Personal Statement:Pharmacy 15

Why do you want to study this course or subject?

Medication has virtually always played a crucial role in my everyday family life, with members of my family having conditions such as asthma and type-1 diabetes. I found that growing up around my Father's diabetes generated an interest concerning the effects that drugs have on the body; I wanted to know more about his insulin injection and how it actually worked. I consequently gained a real thirst for knowledge regarding medicines and their uses and I feel as if I want to act on this by helping to improve patient care as a Hospital Pharmacist. I intend to use my expertise to play a crucial part of the health care team, ensuring the safe and effective use of drugs within the hospital.

I feel confident that Pharmacy is the ideal course for me. It combines Chemistry, Biology and Maths in such an interesting and productive way. I have tried to extend my knowledge of pharmacy as much as possible through regularly reading the PJonline website and certain articles in NewScientist magazine. New changes to the profession excite me, such as The New Medicine Service, which proves that the role of the pharmacist is expanding.

How have your qualifications and studies helped you to prepare for this course or subject?

My chosen A-Level subject areas have provided me with a wide range of transferrable skills and knowledge directly related to a degree in pharmacy. Both the practical and theoretical sides of Chemistry have given me a clear understanding of the organic, inorganic and physical aspects of the subject. Acylation and the preparation of Aspirin is a topic which I have particularly enjoyed and has only increased my interest in the way drugs are developed. Biology has given me a basic understanding of anatomy, biochemistry, the human body and how it responds to certain diseases and environments. Finally, Maths has provided me with the skills to deal with complex equations and solve problems effectively.

What else have you done to prepare outside of education, and why are these experiences useful?

I have completed two work experience placements, one within a community pharmacy, and another at Leeds General Infirmary. During my time in community I gained an insight into the daily duties of a pharmacist and was given the responsibility of preparing prescriptions, which I then bagged and handed directly to the patient. My placement within a hospital showed me a more clinical side to the field. I embarked on several ward support rounds with pharmacy technicians: taking medical histories, checking drug charts and making orders. They introduced me to the pharmacists on duty who then spoke to me about their roles within their departments. I additionally spent time in the in-patient and out-patient dispensaries, shadowing a number of different pharmacists.

Currently I am in the process of carrying out my Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. The expedition was physically and mentally challenging, and I can now truthfully say that I am an incredibly determined, self-motivated person. I feel that I can work as part of a team and have the ability to take the lead successfully.

Previously I was part of a volunteering group named 'Envision' in which I helped run a series of workshops within a primary school, as an attempt to eliminate issues linked with ethnic diversity. This project allowed me to develop my methods of communication and gave me a wider understanding of the concerns within my local area.

I have also taken part in an International Student Mentor scheme; this gave me a huge amount of responsibility as I had to provide support and guidance to a student who had only recently arrived in the UK.

In my free time I particularly enjoy photography, sketching and tennis. As a result of my keen interest in photography I have developed a definite attention for detail, and both this hobby and sketching allow me to unwind and express myself creatively.

I feel ready and excited to be part of university life and if given the opportunity, I am convinced that the 'MPharm' course will be one of the final and most important stepping stones towards a successful future and career in the ever-changing field of Pharmacy.

How personal statements have changed?

The current personal statement format, with three 'scaffolding' questions, was introduced by Ucas in September 2025. This personal statement was submitted before then, using the old essay-style format. It has been carefully edited into the three-question format, with all of the original wording kept.

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