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STUDY PHARMACY IN THE UK
Pharmacists are experts in pharmaceuticals, and most of today's pharmacists work in hospitals and pharmacies to find the right medicines and provide health advice to patients. Since pharmacy is one of the fastest growing health services, there is a growing demand for qualified pharmacists to work within this industry.
THE PHARMACIST IS DIVIDED INTO TWO; AND BOTH ARE PROTECTED TITLES:
- The Provisional Pharmacist title is obtained by obtaining a bachelor's and master's degree.
- The Prescription Pharmacist title only requires a bachelor's degree in pharmacy.
Pharmacist is thus a collective term for provisional and prescription pharmacists. Pharmacy studies in the UK normally last four years (five years in Scotland). The programme in pharmacy/pharmacology provides a broad, scientific, and clinical knowledge of pharmacy, so that you as a graduate will be confident in the work that will be done when you enter the workforce. The education also emphasizes personal qualities necessary for success within the pharmacy profession, such as being familiar with all aspects of the pharmacy industry, excellent communication skills and the ability to appreciate both the professional and social aspects of the profession.
The programme includes subjects such as introduction to medicine, biology for humans, health studies, pathology, communication, and law.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Upon graduation in pharmacy, you can work in pharmacies, hospitals or in the pharmacy industry. Many also continue their studies with a master's or doctoral degree in the subject. If you wish to work in the UK, you must do some practical work before you are an approved qualified pharmacist. To obtain the title of provisional pharmacist (protected title), one must, as previously mentioned, take a master's degree in pharmacy after completing the bachelor's degree.
PRACTICING IN CANADA
In order to transfer your degree back for practice in Canada, students need to complete an accreditation process including by not limited to qualifying examination(s) and an internship. A bridging programme and/or additional steps may be assigned based on individual assessment.
You are encouraged to research the accreditation and registration process thoroughly ahead of applying to ensure you understand the process.
HOW TO NAVIGATE TRICKY PROFESSIONAL HEALTH APPLICATIONS TO UK UNIS
All of the different application requirements from deadlines to personal statement word limits to reference letter requirements can make it especially daunting when trying to apply to professional health degrees. Our advisors have many years of experience helping Canadian students successfully apply to physiotherapy degrees in the UK. They've even put together a webinar to help you ensure you are submitting the best professional health application you can. Find out more:
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If this is an area you’re interested in pursuing, your personal Across the Pond advisor will be happy to send you suggestions for studies that will suit your interests and align with your academic history.
With the assistance of your Across the Pond advisor, you will have someone who can help you with information about admission requirements (these can vary depending on your Canadian province or university), which studies are available at bachelor's and master's level and help find the studies and universities that best suit you with your background, grades, desire to study and possibly place of study.
As the studies and universities all have different criteria and levels, it is unfortunately impossible to state all the nuances here on this page, so to get the most accurate information tailored to you and your wishes, get in touch with one of our advisors.
All help from us is free and without obligation.