Pharmacy: Further study

Generally, only small numbers of pharmacy graduates go on to do further study directly after graduation. This is because a pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not needed to practise as a pharmacist and is rarely advantageous when applying for jobs within the profession. A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that only about 2% of pharmacy graduates took up full-time postgraduate study. A further 22% were combining work and study.

Pharmacy graduates who want a career in scientific research and development may choose to study for an MSc or PhD, in fields such as biomedical or chemical science. Graduates who decide that they want to pursue careers outside pharmacy may undertake a relevant postgraduate course to broaden their skills and increase their knowledge of other areas.

These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research to identify your options.

For details relating to finance and the application process, look at funding my further study.