Any difference between Kings and Kingston, in terms of getting a Pharm job in the end

[Prospective Student]

I've shortlisted 2 schools of pharmacy-

Kings - Best out of the three in terms of reputation
Medway-
Kingston.

I would rather study at Kings than Kingston, but Kingston is cheaper, given that MPharm is a second degree for me.

1) In terms of getting a pre-reg place, Is there a big difference between
graduating at Kings versus Kingston/Medway?

2) Also, is it proving tougher to get pre-reg places now that there are more pharmacy students???????

[johnep]

Where you studied and what class degree you got, no relevance in community.

Would have more significance in industry and hospital and great significance in academia.
johnep

[TigerSwift]

The school of pharmacy you attend bares no reflection on getting a preregistration place, be that in any sector. On this note i would suggest going to where you felt most comfortable and could see yourself spending 4 years. Do not go to somewhere simply based on league tables; most of which are based on the university as a whole, not solely the pharmacy department, and often look at pharmacology etc at the same time.

For community i doubt it matters what class you get, and i know people who have gotten a hospital prereg place with a 2.2. However, if you want to go into industry or do a PhD later on you will probably want to get a minimum of a 2.1.

Finally, I have not heard of anyone struggling to get a prereg place this year or last year so i wouldn't worry about it. Industry has the highest competition and hospital can be competitive depending where you apply.

Just enjoy uni and try your best. There are extracurricular things out there for pharmacy students but I wouldn't say these are vital either. They are something to help you be more employable, give you something to talk about in interviews, and also a good way to meet new people (students and practicing pharmacists alike).

[hadfield]

. There are extracurricular things out there for pharmacy students but I wouldn't say these are vital either. .

what kind of extracurricular activities do you recommend? I've tried to do a lot to show I am enthuastic about pharmacy but have hit a wall after the usual volunteering in community, hospital and general volunteering . Probably just me been small minded but is there anything else I can do ?

[Nik]

Sounds like you have a lot of useful experience in pharmacy... extracurricular activities don't have to be pharmacy orientated remember, don't forget societies, sports, etc.

[johnep]

I did sailing and became secretary of the sailing club. One Christmas someone arranged for us to go by Thames River Police launch down to the Anchor at Southwark where Jack Holt gave the after dinner address. He was a designer and most famous design was the GP 14.
Unis are always interested in sporting proficiency, tennis etc.
johnep

[TigerSwift]

what kind of extracurricular activities do you recommend? I've tried to do a lot to show I am enthuastic about pharmacy but have hit a wall after the usual volunteering in community, hospital and general volunteering . Probably just me been small minded but is there anything else I can do ?

You can join societies and stuff in your Students' Union. Sports are usually quite good as it could show you're a more rounded individual.

There are pharmacy things as well. Most RPSGB Branches allow students to go to their meetings so you get to learn something extra that you might not on your degree, and again you can put that on your CV.

There is also a student body just for pharmacy students called the British Pharmaceutical Students' Association. They offer a load of events and services. The events are good as they are a good mix of learning and social/fun stuff. Click here to see.

You get out of the BPSA what you put in - but you seem enthusiastic enough and i didn't regret joining so i doubt you would either.