Potential MPharm applicant - advice needed from the experts..thats YOU! :-)

[cortex]

Hello guys n gals!
This is my first ever post on here, ive done some reading on the forum over the past week but couldnt find the answer to my query so here goes...

I'm a post-grad student and am becoming more and more drawn towards studying pharmacy and working as a pharmacist, particularly the thought of being able to own my own pharmacy some day. My concern is that im getting on a bit, im 26 years old and the thought of doing a 4 year degree is quite daunting.

Ive done a BSc Neuroscience and a Masters in Neuroscience and am now halfway through a 3 year Ph.D in Neuropharmacology at a School of Pharmacy. I was wondering whether Id be accepted onto a Pharmacy degree course with slightly below average A-Levels (BCD in IT, Bio, Chem) ?

Also would I have to start in Year 1 or could i start in Year 2 or something? Like I said, Id be 27-28 years old if/when I start the degree so ill be 32 before I even get a salary(!)

I'd love to hear each and everyone of your thoughts :-)

thank you

[johnep]

As you are at a School of Pharmacy already. obvious place to ask for a start. Have a word with the dean.
johnep

[cortex]

Yeh I thought of that, but . . .
a) I dont want my supervisor to think im doing the PhD just for the qualification rather than for career progression and
b) I dont want to do Pharmacy at the school im currently at.

[Asterix]

It depends whether you are happy to enter pharmacy at such an age, I know many people who have done but have struggled with the chemistry content. If I were you, I would email admissions at your chosen unis and ask what chance you stand.

[johnep]

What made you do Neuroscience in the first place? What were your job expectations?
johnep

[mhb08112]

I know at Strathclyde there are definately some direct 2nd year entrants.

[cortex]

johnep: I did Neuro simply because I found it fascinating and same reason for the MSc. I started the PhD because I wanted to to Medicine but didnt get in.
I have only recently started to become familiar with Pharmacy and have become more and more drawn to it as a profession.

[cortex]

I know at Strathclyde there are definately some direct 2nd year entrants.

Thanks, do any other unis do this? Scotland is quite far for me to reloacte to.
Im quite inetrested in LSOP, St Georges and anywhere closer to London

[cortex]

Also, as a returning student...will I have to pay higher fees??? Medway is charging almost £10,000 (!!!!!!!)

[peace800]

I'm in a similar position to the original poster.

I don't know if 26/27 is considered old to enter this profession and then earning as a qualified pharmacist when you are 32? Some people say it is not old at all.

It's those 4 years of not earning that scares me but I guess once you qualifiy the salary will compensate for it?