Broadcast: News items

The University of Sussex has decided to stop accepting new Pharmacy students from 2019. 

Yesterday, the University’s governing Council endorsed the decision to close the course to new entrants, following a month-long consultation with Pharmacy staff and students. 

The University’s Executive Group said they are committed to maintaining the high quality of teaching and experience for current students as they complete their degrees. 

Professor Stephen Shute (PVC of Planning and Resources) said: “This development has come about as we want to ensure that any courses that we offer now and in the future are in line with what students actually want to study. 

“The demand to study Pharmacy at Sussex has been low for some time and we believe it is in the University’s long-term interest to continue to focus our energies on our strengths. 

“Students remain our top priority and we have reassured all of our Pharmacy students that they will be able to complete their degrees and move successfully into the workplace.” 

Now the decision has been taken, there will be period of close co-operation with the General Pharmaceutical Council, who have already given assurances that they will work with the University to establish a bespoke accreditation process for the Pharmacy course to protect the interests of students. 

Duncan Rudkin, Chief Executive of the General Pharmaceutical Council, wrote to all Sussex Pharmacy students this week. He said: “I wanted to reiterate that my colleagues and I at the GPhC are committed to supporting you during the remainder of your pharmacy education and training. 

“I want to reassure you that we will use our approval powers to work closely with the university and do everything we can to make sure the course achieves full accreditation.” 

The MPharm degree is expected to be fully accredited by the time the first students graduate in 2020.