What is it like studying a pharmacy degree at University of Brighton?

• Author: Emmanuel Akyeampong, Pharmacy MPharm, School of Applied Sciences

The foundation year prepared me for university

I found the transition from studying at sixth-form to university very smooth. During my foundation year, I felt the lecturers explained well and showed how different (and often easier) studying Pharmacy at university is compared with science at A-level. I was shown how I was expected to deliver coursework at a university standard and how lectures differ from traditional lessons at school.

Practice makes perfect!

In workshops, I enjoy applying what I’ve learnt in lectures, practicing patient scenarios with other students or using the Sim-man to practice administering medicine. I enjoy the pharmacy work placements as I get to have a hands-on experience of the roles of a pharmacist.

Pharmacy placements with health professionals

I had the opportunity to do a week-long work placement at Worthing Hospital. Although I found the week very demanding and stressful at times, it gave me good insight into what it is like to work in a hospital amongst other pharmacists, doctors and nurses. It also helped me apply my knowledge of what is taught in the lecture environment to real-life scenarios with patients.

Studying Pharmacy on a university campus

I enjoy studying in the Aldrich library as there are so many free laptops to use, which is helpful for doing coursework when I don’t want to bring my laptop in. The library is divided into different floors which allow different levels of noise, so I often like studying in the quiet areas on the top floor where I can concentrate on my work without interruptions. However, I also enjoy being on the ground floor where I can talk and hang out with other friends to take breaks from my work.

I joined the Inclusive Practice Partnership Scheme

Knowing I would be in a team that changes course structures to massively benefit marginalised students is my greatest achievement at Brighton. The main suggestion I really take pride in is implementing unconscious bias training into pharmacy workshops for all students. As student pharmacists preparing to give medical advice to the public, it’s vital to be confident relating to patients of all skin colours and minority groups.