Is Pharmacy good in Uni or is it Hard?
Hey 👋
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
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Original post
by _e1m4nHey 👋
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Do you enjoy chemistry?
Reply 2
20
Lots of info here - Useful resources for MPharm PS and Interviews - The Student Room
Reply 3
_e1m4n
OP
2
Original post
by normawDo you enjoy chemistry?
Yes I mainly enjoy biology and chem
Reply 4
Original post
by _e1m4nHey 👋
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Hi,
I’m a third year pharmacy student at LJMU and I really enjoy the course. It’s very well structured and gives you a strong foundation in both the science and practice behind medicines.
One of the great things about studying pharmacy now is that we qualify as independent prescribers, which opens up lots of opportunities in practice. There are also many different sectors pharmacists can work in, including hospital, community, GP, industry, research, regulation, and teaching.
Overall, it’s a rewarding degree with a variety of career paths, and it’s really meaningful to be in a role where you can help people in their daily lives.
If you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask either on here or through UniBuddy via our course website.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 5
Hi there!
I'm currently a third year pharmacy student and I would say it's been a great course so far and I've really enjoyed it.
I would say I've really enjoyed the aspects of clinical and knowledge sides to the course. At Bath, I have had the opportunity to see different sectors of pharmacy and have a range of teacher practitioners specialising in different aspects of the pharmacy career.
I would say it is a very rewarding career and I really enjoy the applications of knowledge and consultations skills. I don't think I'll regret it because even if I don't decide to pursue pharmacy as a career, there are a lot of avenues I can go down and I have a lot of skill sets that I have developed as a result of this course.
I would say really focus on what you like and whether you would be more suited in lab based or do you enjoy the people aspect and working in a MDT. It is important to understand what you like and dislike and it can help you make an informed decision. If you have the opportunity, maybe seek some pharmacy work experience and see if you can envision yourself in the career
I hope this helps and best of luck in your decision!
University of Bath
I'm currently a third year pharmacy student and I would say it's been a great course so far and I've really enjoyed it.
I would say I've really enjoyed the aspects of clinical and knowledge sides to the course. At Bath, I have had the opportunity to see different sectors of pharmacy and have a range of teacher practitioners specialising in different aspects of the pharmacy career.
I would say it is a very rewarding career and I really enjoy the applications of knowledge and consultations skills. I don't think I'll regret it because even if I don't decide to pursue pharmacy as a career, there are a lot of avenues I can go down and I have a lot of skill sets that I have developed as a result of this course.
I would say really focus on what you like and whether you would be more suited in lab based or do you enjoy the people aspect and working in a MDT. It is important to understand what you like and dislike and it can help you make an informed decision. If you have the opportunity, maybe seek some pharmacy work experience and see if you can envision yourself in the career
I hope this helps and best of luck in your decision!
University of Bath
Reply 6
There is no getting away from the fact this is high level study needed for completing pharmacy successfully. I know pharmacists. I've worked alongside them. From what I have heard it is a course that would rival medicine in terms of the scope of content you might learn and also the detail or depth. Some senior pharmacists would have a level of expertise that would rival say consultant microbiologists or consultant radiologist- they can be asked questions that literally only they would know the answer to.
Reply 7
It's full time and hard. Interesting and varied.
Reply 8
Original post
by _e1m4nHey 👋
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Just wanted to ask about careers and stuff for the future, and I wanted to ask if like Pharmacy is a good subject or will regret it later on. Thank you x
Hi there,
I’m a current Medical Science student at DMU. Although my course isn’t Pharmacy, it is within the same faculty, and I think it’s really important to ask yourself whether Pharmacy—or any course—is the right choice before investing your time and money.
Pharmacy is a broad profession with many different pathways. Pharmacy students can work in both clinical and non-clinical environments. During placements, you get the chance to see whether you enjoy working directly with people in a community pharmacy, or if you prefer roles in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or laboratory settings.
One thing to seriously consider is Chemistry. A large part of the Pharmacy course is chemistry-based, so feeling confident or at least willing to work hard in that area is important. The degree is also quite full-time, with regular lab sessions and placements, especially in the later years.
The good news is that career paths are flexible. Even if you graduate as a pharmacist, your degree doesn’t limit you to only one type of job for the rest of your life. Many graduates move into completely different areas if they choose to. And if Pharmacy is something you’re passionate about, then apply and hopefully it will be worth it.
Best wishes,
Elmehdi - DMU representative
Reply 9
14
There is a shortage of jobs in large cities but many jobs in areas like Cornwall.
Reply 10
Original post
by ringiThere is a shortage of jobs in large cities but many jobs in areas like Cornwall.
This is correct. If you want to live down there, or in rural Wales, or the Scottish highlands or any where outside the big cities and towns you will probably find work and get paid more than the average.
There is still an expansion of pharmacy schools and student numbers, and although we have known about all new graduates will be prescribers from summer of 2026 since 2019, only now are the big companies and pharmacy organisations waking up to the fact they are going to have fantastically qualified pharmacists stuffed to the brim with knowledge and ready to prescribe and provide clinical services in a community pharmacy, only now are they thinking about what they can actually do with this enhanced qualification. That is nearly 7 years of inaction, or probably knowing Pharmacy, plenty of bigwigs at lots of 'talking shops' eventually agreeing on nothing of any substance.
Reply 11
10
Original post
by ringiThere is a shortage of jobs in large cities but many jobs in areas like Cornwall.
Correct regarding community pharmacy. And this is before the new pharmacy schools come fully online producing yet more pharmacists with little regard for the prospects of those newly qualified. Underemployment and unemployment are real possibilities. Depressed pay rates a certainty.
The majority of pharmacist graduates will find employment in community pharmacies (shops). Pay and conditions here are dire. Locum pay rates are where they were 12 plus years ago and with workloads and stress levels greatly increased. I have been a community pharmacist (owner/manager/locum) for over 40 years and have seen the downward spiral of community pharmacy.
Yes, there are new opportunities in GP surgeries, health authorities etc but there are not enough placements to satisfy demand by a long way.
I made a couple of posts earlier that elaborate. Please have a read. Scroll down a page or two to find them.
“Pharmacy today: A cautionary warning” and “Current community pharmacy pay rates” for more information.
Good luck
Reply 12
Original post
by Sarah H.Correct regarding community pharmacy. And this is before the new pharmacy schools come fully online producing yet more pharmacists with little regard for the prospects of those newly qualified. Underemployment and unemployment are real possibilities. Depressed pay rates a certainty.
The majority of pharmacist graduates will find employment in community pharmacies (shops). Pay and conditions here are dire. Locum pay rates are where they were 12 plus years ago and with workloads and stress levels greatly increased. I have been a community pharmacist (owner/manager/locum) for over 40 years and have seen the downward spiral of community pharmacy.
Yes, there are new opportunities in GP surgeries, health authorities etc but there are not enough placements to satisfy demand by a long way.
I made a couple of posts earlier that elaborate. Please have a read. Scroll down a page or two to find them.
“Pharmacy today: A cautionary warning” and “Current community pharmacy pay rates” for more information.
Good luck
The majority of pharmacist graduates will find employment in community pharmacies (shops). Pay and conditions here are dire. Locum pay rates are where they were 12 plus years ago and with workloads and stress levels greatly increased. I have been a community pharmacist (owner/manager/locum) for over 40 years and have seen the downward spiral of community pharmacy.
Yes, there are new opportunities in GP surgeries, health authorities etc but there are not enough placements to satisfy demand by a long way.
I made a couple of posts earlier that elaborate. Please have a read. Scroll down a page or two to find them.
“Pharmacy today: A cautionary warning” and “Current community pharmacy pay rates” for more information.
Good luck
Interesting post Sarah, I read the other day on Pharmacy Magazine online that current pharmacy student population has now passed 5000! Even with nearly 1000 community pharmacies closed down in the last few years and wages still the same as 2010. I still have my tariff sheet from a certain major Team player locum agency from 2008 and that was the last one I ever received from them about locum rates increasing. I would love to post it on here but I'm sure certain vested interest mobs would get it wiped away pretty quick.
Of course as you state there are new jobs in PCN and CCG roles but no where near 5000 a year for those who do a placement in community pharmacy and realise that you speak only the truth. Saturation will surely happen before 2030 when today's 6th formers are looking for their first role in that much talked about new community clinical landscape.
Such a pity a Labour government so many on here were actively directing students to vote for with links to tactical voting, have no more interest or funding for such an integral part of a local community than the previous awful Liberal Dem Tories. But you get what you vote for. Mainly sending money abroad in one way or another.
Reply 13
14
"Caveat emptor" is a important part of the process of agreeing to 6% more tax to go to university.
Reply 14
Original post
by Sarah H.Correct regarding community pharmacy. And this is before the new pharmacy schools come fully online producing yet more pharmacists with little regard for the prospects of those newly qualified. Underemployment and unemployment are real possibilities. Depressed pay rates a certainty.
The majority of pharmacist graduates will find employment in community pharmacies (shops). Pay and conditions here are dire. Locum pay rates are where they were 12 plus years ago and with workloads and stress levels greatly increased. I have been a community pharmacist (owner/manager/locum) for over 40 years and have seen the downward spiral of community pharmacy.
Yes, there are new opportunities in GP surgeries, health authorities etc but there are not enough placements to satisfy demand by a long way.
I made a couple of posts earlier that elaborate. Please have a read. Scroll down a page or two to find them.
“Pharmacy today: A cautionary warning” and “Current community pharmacy pay rates” for more information.
Good luck
The majority of pharmacist graduates will find employment in community pharmacies (shops). Pay and conditions here are dire. Locum pay rates are where they were 12 plus years ago and with workloads and stress levels greatly increased. I have been a community pharmacist (owner/manager/locum) for over 40 years and have seen the downward spiral of community pharmacy.
Yes, there are new opportunities in GP surgeries, health authorities etc but there are not enough placements to satisfy demand by a long way.
I made a couple of posts earlier that elaborate. Please have a read. Scroll down a page or two to find them.
“Pharmacy today: A cautionary warning” and “Current community pharmacy pay rates” for more information.
Good luck
I have spent some time today reading your posts and even though I have 30+ years experience in the community pharmacy sector, now pretty much retired I'm glad to say......
I am still amazed at some of the fascinating and totally insightful facts you include in your posts. I really wish I had had a 'Sarah' in the late 80s when applying to university to point out all the issues that I never even thought about as a naive kid age 16/17.
I really hope those 6th formers, upper or lower, reading this, go and look at your 40 years' of wisdom. I would say I agree on most things although recognise I worked in the greater West Midlands and surroundings and you seem to have had a more rural experience which may have made a slight? difference? I don't know.
Reply 15
14
Compare the total take home pay for a Pharmacy Technician by age 25 who started with an apprentiship at age 16 to a pharmacist, taking into account the Technician have had 6 years more paid work and zero student loan.
Who is most likely to be able to buy a home in time to start a family?
A Pharmacy Technician with 6 year experience is also more likely to get options to move into retail management if wish. (Remember when looking to exclude any Pharmacy Technician who was not as commited to learning etc then people who have grades for pharmacist degrees.)
For anther set of options look at Pharmacy Technician in RAF or Dental Nurce in Navy, pay is higher but so is committed with no option to choose where you live.
Who is most likely to be able to buy a home in time to start a family?
A Pharmacy Technician with 6 year experience is also more likely to get options to move into retail management if wish. (Remember when looking to exclude any Pharmacy Technician who was not as commited to learning etc then people who have grades for pharmacist degrees.)
For anther set of options look at Pharmacy Technician in RAF or Dental Nurce in Navy, pay is higher but so is committed with no option to choose where you live.
Reply 16
It is nonsense to suggest the role of pharmacists will be replaced by AI. It won't because it is a highly skilled job and it's scope is growing, not shrinking. In some GP practices pharmacists will be conducting annual medication reviews and actioning results on them. Even for a small practice with a 5000 patient list and based on UK averages, 40% of those people will be over 50, say 2000. A lot of them will be on regular repeat medications for which an annual review is needed. Even if you worked every day of the working year (about 250 days give or take), that's 8 patients a day to review which is a tall order I can tell you.
AI isn't going to take a pharmacists job. There are times where even the most senior consultant will rely on a pharmacists advice in the same way they might consult microbiology because a situation has presented itself and they need specialist advice. That's the nature of clinical work: you work to your own level of knowledge base/expertise and then know where to go if you reach that.
Members of the public don't really know about or understand the detail in most of the roles involved in the clinical environment nor the level of training and knowledge required for them. I foresee all of the allied health professional roles as well as nursing expanding in time because the country simply cannot continue as it is without more doctors doing more pure 'doctoring' and the health service simply doesn't have the cash to train and retain them.
AI isn't going to take a pharmacists job. There are times where even the most senior consultant will rely on a pharmacists advice in the same way they might consult microbiology because a situation has presented itself and they need specialist advice. That's the nature of clinical work: you work to your own level of knowledge base/expertise and then know where to go if you reach that.
Members of the public don't really know about or understand the detail in most of the roles involved in the clinical environment nor the level of training and knowledge required for them. I foresee all of the allied health professional roles as well as nursing expanding in time because the country simply cannot continue as it is without more doctors doing more pure 'doctoring' and the health service simply doesn't have the cash to train and retain them.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 17
Yes, Ringi, techs I used to work with who just dispensed are now ACTs and checking scripts, one does a private service for ear wax removal which is incredibly lucrative at around £60 for both ears, as the NHS doesn't seem to offer this in many areas now. Something else that GPs don't do anymore.
Another tech is trained to do flu jabs because the pharmacist had a needle phobia.
So yes,the world of pharmacy techs is expanding and they are pushing close to £30k a year now if they are full time and get a slight premium above minimum wage if they do roles that the pharmacist previously did. I know one checking tech on £16/hr which is pretty significant if you consider what you mentioned re: time line and the pharmacist is only on £22/23, with the debt and later start in work as you mention.
The only problem is there is no money left after funding this, and ever increasing minimum wages that there is no money left over to give the poor pharmacist a pay rise, as I think SarahH has touched on in her posts, with wages still stuck around 2010/12 levels. A quick look on something like LocateAlocum will show this.
Another tech is trained to do flu jabs because the pharmacist had a needle phobia.
So yes,the world of pharmacy techs is expanding and they are pushing close to £30k a year now if they are full time and get a slight premium above minimum wage if they do roles that the pharmacist previously did. I know one checking tech on £16/hr which is pretty significant if you consider what you mentioned re: time line and the pharmacist is only on £22/23, with the debt and later start in work as you mention.
The only problem is there is no money left after funding this, and ever increasing minimum wages that there is no money left over to give the poor pharmacist a pay rise, as I think SarahH has touched on in her posts, with wages still stuck around 2010/12 levels. A quick look on something like LocateAlocum will show this.
Reply 18
14
The UK has the highest minimal wage relative to medium wage of any county.
Reply 19
Original post
by ringiThe UK has the highest minimal wage relative to medium wage of any county.
That fact, even if true, is inconsequential as it's all relative to the cost of living.
I was recently speaking with someone who is moving to the USA to practice there clinically. I was nearly astonished to hear that even in the poorest US state, the average employed US citizen there is at least $30,000 dollars better off than a person in the UK in a low income job. That's pretty nuts given their taxation regime is also comparatively gentler than ours, too whilst their housing and energy costs are generally lower also.
It could be argued that someone who is prepared to work hard is going to thrive in the USA whereas in the UK we are struggling to get a large number of people into work?
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