2025 entry. MPharm interviews are not that difficult - nothing like Medicine - you'd have to be deliberately stupid not to get an offer. And btw, RG means nothing for Pharmacy - its an accredited degree with a set syllabus. Like Medicine, the NHS doe not care about 'which Uni' for Pharmacy and neither will your future patients.
Reply 2
Do you know by what date I have to decline my uni place and alert student finance by. I am really contemplating what to do and awaiting the remark doesn't help.
What I'm most worried about is not getting an interview or not achieving the grade for pharmacy on a gap year and then being left with nothing.
As I'd only have to retake one of my A-levels I think I could manage this along a degree given the extra holidays and the uni ends in may so I'd have a whole month of pure dedication (obviously I will revise profusely throughout the whole year)
I think after being rejected and not getting my grades after 2 years of dedication my confidence is pretty low so a lot of my thinking is negative right now (I'm trying not to be) so I think having the security of a degree will relieve the panic of no fall through plan.
I have done A LOT of research and I'm also aware of many factors like will sfe and I may have to fund the first year but I could do this with my maintenace loan from this year and I get a scholarship too with Uni Of Liverpool
Reply 3
You can get into pharmacy with pretty low grades, I have a C in chemistry and have 2 clearing offers for pharmacy. Call up some of the unis in clearing and see if they'll take you
Reply 4
1. I've updated your thread title to make it a little clearer

2. Please get the Russell Group out of your head, it really doesn't mean anything - especially when it comes to NHS employability

The earlier you decline your place, the more chance you give to other applicants who want that place. If you decline your place before your course starts, then you are free of obligation from SFE.

It is completely normal to feel negative in this situation, but there are options you have and you can do this. :hugs:

Original post by LiLaLo
Do you know by what date I have to decline my uni place and alert student finance by. I am really contemplating what to do and awaiting the remark doesn't help.
What I'm most worried about is not getting an interview or not achieving the grade for pharmacy on a gap year and then being left with nothing.
As I'd only have to retake one of my A-levels I think I could manage this along a degree given the extra holidays and the uni ends in may so I'd have a whole month of pure dedication (obviously I will revise profusely throughout the whole year)
I think after being rejected and not getting my grades after 2 years of dedication my confidence is pretty low so a lot of my thinking is negative right now (I'm trying not to be) so I think having the security of a degree will relieve the panic of no fall through plan.
I have done A LOT of research and I'm also aware of many factors like will sfe and I may have to fund the first year but I could do this with my maintenace loan from this year and I get a scholarship too with Uni Of Liverpool
If you are set on pharmacy then you are best turning down pharmacology. Pharmacy and pharmacology are two different courses, as pharmacy is a degree that leads you on to a career directly from uni, whereas pharmacology is more about the study of pharmacy and therefore when finding a job after you graduate you may find it harder having not studied how to be a pharmacist which you get through a Pharmacy degree.
Reply 6
Original post by ELMBLAH
You can get into pharmacy with pretty low grades, I have a C in chemistry and have 2 clearing offers for pharmacy. Call up some of the unis in clearing and see if they'll take you
UCLAN will accept me if I get the remark but that's if the space is still available
Reply 7
Could anyone inform me of the job prospects of a degree in pharmacology, I've looked into graduate schemes like a trainee patent attorney, medical writing etc but is this realistic as it'd be extremely competitive
Original post by LiLaLo
UCLAN will accept me if I get the remark but that's if the space is still available

Hi, do you mind me asking what grades you've gotten this year? There are some pretty low offers for Pharmacy if you reapply for 2025 (several unis will take BBB). The interviews are easy and you don't have to sit the UCAT. Plus the career prospects are guaranteed and safe after graduation (doesn't matter from which uni), and it's pretty patient-facing compared to pharmacology. Please message me if you have any questions :smile:
Original post by LiLaLo
UCLAN will accept me if I get the remark but that's if the space is still available

Hi, do you mind me asking what grades you've gotten this year? There are some pretty low offers for Pharmacy if you reapply for 2025 (several unis will take BBB). The interviews are easy and you don't have to sit the UCAT. Plus the career prospects are guaranteed and safe after graduation (doesn't matter from which uni), and it's pretty patient-facing compared to pharmacology. Please message me if you have any questions :smile:
Original post by LiLaLo
Could anyone inform me of the job prospects of a degree in pharmacology, I've looked into graduate schemes like a trainee patent attorney, medical writing etc but is this realistic as it'd be extremely competitive


Have you had a read of this?
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/pharmacology

I recommend clicking on each of the job prospect links there as well. Seeing the requirements for these jobs should help you understand whether this would be a realistic job prospect for you hopefully :hugs:

Let us know if you have any specific questions after reading this :smile:
What did you pick x
Reply 12
Original post by ELMBLAH
You can get into pharmacy with pretty low grades, I have a C in chemistry and have 2 clearing offers for pharmacy. Call up some of the unis in clearing and see if they'll take you

Hey what schools did you apply to ? I’ve been looking for schools since last week and all of them seem to be full besides UEA, Wolves, and Keele. I’ve called all the uni’s I’ve seen are available for clearing on the UCAS search. Any response would be greatly appreciated.
Original post by ELMBLAH
You can get into pharmacy with pretty low grades, I have a C in chemistry and have 2 clearing offers for pharmacy. Call up some of the unis in clearing and see if they'll take you

hey wat unis were those?
Hi there,

I can totally understand how you’re feeling—it’s a tough situation to be in, but it’s great that you’re thinking through your options carefully.

If you’re leaning towards accepting the Pharmacology offer at the University of Liverpool, that’s a fair choice. Pharmacology can offer a range of career paths, not just in labs, but also in areas like clinical trials, regulatory things, and even roles within the pharmaceutical industry that involve more interaction with people.

Reapplying for Pharmacy next year, or even Medicine, is definitely an option, especially if you’re determined to pursue those fields. As for universities still accepting applications, have you considered UEA? We are currently in clearing an you can call us now on 01603 943840. Generally, UEA has a strong reputation, and the Pharmacy degree has global reputation. In your final year, you’ll carry out a project and you choose to undertake it at an English-speaking provider or abroad. We currently have arrangements with pharmacy schools in Germany, France, Spain, and Vietnam.

UEA has a supportive environment, so it might also be something to think about if you’re feeling uncertain about going through the UCAT and interview process again. Plus, Norwich is a fantastic place to study—vibrant yet not overwhelming, which could help if you’re concerned about the mental stress of reapplying.

Ultimately, the best path forward is the one that aligns with your long-term goals and where you think you’ll be happiest. If you need more advice or want to explore UEA as an option, please do let me know.

Wishing you the best with whatever you decide!
Daniel
PhD Biology

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