Beth Achieves Pharmacy Dream

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A HNC Applied Sciences graduate has praised the support of staff at West College Scotland after overcoming significant challenges, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to achieve her dream career in pharmacy.

In 2020, after completing sixth year at high school, Beth had hoped to progress directly to the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree at the University of Strathclyde. Predicted two B grades in Advanced Higher Sciences – the entry requirement for the programme – she instead received lower grades following the disruption caused by the pandemic and changes to the SQA grading process.

Determined to continue towards her goal, Beth contacted West College Scotland’s Greenock Campus after receiving advice that achieving an A grade in the HNC Applied Sciences course could secure her a place on the MPharm programme.

 
The support I received from West College Scotland was incredible. Sandra Spence [Curriculum Quality Leader in Science] immediately reassured me and contacted the University of Strathclyde to confirm that an A pass would meet the entry requirements. That support gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my goal.

Studying HNC Applied Sciences from 2021 to 2022, Beth achieved an A grade and was recognised for her outstanding performance by being named both HNC Student of the Year and overall Student of the Year, beating students from all three campuses to the title.

Beth’s success secured progression to the University of Strathclyde, where she studied from 2022 until 2026, and she is due to graduate with a distinction in her Master of Pharmacy degree.

Reflecting on her time at college, Beth described the experience in three words:

Supportive, amazing and inspirational. Sandra and Anne-Marie were two of the most supportive lecturers I have ever had in my academic career. I am forever grateful to both of them for helping me get to where I am today.

Now embarking on the next stage of her professional journey, Beth is completing her foundation training year as a trainee pharmacist in West Kilbride, where she has worked for the past eight years. Upon completion of this training, Beth will qualify as an independent prescribing pharmacist in 2027.

Crediting West College Scotland with helping turn her ambitions into reality, Beth says:

The HNC Applied Sciences course was the stepping stone I needed before starting university. I finished the course feeling more confident and capable in my academic abilities and I also made connections that will last a lifetime. My college experience was outstanding.

To anyone considering this course, I cannot recommend West College Scotland Greenock Campus enough. The staff were incredibly encouraging and supportive throughout my studies. Thanks to West College Scotland, my dream of becoming a pharmacist has come true.

Beth has lots to look forward to, with a strong career on the horizon. She is due to graduate from the University of Strathclyde at the end of June 2026, marking the culmination of a journey that began with determination, resilience, and the support of West College Scotland. Wherever Beth ends up, that support won’t change – we wish her the best of luck for the future and look forward to hearing of her continued success.

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