Do you want to advance your pharmacy career while continuing in employment?
This postgraduate distance learning programme allows you fit your studies around your work and family commitments.
Our Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice programme was developed following extensive consultation with pharmacists and their employers both within and beyond the United Kingdom. It provides a flexible study pathway that is designed to develop the therapeutic knowledge and clinical skills of pharmacists to an advanced level. The modules are designed to help pharmacists to acquire and demonstrate the advanced-level competencies defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum.
The MSc is open to pharmacists in all employment sectors although students must be able to undertake a project in either the primary or secondary healthcare sector in their final year.
The MSc can be completed entirely off-campus by distance-learning and is therefore open to pharmacists both within and outside the United Kingdom.
Students in Great Britain may select the Independent Prescribing option in year 2, which includes a compulsory 5-day clinical skills residential at Queen's.
The distance-learning format allows you to organise your studies around your work and family commitments. Also, employers support distance-learning as staff do not require regular leave to attend on-campus.
Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice highlights
World Class Facilities
The School of Pharmacy at Queen’s ranks 39th in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology teaching, and is acknowledged as a leading centre for Pharmacy teaching and research in the UK, consistently featuring at or near the top of the league tables for the subject.
Student Experience
Students are supported by full-time dedicated staff in the School of Pharmacy Distance Learning Centre.
Student Testimonials
I'm really enjoying the course. I'm learning so much, and my practice has improved. My patients sense it too, I'm sure!
Students complete one of the following 30-credit modules during the first semester:
PMY7100 Introduction to clinical pharmacy*
PMY7101 Managing drug treatment
PMY7102 Advancing practice in primary care
*compulsory for students who are working outside the UK/Ireland
Students complete one of the following 30-credit modules during the second semester:
PMY7104 Management of long-term conditions 1 (Cardiovascular disease and diabetes)
PMY7105 Management of long-term conditions 2 (Neurological disease, management of pain and mental health)
PMY7106 Management of long-term conditions 3 (Respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin disease)
Year 2
Students complete the following 30-credit module during the first semester:
PMY7103 Developing evidence in practice
Students complete one of the following 30-credit modules during the second semester:
PMY7104 Management of long-term conditions 1 (Cardiovascular disease and diabetes)
PMY7105 Management of long-term conditions 2 (Neurological disease, management of pain and mental health)
PMY7106 Management of long-term conditions 3 (Respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin disease)
Independent prescribing (IP) option:
Students in Great Britain can complete IP training in Year 2 as an alternative to the modules listed above.
The IP option is delivered via a combination of e-learning and work-based learning and includes 12 days in-practice training with a Designated Prescribing Practitioner, the purpose of which is to enable the student to develop and practice clinical examination skills relevant to the condition(s) for which they intend to prescribe.
IP applicants should be employed in either primary or secondary care at the start of their IP studies.
Students taking the IP option are required to attend a 5-day residential in Belfast, which will include workshops, clinical skills training and assessment. The residential will be held in the second semester (dates to be confirmed). Students are required to pay their own travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.
Year 3
Option 1: PMY7090 Practice-based research project (60 credits)
Option 2: PMY7009 Service evaluation and development project (30 credits) plus PMY7068 Development as an advanced practitioner* (30 credits)
*Includes development of management and leadership skills linked to the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum (UK students only).
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Students complete their studies by distance/online learning without having to attend on-campus.
Students can choose from a range of modules that are relevant to their current work or that will help them to achieve their employment aspirations*.
*PMY7100 'Introduction to clinical pharmacy' is compulsory in Year 1 for students who are working outside the UK/Ireland. PMY7103 'Developing evidence' is compulsory for MSc students.
Students can complete their studies by distance/online learning without having to attend on-campus. Alternatively, students in Great Britain may undertake Independent Prescribing training as an option in their second year, which includes a 5-day residential at Queen's.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
A variety of written coursework, case study and online assessment is used.
In addition, the Independent Prescribing option in Year 2 includes competency assessments, a practice portfolio and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) in the clinical skills module.
Finally, students complete work-based projects in Year 3 and submit either a dissertation (PMY7090 Research project) or paper plus poster (PMY7009 Service evaluation and development). PMY7068 (Development as an advanced practitioner) is assessed via submission of a work-based learning portfolio plus an online oral assessment.
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Pharmacists who practice at an advanced level should be able to design and undertake practice-based research and to interpret and critically evaluate the research of others. The aim of this module is to develop the student’s knowledge of methods that are employed in undertaking and reporting health-related research and includes research design, research methodologies, research ethics, statistical methods, and the principles of evidence-based medicine.
The module provides an essential introduction to research and statistical methods for students who will be undertaking their own research. Therefore, it is offered as an option in the PG Certificate and PG Diploma in Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice and is compulsory for students on the MSc pathway.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will be able to:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of evidence-based medicine in critically evaluating published research
Apply knowledge and understanding of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in designing a robust research study
Apply knowledge and understanding of statistical methods appropriate to pharmacy research in selecting, implementing and reporting tests that are appropriate to the data to be analysed
Skills
This module will provide the student with the skills required to:
• Evaluate the effectiveness of clinical and pharmacological interventions
• Design a research project
• Evaluate how statistical tests are used and reported in the published literature
• Implement and interpret a range of statistical analyses
In addition, the following transferable skills are developed:
• Critical analysis
• Scientific writing
• Time management
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate the application of pharmacology in relation to the student’s prescribing practice.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Recognise the psychological and physical impact of prescribing decisions on people
• Recognise and manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions
• Apply evidence-based decision-making in all aspects of prescribing
• Manage the risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions
• Demonstrate the application of pharmacology in relation to their own prescribing practice
• Identify relevant investigations and interpret results and data in their prescribing practice
• Apply the principles of effective monitoring and management to improve patient outcomes
Skills
• Reflective practice
• Time management
• Independent learning
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to develop ethical and legal prescribing practices.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Support individuals to make informed choices that respect patients’ preferences
• Recognise their own role as a responsible and accountable prescriber who understands legal and ethical implications
• Apply relevant legislation and ethical frameworks related to prescribing, including remote prescribing and the handling and sharing of confidential information
• Apply local, regional and national guidelines, policies and legislation related to healthcare
• Understand the clinical governance of the prescriber, who may also be in a position to supply medicines to people
• Recognise other professionals’ practice and raise concerns related to inappropriate or unsafe prescribing by other prescribers
• Create and maintain appropriate records which ensure safe and effective care and align with relevant legislation
• Utilise current and emerging systems and technologies in safe prescribing
• Identify and respond to people’s need when prescribing remotely
• Recognise their own role and responsibilities, and those of others, in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
• Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or an appropriate authority
Skills
• Professionalism
• Ethical decision making
• Reflective practice
• Time management
• Independent learning
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to promote safe and effective evidence-based prescribing and to ensure that prescribers can manage the risks and benefits associated with their prescribing decisions.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Apply local, regional and national guidelines, policies and legislation related to healthcare
• Reflect on and develop their own prescribing practice to ensure it represents current best practice
• Apply an understanding of health economics when making prescribing decisions
• Understand the clinical governance of the prescriber, who may also be in a position to supply medicines to people
• Recognise other professionals’ practice and raise concerns related to inappropriate or unsafe prescribing by other prescribers
• Apply evidence-based decision-making in all aspects of prescribing
• Manage the risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions
• Recognise and manage prescribing and medication errors
Skills
• Critical evaluation
• Reflective practice
• Evidence-based decision-making
• Safe prescribing
• Time management
• Independent learning
Influences on and psychology of prescribing and patient-centred care
Overview
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to develop the ability to recognise and manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Recognise the psychological and physical impact of prescribing decisions on people
• Understand and meet their legal responsibilities under equality and human rights legislation and respect diversity and cultural differences
• Take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs
• Support individuals to make informed choices that respect patients’ preferences
• Recognise and manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions
• Recognise the public health issues in promoting health as part of their prescribing practice
• Collaborate with people to encourage them to take responsibility for managing care
Skills
• Recognise and respect diversity and cultural differences
• Reflective practice
• Time management
• Independent learning
The aim of this module is to provide international students with an insight into clinical pharmacy practice in the UK, with a particular emphasis on medicines optimisation in practice.
Students undertake preparatory study before visiting Northern Ireland for the compulsory 2-week residential component. The residential is based in the Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre at Antrim Hospital, where students participate in practical activities associated with clinical pharmacy services and medicines optimisation in both primary and secondary care. Following the residential, students are required to reflect on their experience and how it might be incorporated into pharmacy practice in their own country.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Identify and describe the components of an effective medicines optimisation system
• Describe and use key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimise medicines management processes
• Describe and use hardware and software systems for collection of medicines optimisation performance data
• Describe and use decision analysis matrices in promoting economic medicines procurement
• Use medicines optimisation techniques to optimise the prescribing of medicines at the interface between primary and secondary care
• Implement pharmacy surveillance systems in promoting antimicrobial stewardship
• Support patient adherence with prescribed treatments
• Explain the role of the non-medical pharmacist prescriber in optimising the use of medicines in primary and secondary care
• Describe how medicines optimisation techniques may be incorporated into their pharmacy practice
Skills
• Time management
• Reflection on practice
• Data collection and analysis
• Practice development
• Independent learning
The management of long-term conditions modules are designed to build on the student's knowledge of the management and drug treatment of common chronic conditions. In this module, students study recent advances in our understanding of the disease process and treatment in relation to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Students are referred to UK clinical guidelines where appropriate.
The following topics are included:
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Long-term complications of diabetes
• Insulin safety
• Coronary heart disease
• Essential hypertension
• Heart failure
• Angina
• Acute coronary syndromes
• Arrhythmias (focussing on AF)
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will be able to:
Apply a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the management of diabetes and common long-term cardiovascular conditions in the management of patients with these conditions
Apply knowledge and understanding of clinical guidelines to promote evidence-based treatment of the conditions studied
Skills
This module will develop the student's clinical skills and awareness of pharmaceutical care issues relating to patients with diabetes and/or common long-term cardiovascular conditions. In addition, it will develop the student's critical thinking skills.
Clinical skills, patient monitoring and onward referral
Overview
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to develop and demonstrate clinical and diagnostic skills appropriate to the student’s scope of practice. In addition, students develop an awareness of their own limitations as prescribers and when to refer patients rather than prescribe treatment.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate appropriate history-taking techniques through effective consultation skills
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of their own role and the role of others in multi-professional teams
• Demonstrate clinical and diagnostic skills in clinical settings appropriate to their scope of practice
• Identify relevant investigations and interpret results and data in their prescribing practice
• Apply the principles of effective monitoring and management to improve patient outcomes
• Recognise when and where to refer people appropriately
• Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or an appropriate authority
Skills
• Clinical examination and diagnostic skills
• Reflective practice
• Time management
• Independent learning
Two important roles for pharmacists who work in primary care are delivering health promoting interventions and developing quality and cost-effective prescribing within their practice(s). This module demonstrates the need for effective health promotion within the wider context of public health and provides the student with the underpinning knowledge required to deliver effective health promotion activities and services. In addition, the module equips the student with the knowledge and skills required to undertake audit and analysis of prescribing data. The focus is on the quality and effectiveness of prescribing within primary care, although the techniques are also applicable in secondary care.
Topics include:
• The historical, social and political as well as the medical issues involved in health and the difficulties involved in influencing people to adopt healthy lifestyles
• How the pharmacist can incorporate public health services into his/her day to day activities
• The influence of lifestyle on disease development
• The role of the pharmacist in smoking cessation services
• The role of the pharmacist in obesity management
• The role of the pharmacist in supporting sexual health
• Planning a health promotion event
• Common terminology - the language of prescribing
• ePACT and GP prescribing information
• Benefits and limitations of prescribing information
• Prescribing quality, prescribing indicators and prescribing comparators
• Clinical audit in practice
• Managing change
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will be able to:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of health promotion to plan and undertake effective health promotion activities to benefit patients and the public
Apply knowledge and understanding of techniques for practice-based audit to undertake a audit of prescribing within their practice
Apply knowledge and understanding of techniques for analysing prescribing data to make recommendations based on prescribing data and contribute to the cost-effective delivery of healthcare services.
Skills
This module will develop the student's ability to:
• Plan and implement health promotion services and activities
• Gather and analyse data relating to the quality and effectiveness of prescribing
In addition, the following skills will be developed:
• Project management
• Data analysis
• Data presentation
• Report writing
The aim of this module is to enhance the student’s ability to monitor and adjust drug treatment to maximise clinical outcomes for patients. Students learn to interpret the results of common laboratory tests and how they may impact on the choice of drug and/or dose. In addition, they develop a knowledge and understanding of the principles of detecting and managing adverse drug reactions and interactions, and their ability to manage the drug treatment of patients with a range of common infections.
The following topics are included:
• Interpretation of common clinical laboratory tests
• Design of dosage regimens
• Altered pharmacokinetics in renal disease
• Management of adverse drug reactions and interactions
• Management of infection
• Therapeutic drug monitoring of antimicrobials
• Prevention and control of infection
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Antimicrobial stewardship
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will be able to:
Apply knowledge and understanding of clinical laboratory tests in maximising clinical outcomes for patients
Apply knowledge and understanding of the effects of renal disease on pharmacokinetics in managing drug treatment in this group of patients
Apply knowledge and understanding of the causes and outcomes of clinically important adverse drug reactions and interactions to manage treatment in patients who experience adverse drug reactions and interactions
Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of antimicrobial stewardship to the effective management of patients who have an infection
Apply knowledge and understanding of the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance to promote rational and appropriate antibiotic usage
Skills
This module will develop the skills required to monitor and manage drug treatment, including the ability to:
• Use clinical information effectively
• Adjust treatment to maximise clinical outcomes
• Manage their time effectively
• Learn independently
This module is designed to enable students to contribute to service improvement by identifying an appropriate service-related issue and exploring means of improving that service.
The topic for the project will be agreed between the student, their employer/manager and the module co-ordinator. Students are encouraged to focus on a small-scale project that is integral to the delivery of quality patient care.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Plan, implement and reflect upon the outcomes of a small-scale service improvement project
• Critically evaluate the evidence for change
• Identify and critically analyse significant factors that are likely to have a bearing on the outcome of the service improvement project
• Author a conference poster and journal paper
Skills
Students will develop the following skills:
Time management
Project management
Scientific writing
Critical evaluation
Data collection and analysis
Independent learning
This aim of this module is to develop the student’s literature searching and critical evaluation skills.
Students who are enrolled on this module will be able to apply the knowledge gained in PMY7018 (Evidence-based medicine) in completing this module.
Students are allocated to a QUB supervisor for the duration of this module (12 months).
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will have demonstrated the following abilities:
To develop a literature review protocol
To undertake a literature search
To select and critically review suitable published research papers
To monitor the progress of a project to ensure delivery on time
To report their findings in a scientific manner.
Skills
This module will provide the student with the skills required to design and undertake a critical literature review, including:
Students use the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF) competencies to identify their individual learning needs and to develop their Personal Development Plan (PDP). The module will support pharmacists to develop competence in the provision of advanced pharmaceutical care and will focus on the following areas:
Part 1: Developing as an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner
Topics include:
• Expert professional practice
• Building working relationships
• Managing patients in a multidisciplinary environment
• Developing an individualised Personal Development Plan (PDP)
• Developing a portfolio of evidence
Part 2: Leadership and management
Topics include:
• Leading and managing an advanced / specialist pharmacy service
• Contextual considerations - local, national and international
• Developing a vision for the service
• Managing change
• Leading and managing a team
• Managing risk
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Deliver advanced pharmaceutical care to patients in a specialist area
• Build working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment
• Lead and manage an advanced / specialist service in a changing environment
• Produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their competence.
Skills
This module will provide the student with the skills required to provide effective advanced and specialist pharmaceutical care to an increasingly complex patient population. In addition, students will develop the following skills:
This module is taken by postgraduate students who are training to become pharmacist prescribers and the content meets the General Pharmaceutical Council’s ‘Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers’. The standards are presented in four domains:
1. Person-centred care
2. Professionalism
3. Professional knowledge and skills
4. Collaboration
The aim of this module is to develop the ability to deliver effective consultations with patients and to work collaboratively with patients and others. In addition, students learn to interpret the results of clinical investigations and to create and maintain safe, effective and legal records of their consultations.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will be able to:
• Take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefs
• Demonstrate appropriate history-taking techniques through effective consultation skills
• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the prescriber in working in partnership with people who may not be able to make fully informed decisions about their health needs
• Support individuals to make informed choices that respect patients’ preferences
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of their own role and the role of others in multi-professional teams
• Create and maintain appropriate records which ensure safe and effective care and align with relevant legislation
• Identify relevant investigations and interpret results and data in their prescribing practice
• Apply the principles of effective monitoring and management to improve patient outcomes
• Recognise the public health issues in promoting health as part of their prescribing practice
• Work collaboratively with others to optimise individuals’ care, understanding their roles in the prescribing process
• Collaborate with people to encourage them to take responsibility for managing care
• Demonstrate appropriate consultation skills to get information from individuals who are either unaware of or guarded about their health needs, to inform safe prescribing
Skills
• Effective communication and consultation
• Reflective practice
• Time management
• Independent learning
The management of long-term conditions modules are designed to build on the student's knowledge of the management and drug treatment of common chronic conditions. In this module, students study recent advances in our understanding of the disease process and treatment in relation to mental health, pain and neurological disease. Students are referred to UK clinical guidelines where appropriate.
The following topics are included:
• Major depressive disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Affective Disorder and Acute Mania
• Dementia
• Management of pain
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will:
Apply a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the management of pain and common long-term mental health and neurological conditions in the management of patients with these conditions
Apply knowledge and understanding of clinical guidelines to promote evidence-based treatment of the conditions studied
Skills
This module will develop the student's clinical skills and awareness of pharmaceutical care issues relating to patients with pain and/or common long-term mental health and neurological conditions. In addition, it will develop the student's critical thinking skills.
In the UK, the role of the pharmacist has evolved from that of providing medicines to one of managing all stages of the process of medicating patients. If the medication process goes wrong, the implications for the patient and their family can be devastating, with reports of medication-related deaths often reaching the national press and media. Clinical pharmacists are in a unique position as they can intervene at practically all stages in the patient medication process and therefore, they have a key role to play in ensuring patient safety and promoting effective use of medicines.
In this module, students develop an understanding of clinical information and learn to extract the information that is relevant to the pharmacist. Students are introduced to the concept of pharmaceutical care planning and learn how to recognise actual and potential medication incidents, how to respond when they occur and the importance of learning from incidents. Students study medicines and procedures that have a high risk associated with them and learn strategies to minimise risk. Furthermore, good interpersonal communication skills are essential in ensuring safe and effective medication use and the module will develop the communication and consultation skills required to communicate effectively with patients, carers and health professionals.
This module is applicable to UK students in the early stages of their career as a clinical pharmacist in either primary or secondary care. In addition, as clinical pharmacy is less well developed in many countries outside of the UK, the module provides an essential introduction to the concept for international students and is therefore compulsory for students who practice pharmacy outside of the UK.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion, students will be able to:
Apply knowledge and understanding of the principles of medicines optimisation in optimising the drug treatment of patients
Apply knowledge and understanding of the risks of medication use in improving patient safety in their practice
Apply knowledge and understanding of the fundamental importance of good communication skills to the effective delivery of health care and demonstrate the core communication skills central to effective pharmacy practice
Skills
This module will provide the student with the skills required to deliver patient-centred medicines optimisation, including the ability to:
• Analyse and interpret drug charts and clinical information
• Develop and monitor treatment plans
• Provide effective medicines optimisation services
• Plan effective discharge from secondary to primary care
• Identify and minimise risks associated with drug treatment
• Monitor patient safety with high-risk medicines
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers and health professionals
• Manage time effectively
The management of long-term conditions modules are designed to build on the student's knowledge of the management and drug treatment of common chronic conditions. In this module, students study recent advances in our understanding of the disease process and treatment in relation to respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin disease. Students are referred to UK clinical guidelines where appropriate.
Apply a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights in the management of common long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin conditions in the management of patients with these conditions
Apply knowledge and understanding of clinical guidelines to promote evidence-based treatment of the conditions studied
Skills
This module will develop the student's clinical skills and awareness of pharmaceutical care issues relating to patients with common long-term respiratory, gastrointestinal and/or skin conditions. In addition, it will develop the student's critical thinking skills.
Students undertake a research project approved by the School's Distance Learning Sub-Committee. A 20,000 (maximum) word thesis is submitted for assessment.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, the student will have demonstrated the following abilities:
To develop a research protocol
To develop and undertake suitable data collection methods
To select and undertake suitable statistical analysis
To monitor the progress of a research project to ensure delivery on time
To report their research in a scientific manner
Skills
This module will provide the student with the skills required to design and undertake a practice-based research project, including:
This course is designed to meet the postgraduate education needs of pharmacists working in patient-facing roles, although applications are welcome from pharmacists working in any employment sector.
The programme is open to local, national and international applicants.
The University requires evidence that international applicants are competent in the use of English language.
Applicants must have a pharmacy degree (minimum Bachelor degree) from a university recognised by Queen’s University Belfast and be registered as a pharmacist with an appropriate regulatory organisation.
Students in Great Britain who wish to enrol on the Independent Prescribing option in Year 2 must:
• Be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and/or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and be in good standing with the GPhC and/or PSNI.
• Have relevant patient-oriented experience in a UK pharmacy setting and be able to recognise, understand and articulate the skills and attributes required by a prescriber (guidance on how to demonstrate this will be provided following application).
• Have a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP) who has agreed to supervise the learning in practice element. The DPP must be medically qualified (GP in primary care or Consultant/SAS [specialist, associate specialist or specialty doctor] in hospital)*.
• Have an identified an area of clinical or therapeutic practice on which to base their learning - please note that the DPP must have clinical expertise and experience in this area.
• Be able to attend 5-day clinical skills residential in Belfast in January 2025 (dates to be confirmed).
* Further guidance on the type of experience and DPP requirements will be provided when applying for this programme.
Further information is available in the ‘PIP Information for pharmacists’ at the link below.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2025 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page. https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Filestore/Filetoupload,894791,en.pdf
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).
International/EU applicants who are registered as Pharmacists in the UK/ROI have met the PSNI / GPhC / PSI English requirements (IELTS 7.0/7.0), and therefore meet Queen’s requirements as outlined above. No additional IELTS test is required if UK/ROI registered Pharmacist. International applicants whose Pharmacy degree was taught and assessed in the medium of English are not required to satisfy further English language requirements – applicants must provide official confirmation from the awarding institution to confirm this at time of application.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This programme will enhance opportunities to progress your career as a pharmacist to advanced practitioner level.
Pharmacists in Great Britain have an option to undertake independent prescribing (IP) training in the second year.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
The fee indicated is for the three-year programme.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
In Year 1 or 2 students in Great Britain may undertake an Independent Prescribing option, which includes a compulsory five day clinical skills residential in Belfast. Students are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs of approximately £500 for the residential.
Students who select the Independent Prescribing option in year 2 will incur additional travel and accommodation costs associated with the compulsory 5-day residential in Belfast. Information on local budget accommodation will be provided prior to the residential.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.