Pharmacy

Aisha
Pharmacy MPharm
I chose to study at King's College London after falling in love with the campus during an open day visit. Being located in central London, one of my favourite cities was just the icing on the cake. King's is an established university, well known for its high level of teaching and for the vast job opportunities it brings.

The Waterloo campus is home to a variety of degrees. This allows for socialising with other students who are not on your course. King's offers a wide range of societies, from the Pharmacy Society to the Dance society and I would recommend joining as many as you can. King's halls are very accommodating and located near campuses. I lived at Brian Creamer Halls in Lambeth, just 10 minutes walk from Waterloo.

After the final year of my degree I will be undertaking a pre registration year at Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital, in which I will train to become a practicing pharmacist. In the future I hope to further my career as a Hospital Pharmacist and study a clinical specialty. I feel I have been well prepared by my degree to undertake this as there has been practical experience from my first year.

Harriet
UK
Pharmacy MPharm
'I decided to come to King's because it has a long-established historical reputation. I had researched all the colleges that offered the pharmacy course but I preferred King's because it is in central London, it has a modern Campus and it is linked to major hospitals. When I came to King's, I thought that I might be the only mature student but I soon realised that the college is extremely diverse. The lecturers are friendly and helpful and every student has a personal tutor available for guidance and support throughout the whole course.
I am in the fourth year of my degree and I can't believe how time has flown by! My final year consists of a research project, hospital placement and preparation for practice. This will prepare me for my pre-registration place next year. I have had the chance to experience pharmacy practice and dispensing, pharmaceutics, therapeutics and many more medically related topics. My course at King's has also included study at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals throughout my four years, giving me invaluable experience.'

Khalid
Mauritius
Pharmacy MPharm
'I am a fourth year pharmacy student who is currently the vice president of a committee to organise the annual pharmacy ball. I love pharmacy because it is a combination of science, clinical setting and patient contact. I chose King's because of its worldwide reputation. I was particularly drawn to the fact that it's primarily located in the heart of London. I am based at the Waterloo Campus, a newly refurbished site with a state-of-the-art laboratory, 24-hour computer access and a modern library.
King's also offers one of the best university social lives with many clubs and societies to join. I have been in the Salsa Society for the past two years before switching to the Dance Society this year. You get to mingle with people from different cultures and backgrounds. There's a great Students' Union which makes life as a King's student totally worth it. At King's, each person is treated as an individual not as a number. Every student has his or her own personal tutor who's always willing to help and advise the tutee.
Working in a large pharmacy community over the past three years has increased my desire to be directly involved with patient care and counselling. After graduation, my plan is do my pre-registration, complete a clinical diploma, become a supplementary prescriber and work within a Primary Care Trust.
Last but not least, the excellent quality of teaching, interprofessional education, the invaluable clinical placements and the awesome research project in my final year will give a real boost to my career.'

Matthew
Pharmacy MPharm
I chose King's because it is a leading university with a sensational reputation, and has a great atmosphere for learning. I was particularly attracted to the integrated Pharmacy programme because of the teaching by experts in their field and the great links within the Pharmacy sectors. At King's each student is supplied with the ingredients for success and a stepping stone for a fruitful career. After I graduate I plan to carry out my pre-registration year in either community or hospital pharmacy.

In my first year I stayed in Stamford street apartments, which is literally across the road from the Waterloo campus - very convenient for me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and it helped me to become much more independent.

The advantage of being in London is that it is one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities in the world; students will be expose to all aspects of life. I have a part-time job and the extra money gained is helpful, while working allows me to get away and take my mind off university. Living in London provides you with phenomenal opportunities and links in whatever profession you are studying for.

Wajid
UK
Pharmacy MPharm
'I chose King's because it is one of the best universities in the UK with a worldwide reputation for excellence in research and teaching. I hope to go into industrial pharmacy in the future and this was also one of the main reasons why I chose King's. It has good links with big pharmaceutical companies and the structure of the course is specifically designed so that whatever career path I do decide upon, I will have a very good understanding of the subject.
Studying in London has been an exciting experience. There is a lot to see and do and whatever your interests, you'll be able to find a club or society to join. Living in halls is a great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. Although at first it is very daunting to come and live in one of the world's busiest cities, it has a very friendly atmosphere and you get used to the hustle and bustle of living in the capital. There is always something going on and always something to do, so you can never get bored.'