Health Professions & Social Services
Pharmacy Studies Level 4 An Introduction
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 4
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This Introduction to Pharmacy course is designed for school leavers, young people, adults, mature applicants, and those wishing to return to formal education and gain qualifications. This is a starter-level course and covers skills and knowledge related to working in a pharmacy.
This is a short full-time course which runs for 18 weeks.
For further information, please get in touch with pharmacy@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
Careers in the pharmacy sector will require students to hold a PVG. Students may be eligible in the future (after undertaking further studies) to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council. Learn more about the General Pharmaceutical Council.
What you will learn
- Medicines in the Body
- Introduction to Pharmaceutics
- Introduction to Pharmacy Legal and Ethics
- Numeracy
- First Aid
- Core Skills for future study and employment
Placement information
- There is no formal placement requirement for this course; however, you will be learning in the Edinburgh College Pharmacy Digital Care hub, where you will practice pharmacy skills in a simulated environment with Registered and experienced Pharmacy professionals.
- There is also a project where you will work with other students and staff to promote health.
How the course is assessed
- You will be assessed continually throughout the course and by the end of the unit assignments.
Number of days per week
- Three days per week, on-campus classes.
- You will be required to complete self-study outside of classes.
Entry requirements
- There are no formal entry requirements; however, candidates must demonstrate a keen interest in pharmacy and/or health care, be well-presented and have good interpersonal and communication skills.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- All successful applicants will be invited to an applicant day.
- For this level, of course, your workwear is funded through your bursary award (no requirement for you to pay). Workwear is required to be worn when in the College pharmacy areas.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- All applications for progression are considered on merit. Suitability for progression onto further study will be determined by achievement, a good attendance record, good conduct, and a successful progression discussion with the delivery team will be required.
- Pharmacy Studies Level 5 Route to Careers in Pharmacy.
- Pharmacy courses are available at Level 6 and can lead to Professional Registration at Levels 7 and 8. Please note that Level 7 and 8 Diploma courses require students to be employed in the Pharmacy sector.
Career options
- This Introduction to Pharmacy course is designed for you to progress onto further study and, in itself, will not lead to direct employment in a pharmacy setting.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 25/08/25 |
