studying pharmacy- distance learning? mature student.

[nimo]

Hi guys,

wondering if anyone can help me?

I have the following qualifications.
- 6 GCSEs (3 sciences + maths- all at A grade)
- 4 scottish highers (3 sciences + maths = 2 As & 2 Bs)
- 3 A levels (chemistry + biology = 2 Bs + 1 A)
- BSc biomedical sciences (Non-Hons - ordinary degree so its a Pass (no grading- in Scottish unis, one can finish 3 years and get an ordinary degree- 4 years and get an Hons- i got 3 years and went to do medical research.)).
- medical research in oxford (3 months scholarship) and then 1 year king's college london - where i published a paper along with my lecturer and research associate. but did not want to continue with medical research, so changed my career to work in the commercial world - business to business sales.

I am now 34 (wow that is ancient, but i look good so its ok -have become interested to do something that would make my future a bit more stable (not sales all my life)- and something that i would find interesting - i have decided to study pharmacy and am committed. I live in cardiff so am wondering if anyone out there knows much about the cardiff pharmacy school - or even strathclyde (i could move there).

my questions are :

- are there any distance learning or part time courses anywhere in uk to become a pharmacist?? Or is there no other way except full time and even that a total of 4 years ? If there is no other option but full time, then it has to be it and i would have to go for it.

- Is it possible to have exemption from any part of the degree (MPharm) as I have already done a related degree (pharmacists were attending the same classes as me in the fist year at uni - so can the 4 year degree become 3 years?)

- I have also done research in pharmacy assistant, pharmacy technician qualifications - their pay doesnt seem to be very much at all.... in any case, is there any qualification for these two posts available through distance learning or part time in cardiff? And then what progression is there from a pharmacy technician to a pharmacist ? again? any exemption from uni ?? is there any benefit for me to become either of these if my real aim is to become a pharmacist? If i do these roles, how much of a chance is to do locum-ing with these two roles - i suspect- not much?

- i have read on forums that my fee would around 12 k as it would be my second undergraduate degree?? i was prepared for 3-4k a year but 12 k per annum ????

- when i apply, i have to show my commitment to my choice of career - a random want to become pharmacist from a business to business salesperson ??? how do i add the equations? voluntary work in pharmacy ?? any other suggestions?

has anyone else experienced / questioned all that i have?

I am very confused - so any help would be great?

thanks guys

[johnep]

Sorry, attendance at uni necessary. If there was a shortage of people wanting to do pharmacy then you might stand a chance. However, you are competing with up to five others for the place. From what you say, your best chance would be either with Cardiff or a Scots uni. The latter may help you with fees. Try contacting both.
johnep