An alternative route to full-time university study
Edward’s favourite subject at school was science. He says he was particularly interested in the development of pharmaceutical drugs because it is such a diverse process involving many disciplines. Edward wasn’t keen to study a full-time degree at university, however he was intrigued by the prospect of the degree apprenticeship route, which would allow him to work alongside his part-time studies, gaining money and experience and greatly lowering his overall university fees.
Edward settled upon the route and began his degree apprenticeship in BSc Hons Pharmaceutical Sciences with the University of Greenwich and multinational pharmaceutical company Pfizer, where he worked as an employee four days a week. The remaining day in the week was set aside so that he could attend the university’s Medway Campus to study his course, which is local to him, and concentrate on his studies.
Edward has now graduated from his degree apprenticeship after five years total study. He says that although there have been challenges along the way, the support he has received from his university has helped him every step of the way.
The journey has been a challenging but satisfying achievement made possible by the support and guidance of the university apprenticeship team and industry-experienced lecturers.
Consolidate your knowledge with practice
Edward adds that the modules he studied as part of his course complemented his work at Pfizer. Many modules linked directly to his work, allowing him to consolidate his knowledge, such as his studies in early-to-late-stage development of solid oral dosage forms, with powder physical property assessment for formulation design and development.
Meanwhile, modules such as Pharmacology, Instrumental Analysis, Neuropharmacology, Chemometrics and Informatics have expanded his knowledge in areas not directly covered in his day-to-day role, meaning he has completed his studies as a well-rounded scientist with key knowledge and transferable skills.
Develop academically and professionally
Edward was surprised to learn that many of his colleagues had studied science or pharmacy courses on the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus.
Many of my current colleagues completed part-time degrees back at the start of their careers and always speak highly of the university and its lecturers.
Graduates of BSc Pharmaceutical Sciences are able to enter many careers within pharmaceutical chemistry; chemical engineering focusing on pharmaceutical process engineering, or pharmacology. Edward’s own plans are to continue his development as a formulation scientist and eventually further his learning with a Master’s or a PhD, and he was thrilled to be offered a full-time role at Pfizer upon completion of his degree apprenticeship, which he has accepted.
Meanwhile, Edward’s journal article titled Assessment of Prediction Models for Punch Sticking in Tablet Formulations has been accepted for publication and he has been invited to present at the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences conference in Belfast in September. The University of Greenwich are very proud of everything Edward has accomplished and look forward to seeing where his career will lead him.
