Health Professions & Social Services
Pharmacy Studies Level 4 An Introduction
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 4
Study mode Full time
Start date
Aug 2026
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 that covers the skills and knowledge needed to work 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
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
- 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 by your bursary award (no requirement to pay). Workwear must 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.
- 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 | 24/08/26 |
