Pharmacy Practice | MSc, PG Dip, PG Cert | Combination of work-based learning and university-based study days | Admissions status: Open

A flexible modular programme that offers qualified pharmacists an opportunity to further develop knowledge and skills to enhance their practice in the changing healthcare environment. Modules may be selected according to professional interests or service needs, for continuing professional development and re-validation with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

• The programme has been designed for pharmacists in the workplace, ensuring that assignments and assessments are based on current practice to support service development in the workplace.
• The modules have been developed to link with the South London Health Innovation and Education Cluster (HIEC) priorities.
• Teaching is led by experts in their field.
• Each of the modules on the course is stand-alone so individuals can select the modules to meet local service needs.
• Modules may be undertaken on a stand-alone basis to meet personal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) needs.
• Individuals who already possess a Clinical Diploma may apply for the Master's year.

Student destinations Programme leader/s Accreditation Awarding Institution Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent) Duration Location Year of entry 2012
Offered by Closing date Intake Fees Contact information Email Website

With the reorganisation of the National Health Service (NHS), formation of GP commissioning consortia and the recent Health and Social Care Bill, it is recognised that pharmacists have an important and expanding role in optimising the use of medicines and in supporting better health. This programme will enable pharmacists to effectively develop and deliver modern patient-centred pharmaceutical services within primary care.

This specialist graduate programme is offered in line with the changing environment of the NHS and pharmacy within the UK. It offers qualified pharmacists an opportunity to pursue graduate training relevant to their professional interests or service needs, as well as the requirements for continuing professional development and re-validation with the General Pharmaceutical Council. A distinctive feature of this programme is that it is flexible and modular, modules can be undertaken on a stand-alone basis or in combination leading to accreditation/awards.

The programme can be started in September or January. Two modules will be offered each semester; one to be covered in the morning from 10am- 1pm and the other in the afternoon from 2pm-5pm. Module 1: Pharmaceutical Public Health and Module 2: Supporting self-management of respiratory disease (incl. Common infections) will be offered in the first semester. Module 3: Service development in a pharmacy context and Module 4: Supporting people with mental illness will be offered in the second semester.

• First semester: Introduction Session Tue 18 Sept*, (Module 1 & 2 sessions) Wed 19 Sept, Wed 3 Oct, Wed 17 Oct, Wed 7 Nov, Wed 21 Nov, Assessment day/surgery Wed 28 Nov, Assessment day Wed 9 Jan
• Second semester: Introduction Session Tue 22 Jan*, (Module 3 & 4 sessions) Wed 23 Jan, Wed 6 Feb, Wed 27 Feb, Wed 13 Mar, Wed 27 Mar, Assessment day/surgery Wed 10 Apr, Assessment day Wed 24 Apr

*Please note you are only required to attend one Introduction session, depending on whether you start in September or January

Pharmacy Practice (prescribing) programme or Independent Prescribing programme:

If you are planning to do either of the above programmes you will find additional details regarding the dates and times for the Prescribing module on the following link: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/biohealth/study/departments/pharmacy/study/prescribing.aspx Please note if doing the combined Pharmacy Practice and Prescribing programme you cannot do the Prescribing module whilst undertaking any of the other Pharmacy Practice modules.

Core programme content
Flexible programme with no core content.

Indicative non-core content

• Maximising the benefit from Medicines Use Reviews
• Medicines and older people
• Delivering effective patient-centred care (diabetes)
• Supporting self-management of respiratory disease (including common infections)
• Supporting self-management of cardiovascular disease
• Supporting people with mental illness
• Pharmaceutical Public Health
• Service development in a pharmacy context
• Research methods
• Pharmacy Practice dissertation (for MSc)
• Oral hormonal contraception services
• Postgraduate Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing

Other modules which relate to teaching and learning can be undertaken via the King's Learning Institute examples include: Personal development and continuing professional development; Pharmacy in an educational context; and Professional development in the workplace.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

• Independent Prescribing Certificate- 60 credit course consisting of a 60 credit prescribing module
• Pharmacy Practice Certificate- 60 credit course consisting of four 15 credit modules
• Pharmacy Practice Diploma- 120 credit course consisting of eight 15 credit modules
• Pharmacy Practice (prescribing) Diploma- 120 credit course consisting of four 15 credit modules and a 60 credit prescribing module.
• Pharmacy Practice MSc*- 180 credit course consisting of eight 15 credit modules and a 60 credit project
• Pharmacy Practice (prescribing) MSc*- 180 credit course consisting of four 15 credit modules, a 60 credit prescribing module and a 60 credit project

* The research project is undertaken after the successful completion of 120 credits. Completion of the research methods module is a pre-requisite to starting the project.

Modular system allows credit transfer and students can complete the programme over a number of years if necessary. The programme runs with interactive sessions including tutorial-based teaching using problem-based tasks and projects which can be undertaken in the workplace. Assessment uses a number of different approaches, a portfolio of evidence may include complex case studies, development of a risk framework, critical analysis of local and national strategies, service development planning. Oral/poster presentations may be required on some pieces of work.


General entry advice

Your application will be assessed by two academics. You may be called for interview. You are welcome to call the Department of Pharmacy to arrange a visit. We aim to process complete applications in four weeks.

Individuals who are interested in applying for modules on a stand-alone basis should contact Shelley Gordon, Postgraduate Programme Officer, for further information: email: shelley.gordon@kcl.ac.uk; tel: 020 7848 4684

Please describe your current area of practice, your experience to date and reasons for pursuing postgraduate academic study, including whether your current employment is full or part-time.

You will also need to provide a copy of your final degree certificate/s and evidence of being registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council or Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland.

If you are applying for the Independent Prescribing programme you will need to provide an additional form, which can be downloaded from the following web-site:

http://www.kcl.ac.uk/biohealth/study/departments/pharmacy/study/prescribing.aspx

You may also provide any other relevant information which supports your application.

Self-funded