Applying for MPharm without Biology A-Level

[jroo88]

I currently have AAAB at A2 level (chemistry, psychology, history, philosophy) respectively. I'm also in my final year of an Archaeological Science degree, BSc which I'm borderline 2.1 - 1st so I should at least get a 2.1. I realise my degree subject is worlds apart from Pharmacy and it may sound a little strange! Basically I chose the degree due to interests in osteology, palaeopathology and forensic anthropology. It was a naive choice considering the career prospects in those fields. In my first year I started some volunteer work in a hospice (that I'm still doing now), got a summer job as project assistent on a population genetics project at the medical school and did bascially became introduced to different environments and developed a passionate interest in medical science.

I explored a career in medicine but ultimately decided that pharmacy was for me. The problem is I don't have the required second hard science A2 subject (Bio, Maths, Phys). Hertfordshire Uni would Psychology & Chemistry but thats it. So I decided that I'll start Bio A-Level Sept 2011 (do it in one year) after I finish my degree and apply for Pharmacy Jan 2012.

However I was wondering what my chances would be at being considered for a place in this summers clearing for 2011 entry without the additional science a-level. A lot of the unis I'm interested in are in UCAS extra now and there are always places available for pharmacy in clearing....I know that some lower their grade requirements in clearing but would they INSIST on the second science a-level? Particularly with consideration of my work exp and degree.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[johnep]

'It was a naive choice considering the career prospects in those fields'
Something I hear frequently. All very well being idealistic re some subjects such History of Art, but unless you are heir to the throne, or engaged to one, of little use in the job market.
johnep

[crit care]

back when i applied, i knew people without a level biology who got into pharmacy but they had 1 2nd science to back up the chemistry. When i applied chemistry was essential with a 2nd scence from maths, biology or physics....

I guess ask around the unis you want to apply to and ask them if you ahve a chance with just the 1 science. worst case scenario would be they say no and you ahve to do a level biology!

[jroo88]

'It was a naive choice considering the career prospects in those fields'
Something I hear frequently. All very well being idealistic re some subjects such History of Art, but unless you are heir to the throne, or engaged to one, of little use in the job market.
johnep

Very true and it's certainly a decision I regret. I grew up in a very small town, went to a horrendous school that was under special measures and had no idea what I wanted to do at that age. Achieving good A-level results and doing ANYTHING at university (with the bonus of getting away from the town) seemed like a big step up at the time. I wish I'd had the direction and insight whilst at school but we unfortunately cannot change the past. I did consider dropping out of my degree in the first year but thought the lack of comittment would look worse than the career change!

I've emailed the universities I'm interested in today so I'm just waiting to hear back. It would definitely be a relief to not have to do another A-level and get started this year but I'll have to see.