Course: Pharmacy
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
The pharmacy degree programme provides a sound education in the natural sciences relating to medicines, their effects and safe use.
The degree programme is divided into three sections:
- the basic study stage with the 1st State Examination;
- the main study stage, with the 2nd State Examination;
- and the practical year with the 3rd State Examination.
On completion of all examinations, you will receive your licence to practise as a pharmacist.
The most important facts at a glance
Program Profile
The Pharmacy degree program (State Examination) teaches comprehensive natural sciences and medical knowledge relating to medicinal products - from development and production to safe use. The degree programme is regulated by the licensing regulations and leads to a licence to practise as a pharmacist after three State Examinations.
The basic study stage (Standard Period of Study 4 semesters) teaches the fundamentals of the natural sciences, including general, inorganic and organic chemistry, biology, physiology, dosage form theory, physicists and mathematics. the 1st State Examination is taken at the end of the basic study stage.
The main study stage (Standard Period of Study 4 semesters) deepens the knowledge in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical biology, pharmacology and toxicology, clinical pharmacy and pharmaceutical technology. The constrained elective allows students to focus on a particular area of interest and deepen their knowledge in a specific pharmaceutical field. The main study stage ends with the 2nd State Examination.
During the practical year, practical experience is gained in pharmacies, hospitals or the pharmaceutical industry in preparation for the 3rd State Examination.
After passing all examinations, students can apply for a licence to practise as a pharmacist, which enables them to enter professions in pharmacies, hospitals, research, the pharmaceutical industry or public authorities.
Is this the right program for me?
The degree program is a good fit for you if ...
- You like the natural sciences: chemistry, biology, pharmacology, medicine and physics are central components of the degree programme. You should enjoy understanding material properties, reaction mechanisms and biological processes.
- You enjoy working in the laboratory: during your studies you will spend a lot of time in laboratory practicals on the synthesis, analysis, production and application of dosage forms.
- You can work in a structured and diligent manner: the degree programme is demanding, very material-intensive and requires constant learning.
- You want a job with a lot of responsibility: as a pharmacist, you will later be responsible for drug safety and people's health. Precise and careful work and strong communication skills in dealing with patients and other scientists are just as important as technical expertise.
- You want a secure career with many opportunities: pharmacy, hospital, industry, authorities, research, to name just a few - there are many options!
What makes this program special?
The pharmacy degree programme combines theory, practice and responsibility for health in a unique way.
The degree programme is standardised throughout Germany and is completed with three State Examinations. Even during the degree programme, there is a strong focus on the natural sciences such as chemistry, biology, pharmaceutical biology and toxicology, clinical chemistry and pharmaceutical technology combined with practical laboratory work.
During the practical year, students gain experience in public pharmacies, hospitals or the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical legislation, pharmacy law and safety aspects are also part of the curriculum in order to be able to handle medicines responsibly later on.
On completion of all examinations, graduates receive a licence to practise as a pharmacist, enabling them to enter a diverse range of professions - from pharmacies to hospitals, research laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry or public authorities.
What can I do with this degree?
The profession of pharmacist offers a wide range of opportunities and goes far beyond working in a public pharmacy. After studying pharmacy and obtaining a licence to practise, there are numerous career paths open to you that combine medicine, natural sciences and responsibility.
Many pharmacists work in public pharmacies. There they advise patients on medicines, check prescriptions, recognise interactions and ensure safe drug therapy. In addition to providing advice, this also includes organisational tasks, quality management and the production of certain medicines. With increasing professional experience, management positions or self-employment with your own pharmacy are possible.
Another important area is hospital pharmacy. Pharmacists work closely with doctors and nurses, take part in ward rounds and are responsible for the supply of medicines to entire clinics. They prepare patient-specific medicines and provide advice to medical staff and patients.
In the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacists are employed in many departments. These include research and development of new drugs, quality assurance and quality control, drug authorisation, medical affairs and pharmacovigilance.
Pharmacists are also in demand in the public sector, for example with authorities, in drug monitoring or in the evaluation and authorisation of medicines. Here, they work on legal requirements and monitor compliance with quality and safety standards.
There are also other career opportunities in research and teaching, as well as in specialised areas such as toxicology, patent law, consulting, scientific journalism or in an international environment.
Overall, the profession of pharmacist is characterised by a high level of job security, great responsibility and diverse development opportunities. It is particularly suitable for people with an interest in natural sciences who want to make an important contribution to healthcare.
Structure of the Program
Program Structure
The pharmacy degree programme at the University of Regensburg is a classic state examination programme, i.e. the structure and content of the programme are defined by the licensing regulations for pharmacists.
The degree programme is divided into a four-semester basic study stage including an eight-week clinical traineeship, which is completed with the first section of the Pharmaceutical Examination, and a subsequent four-semester main study stage including a constrained elective, which is completed with the second section of the Pharmaceutical Examination. The practical year takes place outside the university after passing the second section of the Pharmaceutical Examination and is completed with the third section of the Pharmaceutical Examination. After successful completion of the 3 sections of the examination, the student can apply for a licence to practise as a pharmacist.
Study Plans
Would you like to find out more about the individual courses in the pharmacy degree programme? Then take a look here:
Internship
Eight-week clinical traineeship during the basic study stage (not possible before the start of the degree programme!).
Compulsory elective internship in a working group at the university during the main study stage.
Practical year after Degree of the 2nd section of the Pharmaceutical Examination.
Student Life & Services
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Requirements
| Admission Restrictions / Selection Procedure | yes |
| Pre-registration procedure | no |
| Eligibility Test / Aptitude Test | yes, voluntary |
| Placement Test | no |
| Subject-Specific Language Requirements | no |
| German Language Certificate for Students with Foreign University Entrance Qualification | yes, DSH3 |
| Other Requirements | recommended English B2 |
Binding information and current information can be found in the brief overview (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible) of the Registrar's Office or in the examination regulations applicable to you Examination Regulations.
Admission, Application and Enrollment
Foto ©iStock.com/mixetto Academic Advising
Course-related information and advice
If you have any questions about the programme content, the subject-specific requirements, the application procedure and the specific structure of the programme, please contact the
General Student Advisory Service
The General Student Advisory Service (ZSB) supports you with all questions relating to your studies - from the decision to study, to the course of study, to successful graduation.
If necessary, the ZSB will refer you to the appropriate contact person.