Skip to Content

Courses

Programme Specification

PgCert Independent Prescribing

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgCert Independent Prescribing Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Certificate
Programme Code PMY-PC-IN UCAS Code HECoS Code 100251 - Pharmacy - 100
ATAS Clearance Required No
Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 1 Academic Year
Total Credits for Programme 60
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Pharmacy

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Accreditations (PSRB)

Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and General Pharmaceutical Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 16-05-22

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

GPhC Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers states: “7.10 Pharmacist independent prescribers in training must pass all summative assessments before being signed off. 7.11 On patient safety grounds, compensation or condonation are not allowed on courses for pharmacist independent prescribers in training.”

Programme Specific Regulations

1. Students must have an agreement in place with a suitable prescriber to act as their Designated Prescribing Practitioner during their 90 hours learning in practice.

2. In addition to the taught modules, a portfolio of professional competencies must be passed before the prescribing certificate can be awarded.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On successful completion, students are eligible to register as an Independent Prescriber (IP) with the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland and/or the General Pharmaceutical Council.

NB: All specific learning outcomes from the GPhC Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers must be met.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing at individual, local and national levels

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Apply analytical, judgemental and interpretational skills when making decisions in complex situations

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Demonstrate the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are required to learn in an independent manner throughout

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Portfolio

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate effective consultation and decision-making skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students attend clinical skills workshops and participate in 12 days of learning in practice with their Designated Prescribing Practitioner

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Manage their time effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The taught modules are delivered online whereby students are required to plan and implement their own learning schedule

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Learn in an independent manner

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The taught modules are delivered online whereby students are required to plan and implement their own learning schedule

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Discuss the therapeutic options and strategies available for the management of the disease in which the student intends to prescribe

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Online resources, practice-based and self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Portfolio

Discuss the influences on and psychology of prescribing in a public health context

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio

Discuss the legal, policy, professional and ethical aspects of prescribing

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component.

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Portfolio

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Make prescribing decisions based on interpretation of monitoring parameters and knowledge of the disease state of the patient

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Undertake appropriate physical examination of patients

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Direct Observation of Clinical Skills (DOCS)

Prescribe effectively as a member of the healthcare team

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the learning in practice component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Learning in practice PMY7074 7 20 YES YES 36 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Professionalism PMY7073 7 10 YES -- 4 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Clinical skills PMY7072 7 10 YES -- 6 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%
Disease management PMY7071 7 10 -- YES 8 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Person-centred care and collaboration PMY7070 7 10 -- YES 5 weeks N YES -- 0% 100% 0%

Notes

No notes found.