joining instructions booklet - Medway School of Pharmacy

medway school of pharmacy
Joining Instructions
Master of Pharmacy Programme
September 2013

Contents Page
Welcome to the Medway School of Pharmacy. 2
1. Induction 3
2. Registration Information 4
3. Information for Overseas Students 8
4. The Students’ Union (SU) 10
5. Accommodation 11
6. Health Matters 12
7. Books and Equipment 14
8. Useful Addresses 15
9. Maps 16
10. Buying books 21
11. Key Dates 22

Dear Student,
Welcome to the Medway School of Pharmacy.
These Joining Instructions contain the information you require for a
problem-free registration and induction to our MPharm Degree, full-time
programme.
The Medway School of Pharmacy is a unique collaboration between the
University of Greenwich and the University of Kent. The School opened in
2004 and we had our first graduates from the MPharm programme in
2008. We are delighted that many of our graduates are now employed as
pharmacists in hospitals and community pharmacies across the South
East of England, the UK and further afield.
The school had a very successful reaccreditation for our new MPharm
programme in May 2013 with no conditions or recommendations. We
believe that this integrated programme will provide the knowledge and
competencies that will launch your pharmacy career.
We recognise that this is a challenging programme and that you will have
to work hard to ensure that you are successful. Our mission “to produce,
through innovative teaching and research delivered in a supportive and
caring environment, high quality professional graduates committed to
lifelong learning” is partly achieved by a high level of pastoral care. We
want to create a partnership with you which will ensure that you are
successful in your ambition to become a future professional pharmacist.
As a student on the MPharm Degree at the School of Pharmacy you will
be dually registered with both the University of Greenwich and the
University of Kent. This means that you will be able to take advantage of
the great facilities offered by both Universities at all the campuses.
We look forward to meeting you and working with you as you embark on
your professional career.
Professor Iain Cumming
Head of School of Pharmacy

1. Induction
Please find attached your personal programme for the Induction week. This
programme aims to give you an introduction to the School staff and facilities so
as to provide you with an enjoyable start to a course which should fulfil your
aspirations.
There is a lot of group work throughout the course and it is hoped that you will
use this opportunity to meet your Personal Tutor who will remain with you until
you complete your course, and other students who will be in your class group.
Academic Tutors
During Induction Week you will meet your personal tutor who will be able to
help you with any matter (academic or personal) which affects your ability to
study. All conversations will be treated as confidential.
Attendance
The Medway School of Pharmacy programmes of study are very much full-time
therefore you are expected to attend classes as follows:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
9am – 5pm
9am – 5pm
9am – 12 Midday
9am – 5pm
9am – 5pm

2. Registration Information
When is Registration?
Completion of registration to the MPharm degree programme will take place on
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September 2013 between the hours of
09:30hrs to 15:00hrs, in Pilkington building at the Medway Campus.
During this time it is compulsory for all students to make contact with the
CRB/Placement Co-ordinator in relation to the CRB/Health and Vaccination
processes.
Why do I have to register?
Registration confirms your student status and allows you access to all
university facilities including library and computing. Although as a student at the
Medway School of Pharmacy you are in fact registered with both the University
of Greenwich and the University of Kent, you will only have to register once.
The information that you provide to the University of Kent at registration will
automatically be transferred to the University of Greenwich. You will then be
able to access facilities at both Universities.
As part of the registration process you will be required to provide a completed
and signed ‘Fitness to Practice/Criminal Convictions and Cautions Self
Declaration Form’.
On completion of the Registration process on campus you will be issued with a
University of Kent Student Resource Card which ensures your access to the
university. (You will receive a corresponding card for the University of
Greenwich soon after registration). If you are unable to provide evidence of
your qualifications or your identity you will be given ‘Temporary Registration’
which allows restricted access for a limited period.

What do I need to bring to registration?
A
Documentary Evidence of Your Qualifications
ORIGINAL certificates of the qualifications you hold must be provided to the
admissions staff in the pharmacy school office. Please note that these
certificates include GCSEs where provisional statements of results are not
acceptable. If the original certificates are written in a language other than
English they must be accompanied by a certified translation. (Photocopies of
certificates are not acceptable)
If you have not been given your original A2 certificates by the time of
registration then you may provide A2 level statements in the first instance but
you will be expected to provide the original certificates by the end of the first
term (December 20 th 2013). Failure to do so will result in you becoming a
deregistered student.
B
Proof of Identity
Part of the Registration process is to establish your identity and you are asked
to provide the following information:
i)If you were born in the United Kingdom, your Birth Certificate (original or
certified copy), current passport, or new style driving licence (incorporating your
photograph);
ii)If you were born outside of the United Kingdom, your current passport or
European Union identity card.
(NB: If you cannot find your birth certificate or your current passport,
you should make arrangements to obtain a certified copy as soon as
possible.)
C
Payment of Tuition Fees
For the current academic year tuition fees are as follows:
Home/European Union students: £9,000
ELQ students: £9,000
Overseas students: £13,000
If you have a tuition fee loan in place, please provide evidence of this at
Registration by bringing along your Student Finance England (SFE) Letter – we
will need to see the University/College Payment Advice page.

If paying privately, the preferred method of payment is online by credit/debit
card via the University of Kent’s web payments system. This will allow for you
to pay upfront in full or by two instalments (50% on or before Registration, 50%
by 1 st December 2013).
https://epay.kent.ac.uk/epay/
The University will also accept banker’s drafts and payment by bank transfer,
however personal cheques will no longer be accepted and we do not have the
facilities at Registration to accept payment by cash.
The University’s Bank Details are: -
National Westminster Bank
Canterbury City Centre Branch, 11 The Parade, Canterbury, Kent.
CT1 2SQ
Account Name: University of Kent
Account Number: 46077081
Sort Code: 60-04-27
IBAN Number: GB58NWBK60042746077081
Swift Code:
NWBKGB2L
NB. Please ensure that your full name and student number are quoted on
all payments
If your fees are being paid by a sponsor (a private company or other
organisation) not parents/relatives or Student Finance England, please print
and complete the form from the finance website (http://www.kent.ac.uk/financestudent/fees/Sponsor.pdf)
and return it to the UoK Medway Finance Section
with a confirmation letter from your sponsor on company/organisation headed
paper.
Payments can be made in full at the start of each academic year. If payment is
received by 31st August 2013, a 2% early payment discount can be deducted
from the payment.
Non-payment of fees
If fees are not paid within the given timeframes, students will be deregistered
and deemed withdrawn without any further opportunity to study, unless
permitted to intermit by the department/faculty, and return at a later date. The
deregistered student will have no recourse to University resources including
accommodation and all email and access requirements.

Late payment supplements of 1.5% of the outstanding balance may be added
to unpaid accounts and there will be a charge for declined instalment payments.
If you should have any queries about how and when you can pay your tuition
fees, please contact the University of Kent Medway Finance Team: -
Medway Finance
The Medway Building – University of Kent
Medway Campus
Chatham Maritime
Kent. ME4 4AG
Tel: +44 (0)1634 888913
Fax: +44 (0)1634 888890
E-mail: ukmfinance@kent.ac.uk
Web: www.kent.ac.uk/finance-student
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 12.30pm
1.30pm to 4.00pm
Payment for Accommodation
If you are based at the Medway Campus’ Liberty Quays Accommodation,
please note that the University of Kent does not collect payment for
accommodation at Liberty Quays. Please refer to your contract with Liberty
Quays for further details on how to pay.
Further information regarding the Medway Accommodation can be found at: -
http://www.kent.ac.uk/accommodation/medway/apply/index.html
Financial Difficulties
If at any stage during the year you experience any financial difficulties please
contact the UoK Medway Finance team as soon as possible to discuss the
matter with a member of staff.
The following offices are also available to discuss financial issues with students
and the links below provide further information.
The Student Union (GK Union) has trained advisors available to
discuss any financial issues students may have.
The Financial Aid Office can provide information to Home and EU
students
The International Office can provide information to international
students from outside the EU

3. Information for Overseas Students
Immigration
On arrival in the UK an immigration officer will interview you and your luggage
may be checked.
Please ensure that you carry the following documentation, in your hand
luggage, as the immigration officer will ask to see it.
Passport;
Proof of financial support;
Letter of acceptance, for a full-time programme, from the Medway
School of Pharmacy;
A valid visa for students from visa national countries.
NB: Students from the EEA (including EU) will require a passport or
national identity card to enter the UK.
If you do not have a stamp in your passport confirming your length of stay in
the UK, the immigration officer will issue a stamp stating how long you can
stay. This is usually for one year but can vary depending on your programme
and the information you provide. Students who are not from the European
Economic Area (EEA) or a Commonwealth country may be asked to register
their arrival with the police within 7 days of arriving in the UK. You will have
been informed of this at immigration and there will be a stamp in your passport
stating this. This is a routine procedure.
Money
You are likely to need at least £500 cash to cover your expenses in the first few
weeks. Try to avoid carrying large amounts of cash with you. If you wish to
open a UK bank account, you will be able to do so once you have evidence
that you are registered on the MPharm Programme. Remember you have to
pay at least half your tuition fees in order to be registered! Once you have a UK
bank account you will be able to transfer money from home into your account.

Travelling to the University
London Airports
The two main London airports are Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow is to the
West of London and Gatwick is to the South of London. There are also Luton,
Stanstead and City airports. All are some distance from the university campus.
Public Transport
Public transport includes rail travel, the London underground and buses. This
is the most economical form of travel. For directions to Medway campus see
Section 14 of this Guide.
Public transport website: www.traveline.org.uk
Taxis
Taxis are the simplest mode of travel, particularly if you are carrying a lot of
luggage. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes from Gatwick and one
hour from Heathrow. Prices will vary depending on the time of travel.
Travelling from one of the cross-channel ports
Dover/Folkestone
From most of the ports on the South East coast of England it is possible to get
a train direct to Chatham (for the Medway Campus) without going into Central
London. Ask at the Station ticket office for directions.
Harwich to Central London
Harwich Station to Liverpool Street Station – Approximately one and a half
hours.
Underground Circle Line to Victoria (for Victoria Station) – Approx. 20 minutes
Buying a ticket for your journey
For most routes you can buy one ticket at the beginning of your journey, which
will cover the whole of your journey by public transport. Ask for a ‘single’ and
not a ‘return’ journey ticket.
Travelling late at night:
Public transport does not operate between 23.30 and 06.00 hrs.

4. The Greenwich & Kent Students’ Unions Together (GK Unions)
The ‘Greenwich & Kent Students Unions Together’ are the focus of student
activity at the universities. As a new student they can help you with everything
from student welfare services to where the best party nights are!
GK Unions organises special events to welcome new students. The Freshers'
Fayre is the place to find out about Union Sports clubs and societies, while the
Freshers’ Ball is the place to meet new friends!
More information about clubs and societies, Freshers’ Fayres and the Freshers’
Balls will be available from GK Unions during Induction Week or the GK Unions
campus offices:
Medway Campus Reception 01634 888899 / 888882
Pilkington Building, Medway Open: 10am to 4pm, term-time only
GK Unions host special events throughout the year on campus; these can
range from competitions to club nights. Tickets for specific events will be
available from Union shops and bars.
GK Unions also runs a campus shop on the Medway site which sells food and
other essentials. Each campus also has a student union bar.

5. Accommodation
Accommodation is available for Pharmacy students. For further information
please contact the University of Kent Accommodation Services:
Medway Campus: 01227 827336
Or go to www.msp.ac.uk and click on the accommodation link.

6. Health Matters
Medical Care
We recommend that every student is registered with a local General
Practitioner (GP).
Lists of local Doctors and Dentists to the University can be obtained from the
Student Centre. Local Post Offices also carry lists of GPs in the area. (The GP
should to be local to where the student lives, rather than where they are
studying).
Meningitis C
The guidance from the Department of Health and the university doctor is to
remind students that, if they have not already had the Meningitis C vaccination,
they should be vaccinated, preferably before registering at university.
Further details can be found on the following University of Kent link
www.kent.ac.uk/medical/knowledgebase/index.php?action=artikel&c
at=11&id=127&artlang=en
If a student is unsure whether they have had a vaccination they should contact
their GP.
International Students
If it is not possible to get vaccinated before leaving their home country it will be
possible for a student to be vaccinated in the UK. Students will be able to
register with a GP near their term time address who should be able to provide
the vaccination.
Developing Medical Conditions
If a student is pregnant or becomes pregnant or develops any other medical
conditions during their programme of study the year tutor should be advised as
the practical laboratory work may have to be adjusted to meet the student’s
clinical needs.

A
Vaccinations
In order for individuals to undertake clinical placements they need to have
adequate immunity to Rubella (German Measles) and Varicella (Chicken Pox).
This needs to be either from prior exposure to the virus or as a result of
vaccination (i.e. have you ever had Chicken Pox or German Measles or ever
received vaccination for either of these?)
In order to assess risk we need to know whether an individual has had
vaccination against Tuberculosis (BCG vaccine) or previously been exposed to
TB. The school acknowledges that not all individuals would have received BCG
vaccine as part of their childhood or school immunisation programme. Current
advice received by the School indicates the risk of contracting TB from a brief
clinical placement as being negligible.
We strongly recommend that students consider receiving vaccination against
Hepatitis B, however this is not compulsory.
Students are expected to complete the School’s Health and Vaccination form
prior to the start of term 1. This form requires the date (month and year) of
either vaccination or illness relating to Rubella and Varicella exposure. If dates
are not known students must obtain an antibody test, and if this is negative
proper vaccination, at their own expense. Antibody tests and vaccination can
be arranged by the School of Pharmacy, but students will be charged. It is
preferable to arrange any tests and vaccinations with their own General
Practitioner (GP), prior to starting at the School. NOTE: Not all GPs will be
willing to provide an antibody test for this purpose.
B
Disclosure and Barring Service check
Details will be sent to you separately during the month of August but for any
urgent enquiry please e-mail Mrs Linda Lucas (l.a.lucas@gre.ac.uk)

7. Books and Equipment
With this letter you will see that you have received a book list (Section 15).
Copies of all books are available in the library and it is advisable to wait until
you have attended a few lectures in the relevant course before deciding which
books you might like to purchase.
Information regarding bookshops associated with the School of Pharmacy is
given in section 13.
Important Information
Prior to registering onto your programme of study it is essential that you have:
1. A white, knee length, long sleeved lab coat.
2. A pair of safety glasses.
3. 3 x A4 ruled, hard backed laboratory note books (bound, not
loose-leaf).
If you already have laboratory coats and safety glasses, bring them with you.
They may be suitable for use in some laboratories. Advice on other equipment
you may need will be given to you when you arrive and essential equipment will
be available for purchase at cost price.
Turning Point
The ‘Turning Point’ is a powerful assessment tool that facilitates the teaching
and assessments of students. It brings interactivity to presentations and allows
students to share opinions. It is also used to monitor attendance at lectures.
It is necessary for all students to purchase a handset and students are
required to pay a refundable deposit of £35 before a handset will be
issued.
To purchase a handset please use the University of Kent’s Online Store at: -
https://store.kent.ac.uk
& either navigate from the ‘Product Catalogue’ or use the search facility
entering ‘Turning Point Device’.
Once you have completed this transaction you will receive a confirmation
e-mail and will be able to collect the handset from the Anson Building.

8. Useful Addresses
Medway School of Pharmacy
Medway Campus
Anson Building,
Central Avenue,
Chatham Maritime,
Kent
ME4 4TB
Telephone: 01634 202935
Overseas Visitors Records Office
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LH
Opening Times Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Telephone ++44 (0)20 7230 1208
Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Lunar House,
40 Wellesley Road,
Croydon CR9 2BY
Telephone: 0870 606 7766
Longport Police Station
Ashford Road,
Newington,
Near Folkstone,
Kent
Telephone: 01304 218196
London Travel Information
++44(0)20 222 1234
www.transportforlondon.gov.uk
National Express Coaches
++44(0)8705 808080
www.nationalexpress.com
National Railways
++44(0)8457 484950
www.connex.co.uk

9. Maps
Maps for other campuses
These will be available during Induction Week

10. Buying books
Indicative texts for the courses can be purchased new or used/second-hand.
This information should help you decide which books to buy from where.
Which book do I buy?
The best book(s) to buy are those which you find you use most. It is best to
wait until you are a few lectures into your course to establish which books you
find most useful. Several books are used throughout multiple years of the
MPharm course (this is noted in the study guides), therefore these are can be a
good buy. Often it is more efficient (time and money) to purchase your own
copy of favourite titles for reference rather than borrow from the library.
Remember, if you find you no longer wish to keep your books, it is possible to
sell these books on to other students.
Where do I buy new books?
The Medway campus has three associated bookshops:
John Smith & Son is the bookshop for the University of Greenwich and is
based at Avery Hill. It is possible to arrange to collect purchased books from
the Drill Hall Library on the Medway campus.
Tel: 020 8465 5740
Email: gw@johnsmith.co.uk
Web : http://www.jscampus.co.uk/shop/branch.asp?branchid=20
Blackwell’s is the bookshop for the University of Kent and is based at
Canterbury. Sometimes they have a temporary bookstall at Medway at the start
of term 1.
Tel: 01227 451654
Email : kent@blackwell.co.uk
Web: http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/
Canterbury Christ Church University Bookshop is based at Canterbury and
frequently visits the Mezzanine in the Drill Hall library to sell books. Ask in the
library for further information.
Telephone: Tel: +44(0)1227 782256
Email: bookshop@canterbury.ac.uk
Web: http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/bookshop/
There are also a multitude of book providers online which can often be cheaper
than standard bookshops for example Amazon, Bookbutler, etc.

12. Key Dates
Induction Week
TERM ONE:
Monday 23rd September 2013
-
Friday 27th September 2013
Monday 30th September 2013
Teaching Begins
Friday 20th December 2013
Teaching Ends
Christmas Vacation
(Students)
TERM TWO:
23rd December 2013
-
17th January 2014
Monday 20th January 2014
Teaching Begins
Friday 11th April 2014
Teaching Ends
Easter Vacation
(Students)
TERM THREE:
14th April 2014
-
9th May 2014
Monday 12th May 2014
Teaching Begins
Friday 20th June 2014
Teaching Ends

NOTES:

Medway School of Pharmacy
The Universities of Greenwich and Kent at Medway
Anson Building
Central Avenue
Chatham Maritime
Chatham
Kent
ME4 4TB
Tel: +44 (0) 1634 202935
Fax: +44 (0) 1634 883927
Email: pharmacy@medway.ac.uk