Health Professions & Social Services
Pharmacy Studies Level 5 Route to Careers in Pharmacy
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Full time
Start date
Jan 2026
Course enquiry form
Course overview
This course builds on the knowledge and skills achieved through Pharmacy Studies Level 4. An Introduction for school leavers, young people, adult mature applicants and those wishing to return to formal education and gain qualifications. This level 5 course 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 contact: pharmacy@edinburghcollege.ac.uk
As a future Pharmacy Technician or an employee in a pharmacy setting, you are required to meet the professional standards governed by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), which sets out the code of conduct, performance and ethics that govern you as a future health professional. If you plan to progress to a higher course after Pharmacy Studies Preparing for Practice, you will need to consider the registration criteria and professional standards set by the GPhC (as they are the UK regulator for pharmacy practice). We ask that you read up on the GPhC standards now so that you are prepared when applying in the future.
In addition to registration with the GPhC, you may be required to hold a PVG. The Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is for all those who work (whether paid or unpaid) with children and protected adults in the UK, and is used to detail if there is a known reason why an individual should not work with these groups.
Find out more about the PVG scheme.
What you will learn
- Introduction to pharmacy sale and supply
- Introduction to good dispensing practice
- First aid for Pharmacy
- The Human Body
- Cell Biology
- Nature's Chemistry
- Prevention of Infection
- 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.
How the course is assessed
- End-of-unit assessments and continually throughout.
Number of days per week
- Three days per week of on-campus classes.
- Please expect three full days, 9.00 AM to 4.30 PM.
- Additional self-study will be required outside of classes.
Entry requirements
- Existing students may be considered for progression from Pharmacy Studies Level 4: An Introduction. Achievement, a good attendance record, and good conduct will determine suitability for progression onto further study. You will also require a successful progression discussion with the delivery team.
- External applicants will be considered on merit; 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
- Applicants must apply and will be invited to an information session at the Sighthill campus before any offer is made.
- For this level, of course, your uniform is funded through your bursary award (no requirement for you to pay). You are required to wear your Pharmacy uniform when in the college pharmacy areas.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- All applications for progression are considered on merit. Achievement, a good attendance record, good conduct, and a successful progression discussion with the delivery team will determine suitability for progression onto further study.
- Pharmacy Studies Level 6 Preparation for Clinical Practice.
- Pharmacy courses can lead to Professional Registration at Levels 7 and 8. Please note that Level 7 and 8 Diplomas in Pharmacy require students to be employed in the Pharmacy sector.
Career options
- Gain employment as a member of the pharmacy support team working alongside pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver pharmaceutical care.
- Employment as a Trainee Pharmacy Technician and undertake further pre-registration study to allow you to apply for registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Full time | 19/01/26 |
