Q: Professor Fürst, Germany is often associated with high standards in education. What are the strengths of pharmaceutical training here?
Prof. Fürst: The program combines a solid scientific foundation with practical laboratory work. Students gain knowledge in pharmaceutical chemistry, biology, technology and pharmacology and apply it directly in laboratory courses. After the eight semesters at university, there is a one-year practical training period in a pharmacy, hospital or the pharmaceutical industry. This structure ensures both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Pharmacy education in Germany has been regulated nationwide by law since the 1970s, which has helped maintain consistent high standards over decades.
Q: How is the balance between theory and practice during the degree?
Prof. Fürst: In the university part of the program, it is roughly 60 percent theory and 40 percent laboratory work. In some areas, it can be close to half and half. The practical year afterwards is entirely focused on applying knowledge in the professional environment. Compared with countries like the UK or the US, our program has a longer practical training phase before licensure, which prepares graduates very well for immediate professional work.
Q: How is the quality of the program maintained?
Prof. Fürst: The pharmacy curriculum is regulated by law throughout Germany, so all 22 faculties follow the same framework. Quality is ensured through regular examinations, including three state examinations, and within our Bachelor’s and Master’s programs additional external accreditation procedures. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate new research findings, and laboratory work is a key component in all subject areas. We also actively use feedback from students to improve our courses. Furthermore, partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and research institutions, such as the Max Planck Institute, help keep our content aligned with current industry needs.
Q: What has changed compared to when you studied?
Prof. Fürst: Teaching quality has become a stronger priority, and the contact between students and teaching staff is closer. New scientific developments are integrated more quickly into the curriculum. For example, current research projects on vaccine development or innovative drug delivery systems are sometimes included in seminars while they are still ongoing.
Q: How would you describe “Quality Made in Germany” in relation to the program?
Prof. Fürst: It is the combination of thorough training in the natural sciences, practical laboratory work and a mandatory practical year. Graduates are well prepared to work in different professional areas from the start. Many alumni now work in leading positions in the pharmaceutical industry, public health institutions, and international research laboratories, which shows the lasting value of this training.
Q: Does the location in Munich have an influence on the training?
Prof. Fürst: Yes. The campus is part of a large life sciences network that includes medicine, biology, the Helmholtz Center, Max Planck Institutes and start-up companies. Students can work with modern technology and benefit from research collaborations and contacts with industry. Munich also offers numerous networking opportunities, international conferences, and joint research projects, which expose students to a global scientific community early on.
Q: Do you see a need for changes in the program?
Prof. Fürst: Yes. The program is currently eight semesters long, which is short for covering all relevant content. I would support extending it to ten semesters and adding a scientific thesis. More patient-oriented content such as clinical pharmacy should also be included. Digital health, artificial intelligence in drug discovery, and personalized medicine will also become important components in the future curriculum.
Q: How does the quality of education influence the quality of medicines?
Prof. Fürst: Graduates understand all stages of pharmaceutical work from analysis of active ingredients to formulation and quality control. This knowledge supports the development of safe and effective medicines and aligns with European quality standards. During the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates from German faculties contributed directly to vaccine production and safety testing, which underlines the importance of a well-trained pharmaceutical workforce.
Q: What would you recommend to international students interested in studying pharmacy in Germany?
Prof. Fürst: They will find a structured program, modern laboratory facilities and good opportunities for further development both in Germany and internationally. Exchange programs with universities in Europe, North America and Asia also allow students to broaden their perspective and gain international experience during their studies.
