Katie 'Cleared' the way to follow her Pharmacy dream


Pharmacy student Katie Gardner has said joining De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) through Clearing was “one of the best things” she’s ever done.

Three years ago, Katie was all set to study Pharmacy at her top two university choices. But when A-Level results day came around, things didn’t quite go the way she had hoped, and her results meant she had to rethink her options.

 Katie

Determined to pursue her dream of becoming a pharmacist, Katie decided to apply to DMU through Clearing.

“I had been to a DMU open day and I did really enjoy it, so that’s why I contacted DMU first,” she explained. “Going through Clearing can be a stressful time. When you have been rejected from two places that you  assumed you were going to, then to be told you have got to think of something else is daunting.

“But once I started the process and got the ball rolling, I realised everything was going to be ok – everyone at DMU was so nice and friendly.”

Katie said she was surprised at how quick and simple the Clearing process was, describing it as a “positive experience”.

“I got an offer through from DMU and a whole weight was lifted,” she said.  “All was not lost – Clearing is one of the best things I have ever done.”

With over 100 years of experience, DMU’s Leicester School of Pharmacy provides students with the practical and professional skills needed to work as a pharmacist.

Katie added: “I have just finished my third year of a four-year integrated Master’s degree course and its been great.

“The variety on the Pharmacy course is fantastic and we get to study lots of different things. There is a lot of chemistry and science and we also get the chance to develop our people skills, which is so important.

“We spend a lot of time in different labs and workshops, so every day is really interesting.”

Katie G DMU

Originally from the countryside in Oxfordshire, Katie said moving to a city came as a shock at first.

“Leicester is a diverse city – there are so many different people and lots of things to do that I don’t have the opportunity to do in my home town.

“It’s because its big but not too big either and DMU is close to the centre so everything is easy to get to, which is really good.”

She added: “DMU has a really nice feel to it throughout the campus and it’s a lovely place to be from day to day. Everyone is friendly, and the campus is really pretty.

“There are lots of opportunities as well, in terms of extra curriculum activities and it’s just a really nice modern place to be.”

Katie is currently working full time in a pharmacy in her hometown throughout the summer break, before she returns to university in September.

“I am really looking forward to getting back to Leicester for my fourth year, it will be nice to see everyone and get stuck back in with everything again.

“My advice to anyone going through Clearing is simply; it will be ok. I was really worried about it but actually when you get to uni, there is so much to do and so many people to meet.

“Just whatever the situation, everything will be ok in the end.”

Posted on Friday 7 August 2020

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