Boris
Pharmacy MPharm (Hons)
Boris has always been drawn to science, communication, and leadership. With A levels in physics, literature and biology, he came to Bradford for our distinctive approach to pharmacy education. He's since grown in confidence, winning Faculty Rep of the Year in 2025.
This is his story.
Bradford does things differently, and that's exactly why I chose it.
Finding the right fit
“When I was researching pharmacy courses, Bradford stood out straight away.”
“The team-based learning approach is unlike anything else, and the University has a strong reputation for producing excellent healthcare professionals.
“When I first applied, pharmacy felt like the right fit. I loved science, I wanted to help people, and the career prospects were strong. But I wouldn't say I arrived with a burning passion for it. What I didn't expect was how much that has changed. The more I've studied, the more I've realised how exciting pharmacy is. I'm really glad I picked it.”
Getting stuck into labs
“The labs put you in situations you'd actually face as a pharmacist.”
“The practical side is where Bradford really sets itself apart. As the course progresses, labs shift from making drugs to more clinical work, from mock patient examinations to consultations. This gives you the opportunity to solve problems on your feet.
“A lecturer might role-play as a doctor, and you have to handle a consultation professionally, think through a diagnosis, and respond in the moment. We also use a range of equipment including stethoscopes and otoscopes which you’d expect in a real clinical setting. These experiences build the clinical skills a pharmacist uses every day.”
Getting real experience with placements
“Placements are where everything clicks into place.”
“I've done placements across hospital and community settings. University gives you the theory but placement is where you put it into practice. Working alongside qualified pharmacists gives you a perspective on the profession that no textbook can replicate.
“Bradford’s team-based learning approach has also been hugely helpful. It’s interactive and fast-paced which keeps you engaged. You're working through problems with people who think differently, and that pushes you in ways that sitting in a lecture simply doesn't. It's developed my communication and problem-solving skills in ways I didn't expect.”
Making my mark
"Being faculty rep has given me the opportunity to make a difference."
"I started as a student rep in stage two of my course, mostly acting as a bridge between students and academics when things weren't working as well as they should. I tried to help resolve communication gaps and mismatched expectations to improve the experience for everyone. I eventually applied for and became a faculty rep where I was involved in conversations about where the University is heading over the next two years.
"It's given me a perspective on how large organisations work and how to navigate them which I think will be genuinely useful in my career. Winning Faculty Rep of the Year in 2025 was a total, but welcome, surprise. Knowing that my work had been recognised and that students felt properly represented, made it one of my proudest moments at Bradford."
Learning something new
"I've picked up some unexpected skills along the way."
"Outside of studying I've taken up badminton, something I'd never tried before, and I've been learning British Sign Language. When you're spending long hours in front of a computer, having things that lift you up matters."
Building a career from day one
"Pharmacogenomics is where I want to take my career."
"After I graduate, I want to build a strong foundation in hospital pharmacy before moving into research. Longer term, I'd love to do a PhD at Bradford which will help me achieve my goal of setting up my own private clinic.
"The area I keep coming back to is pharmacogenomics which is where genetic information is used to understand how patients will respond to different drugs, so that the right medication can be prescribed first time. It has the potential to revolutionise how medicine is practised, and I want to be part of that.
"But I know I need to earn the experience first, and I'm in no rush."
My advice? Say yes more than you think you should.
Taking your chance
"Say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. Even the ones you're unsure about."
"You genuinely never know where things will lead. And if you're thinking about Bradford, you should go for it. It's a city with incredible food, a beautiful centre, and a real sense of community."