Student profiles - Medway School of Pharmacy

Our students answer questions about their course, the Medway campus, facilities and student life. They also give useful insider tips and advice for anyone thinking of studying at the Medway School of Pharmacy.

Tina Smith graduated from Medway School of Pharmacy in 2018 with a Master of Pharmacy.

Did you always know you wanted to study Pharmacy? If yes why?

I haven’t always wanted to study pharmacy. In sixth form, I was set on becoming a primary school teacher. When I told my teacher this, he encouraged me to study something harder and achieve higher, which is how I came across the MPharm degree. I can honestly say that I have not once regretted my decision to study pharmacy. Each year the degree gets slightly harder, however I enjoy each year more. I love that the course is integrated because I am able to fully understand a topic as all aspects (including biology, chemistry biochemistry and pharmacology) are covered and then revisited at a later date. My favourite aspect is that pharmacy is always changing; there is always something new to learn, meaning it never gets boring. Pharmacists are highly respected and there are copious opportunities within this field.

Why did you choose Medway School of Pharmacy?

The Medway campus is beautiful. Once I made my decision on what degree to study, I started researching locations. Right from the start, Medway School of Pharmacy stood out to me as something special. Everything a student needs is on campus, it’s small, and easy to navigate. The campus thrives in diversity, and if you want to meet people from all over the world, then this is the perfect place. I was not a fan of city universities because they were too crowded and noisy, so this campus seemed perfect to me. It was my first choice and the day that I got my acceptance letter, I immediately placed it as my firm option on UCAS.

What are your favourite aspects of the course?

The staff here are incredibly friendly. Right from day one, each student is made to feel welcomed and needed, lecturers encourage students to visit their offices if they need any help, and it feels like home. The classes are a comfortable size, and it is easy to talk to a lecturer one-on-one before or after they start teaching. Most importantly, each student is treated as an individual and not as a group, allowing us to grow, learn and mature in our own way to become the person we wish to be.

Would you recommend MSoP to prospective students?

Absolutely yes. I was also fortunate enough to be selected to meet and speak to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) during the reaccreditation of Medway School of Pharmacy in 2016. This was a new experience for me, and it was interesting to meet some of the members of the pharmacy governing body and to see their beliefs in the future of pharmacy. There are plenty of opportunities here, and the students are always informed of any relevant part-time jobs, summer placements and work experience.

Nadine Caballero graduated from Medway School of Pharmacy in 2018 with a BSc Pharmacology and Physiology.

Did you always know you wanted to study Pharmacology? If yes why?

I didn’t always want to study Pharmacology; in fact, I thought I wanted to study Pure Chemistry. But after completing my A-levels, I began venturing out, looking at different courses that universities had to offer. I was stuck on what degree to take and confided in my friends about it. One of my friends was a first year at Medway School of Pharmacy and he highly recommended it. I initially thought, I don’t want to do Pharmacy but I’ll have a look anyway. While looking through the website, I found that a new course, Pharmacology & Physiology had been launched. After reading through the programme structure, I deduced that it was the course for me. I was apprehensive about the level of Biology in the course since I hadn’t studied it at A-Level but I took the risk and I can gladly say the course has sparked a profound interest in the subject.

Why did you choose Medway School of Pharmacy?

When picking a university, I wanted one that specialized solely on one field. Despite being a partnership of University of Greenwich and University of Kent, Medway School of Pharmacy does just that. The school focuses on the connection between pharmacy and pharmacology in tandem with establishing the unique characteristics of both. From speaking to students and researching the school, I was assured that the passion and commitment from lecturers and students themselves was there.

What are your favourite aspects of the course, and why?

Being a student in the first year of a new course can be very daunting but there is continuous support from staff and peers. Bi-weekly or every week there are lab sessions where fundamental principles taught in the lectures are put into practice. This cycle of lectures, labs and workshops continuously keeps you learning and allows you to grow independently as a pharmacologist. By the end, you tend to answer your own questions. The Pharmacology & Physiology BSc course also allows you to broaden your knowledge by supplying optional research seminars and lectures from practicing pharmacologists and researchers. By attending them, you’re provided with an insight on how your knowledge and knowledge that you will gain can be used in real life situations where you don’t know what you’re looking for. The course ensures familiarity with lab techniques and criteria whether it is in a chemistry or biological lab.

What are your favourite things to do socially, in or around the campus?

The campus is great for activities science based, or something completely recreational. There are also open lectures and research seminars provided by the School of Pharmacy. I always look out for these because of a range of different topics being addressed, one of which will help you in exams or simply interest you. Lecturers sometimes give talks, which is always interesting as you find out about their research and specialties. There is also MPSA, which is the Pharmacy Association run by MPharm students, GK Union and the School of Pharmacy itself.

Around the campus there are various clubs, restaurants and shopping destinations with London only 45 minutes away. There are several societies to keep you busy and if the one you’re looking for isn’t there, then you can make your own!

Would you recommend MSP to prospective students?

In hindsight, choosing to study at Medway School of Pharmacy was the great choice and I would definitely recommend it. From the first week of lectures, you get an immediate sense of passion and support from the staff. They throw you into the deep end knowing you can handle it. It is this confidence in students that makes this School of Pharmacy increasingly promising. As well as having confidence, they also never let you forget the intensity and workload of the course because that’s what will come with your future job. Without realizing, you begin to grow into a pharmacologist or pharmacist as lecturers constantly drum into you the most effective and efficient way of thinking. Medway School of Pharmacy provides you with experiences, challenges, connections and logical thinking, everything you need to be equipped for the future.