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Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy

Pharmacy

State Examination

Programme Duration: 8 Semesters
Start: Summer or Winter Semester
Admissions: Restricted
Accepted Applicants per Semester: 58 in Winter, 49 in Summer
Programme Language: German

Important Note

Due to the nature of the state examination and licensure processes, the pharmacy degree programme is offered exclusively in German. 

 

Description

Programme Overview

  • Pharmacy is the science of medicines and is based primarily on chemistry, biology, pharmacology and physics.
  • In this degree programme, students learn content and skills that enable them to practice as pharmacists.
  • The standard programme duration is 8 semesters.
  • As part of your training as a pharmacist, you will need to pass three state examinations. 
  • During the pharmacy studies there are numerous lectures as well as regular practical labs (usually in the afternoon), which must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the federal licensing regulations (Information available only in German).

Job Prospects

  • Pharmacists deal with the development, production, effects, testing and dispensing of drugs.
  • Today, the improvement of drug therapy and the search for new drugs are becoming increasingly important.
  • Joy in interacting with people and the ability to work in a team are important for both the degree programme and later professional activity.

Admission

  • Admission to the pharmacy degree programme is restricted.
  • The number of students admitted to the programme are limited and spots are awared by the Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung, a central organisation that determines admissions across all universities with pharmacy programmes. Information specific to international applicants is available, but only in German.
  • On average, 45 students are admitted to our pharmacy programme per semester.
  • The prerequisite for admission is the general or, under certain circumstances, relevant subject-linked university entrance qualification (allgemeine oder einschlägige fachgebundene Hochschulreife) in conjunction with an acceptable GPA (Numerus clausus).

Structure, Objectives and Content

  • The pharmacy degree programme is divided into a four-semester foundational course and a four-semester advanced course. A state examination must be taken at the conclusion of each of the two sections.
  • During the foundational course, students acquire in-depth knowledge of chemistry, biology and physics and learn the fundamentals of analytical and scientific work.
  • During the advanced course, specific pharmaceutical content is taught, such as the subjects medicinal chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology, drug analysis, drug form theory or clinical pharmacy.

Licensure as Pharmacist

  • In order to become a licensed pharmacist in Germany, you will need to complete a practical year after your studies.
  • 6 months of this year must be spent in a public pharmacy, the remaining 6 months can be spent in another pharmaceutical institution, for example in pharmaceutical industry.
  • The practical year is supplemented by accompanying course and concludes with the 3rd state examination. After this, you can apply for the license. Further information can be found at the state chambers of pharmacists, e.g. the Bavarian Chamber of Pharmacists.

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