Review pathways and check entry requirements for post 16 options. Some require a relevant subject at A level or Level 3 equivalent e.g. Chemistry or Applied Science.
Weigh the pros and cons of full-time study vs apprenticeship and apply to all the options you are interested in. You can find information about NHS apprenticeships here.
Consider a back-up plan if results don't go the way you hoped. This could be level 2 health/care/science courses, intermediate apprenticeships, a job with accredited training/time off for study.
Let your school/college know your intention to study pharmacy so they can support and advise you of access to medical science opportunities such as the Sutton Trust Summer School.
Research universities offering MPharm and other HE pathways and their entry requirements, attend open days and rank choices.
Start following current affairs for this industry so you are aware of what is changing in the industry. This could help prepare for applications and interviews in the future.
Become familiar with the NHS values and constitution and how you could demonstrate these - the NHS use values-based recruitment so this is really important.
Start drafting UCAS personal statement.
If you are considering pharmacy assistant or a pharmacy technician as a back-up look at the government apprenticeship database and job NHS job vacancies and work out what steps you need to take to be able to make good applications for similar opportunities next year i.e. how you can develop relevant skills and experience.
Year 13
Year 13
September - November: Continue researching university options and attend any further open days. You should also register on the UCAS site and start completing UCAS form online. Draft UCAS personal statement and get feedback from teachers, family and friends.
Finalise UCAS choices and personal statement for school/college to add reference and predicted grades for submission by 6pm 31st January 2024
December: Start looking for apprenticeship opportunities for pharmacy assistant/pharmacy technician roles, apply and keep a record of your application.
January - March: Check UCAS Track for replies from HE providers and prepare for and attend interviews. Your school/college may provide mock interviews so it is worth asking about this. Interviews may include scenario-based questions, group tasks, science and maths tests, and questions to elicit your knowledge and motivation. They are investigating if you have the core competencies and behaviours for the role, and also uphold their ethical values and professional standards.
February - March:Apply for student finance from Feb, preferably by end of May, and any scholarships or awards you may be eligible for eg that the NHS/HE provider offers
February - May: receive offers and add an extra choice if you get no offers. If unsuccessful, research backup plan – pharmacy foundation year or foundation degree, alternative healthcare/science career path via apprenticeship/degree apprenticeship or full-time degree, gap year and apply again (consider how you will boost your application)
Accept firm and insurance offers by reply deadline shown in UCAS Track.
Research location, course materials, budgets, travel etc and apply for accommodation (usually around May)
Explore if the organisation Pharmacy Support could offer any support if needed whilst you study.
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