Pharmacists may work in the community or in a hospital. They manage and check the details, safety and accuracy of the prescriptions. In the hospital setting they make regular visits to the wards and advise medical and nursing staff on the use of drugs, as well as advising patients on how to manage their medicines to ensure optimal treatment.

GCE a levels in chemistry, plus two subjects from: biology, maths and physics. BTEC National Diploma in Science may be considered if supported by a level chemistry. No upper age limit.

Three years full-time leading to a university degree plus one year pre-registration practical work. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, three or four years depending on candidate's qualifications.

Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 1 Lambeth High Street, London SE1 7JN.