I have ZERO interest in retail/hospital pharmacy. Should I transfer to Pharmacology for Big Pharma?
Hi I’m an international student in the UK who just finished Year 1 of MPharm. I’m writing this to get some brutal, unfiltered advice on whether I should transfer to a Pharmacology BSc.
To be completely honest, studying pharmacy has been just okay, but I have absolute zero interest in becoming a community or hospital pharmacist. My initial reason for choosing MPharm was solely to become an industrial pharmacist, with my ultimate dream being to work in Big Pharma either as a Researcher (Scientist) or in Medical Affairs / as an MSL.
However, after a year of studying, I’ve realized this course is almost entirely designed to churn out retail and clinical hospital pharmacists.
But im still scared to make a decision for few reasons.
As an international student, I pay £35k+ per year just for tuition. I've heard that with a Pharmacology BSc, it takes a massive amount of time (and money) to reach a decent salary (like the £40k+ a pharmacist makes) because the industry often requires an MSc or a PhD for R&D/MA roles. Ik I have to give up some of the advantages of being a pharmacist to pursue pharmacology. But im afraid if Im just walking straight into a financial doom loop under the guise of pursuing my dream?
And ive heard it could be advantageous having license as pharmacist to be MA, i would like to know if it is true
So in conclusion, i want to transfer to pharmacology but im not sure this decision would benefit to become MA/scientist and how difficult to have job with pharmacology degree. I also would like to know is preference degree for MA/MSL. And is it even reasonable dream wanting to be MA or scientist in case of mine..
Plz give me some advice abt it
Ps. If it helps with your advice, the university I'm currently studying is usually ranks within the Top 5 in for Pharmacy in uk i think. Not rlly sure about pharmacology. I heard it is well-regarded but i think my tutor is biased cuz they did most of career in pharmacology at this uni
Pluss i can dierectly transfer to y2 in pharmacology if i transfer
+++ And had conversation with academic leader and be told that i need to do another master degree to do research after Mpharm if I stay in Mpharm as pharmacology part in Mpharm has been shifted away from covering in Mpharm curriculum when compared with the past.