If there's one thing that I find confusing (and I find a lot of things confusing), it's this talk of university tuition fees being raised again.
The government have lifted the cap on student numbers and seem intent on producing more pharmacists than is sustainable. They want to appear egalitarian and produce more h/c professionals for the country, yet the cost of university is being raised to £11,500 per year, making Pharmacy school less affordable. Some students will have the option of a tuition fee loan but that simply means more debt to pay off.
It's debt that probably will never be paid as an increasing number of graduates won't even become pharmacists because of limited pre-reg/post grad positions.
It's debt that probably will never be paid as an increasing number of graduates won't even become pharmacists because of limited pre-reg/post grad positions.
From a general point of view, it's money the taxpayer will never see again. From a Pharmacy student's point of view, it's a great 4 year education but thousands of them will not become pharmacists or find work.
They say they have their own aims for Pharmacy, but these policies seem conflicting. If the government wants to rake in more income for universities and create a surplus of pharmacists that benefits big chains, then it makes sense. However, an extra £10,000 to pay off (plus interest). You can only raise the price tag so high before it's no longer attractive.
I'm a registered pharmacist so why do I care? It's because the balance (or lack of) between supply and demand will have profound effects on practicing and future pharmacists. Not only that, a profession is only a profession when those within it act as a collective and not just individuals.
I'm a registered pharmacist so why do I care? It's because the balance (or lack of) between supply and demand will have profound effects on practicing and future pharmacists. Not only that, a profession is only a profession when those within it act as a collective and not just individuals.
More expensive tuition, heavier debt, limited pre reg places, diminishing job market. Prospective students, think long and hard before you go near the MPharm degree.
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