Pharmacy Application & Interview Preparation Specialists
The University of Reading’s Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) program is a four-year course that aims to equip students with the essential knowledge, skills, and professionalism necessary for a successful career in pharmacy. The program has been accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the pharmacy profession and contribute to the healthcare sector. The MPharm program at the University of Reading focuses on the seamless integration of science and practice, providing students with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, as well as hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings. The curriculum is carefully designed to deliver a thorough understanding of drug discovery, development, and therapeutic use, while also addressing the regulatory and ethical aspects of pharmacy practice.
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams. Close to the date of your interview (at least 48 hours before the date of your interview), a Microsoft Teams meeting invitation will be sent to you via email. Interviews last for approximately 20 minutes and there will be time for you to ask questions at the end of the interview. Once you have logged into the session, the interviewer will introduce themselves and explain the interview process. Your interviewer will not have a copy of your application, but may still ask you for information which is contained in your personal statement.
Techniques, Tutorials & Past Pharmacy University Interview Questions & Model Answers
One to One Support With A Pharmacy Specialist. Optimise Your Preparation; Secure Your First Choice Place.
Tips, Techniques & Insight from Pharmacy Interviewers & Practising Pharmacists.
Establishing your motivation to study Pharmacy and what steps you have taken to ensure this is a fully informed decision:
To effectively convey your motivation to study Pharmacy, begin by reflecting on your personal reasons for choosing this field. This could include your passion for healthcare, your desire to help people, or your interest in the science behind medications. Be prepared to discuss these reasons in detail, highlighting any personal experiences or accomplishments that have shaped your decision. To show that you have made a fully informed decision, discuss the steps you have taken to understand the profession. This could include shadowing a pharmacist, attending workshops or conferences, or conducting independent research.
Demonstrating personal values:
Personal values are integral to the practice of pharmacy, as they guide your actions and decisions as a healthcare professional. Reflect on the values you see as most important, such as empathy, integrity, teamwork, and adaptability. During the interview, share specific examples of how you have demonstrated these values in your personal, academic, or professional life.
Situational judgement:
Situational judgement questions assess your ability to respond effectively to real-life scenarios that pharmacists may encounter. To prepare for this aspect of the interview, familiarise yourself with common ethical dilemmas in the field and think about how you would handle them. Consider factors like patient safety, confidentiality, and professional boundaries when formulating your response. Keep in mind the importance of effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Practice responding to various scenarios by discussing them with a friend or mentor to ensure you can articulate your thought process and decision-making in a clear, concise manner during the interview. Use resources like the GPhC site or ORIEL SJT.
Interview focal points are outlined as:
-Establishing your motivation to study Pharmacy and what steps you have taken to ensure this is a fully informed decision
– Demonstrating personal values
– Situational judgement
Tailor and optimise your Pharmacy Application with our 1-1 Specialists or prepare in your own time with our Pharmacy University Online Course & Question Bank
Personal Values
What inspired you to pursue a career in Pharmacy, and how has this motivation evolved over time?
How do you think your personal values align with the responsibilities and expectations of a pharmacist?
Can you describe a situation where you demonstrated empathy and compassion towards someone in need?
In what ways have you demonstrated adaptability and resilience, and how do you think these traits will benefit you in the field of Pharmacy?
Situational Judgement
You are a Pharmacy student with a Saturday job in a community pharmacy.
One of your flatmates has been asking you all week to ‘borrow’ a pregnancy test strip for them from the pharmacy as this is unlikely to be missed and is much cheaper than a commercial pregnancy test which they can’t afford. You refuse but on Saturday you notice your flatmate in the pharmacy, in an aisle near the pregnancy test packets. When you look closer, it appears as though your flatmate has placed one of the packets in the pocket of their hoodie.
You worry that your flatmate is going to steal the pregnancy test. If your flatmate gets caught, then they will be in serious trouble.
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