This course aims to deliver competent pharmacist prescribers who can provide an independent and supplementary prescribing service which is safe and effective and takes into account the needs of patients, the professions and the relevant health organisations.
We will:
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Meet the requirements of the GPhC indicative syllabus for pharmacist independent prescribing
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Support experienced practitioners to review and reflect on their current practice, to enable them to determine what skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to develop in order to become independent prescribers
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Enable practitioners to evolve an expertise in the art and science of prescribing
This integrated multi-professional course will enable healthcare professionals to take on the role of an independent and/or supplementary prescriber. Pharmacists and nurses are taught together to facilitate multidisciplinary working. The GPhC and the NMC publish an indicative syllabus and learning outcomes which informs the curriculum.
The indicative syllabus does not include teaching on specific clinical topics. Therefore if you wish to gain the clinical skills required prior to undertaking the prescribing qualification please apply for the MSc /diploma in Pharmacy Practice
The professional body requires that the course provides 26 days teaching and learning and a minimum of 12 (7.5 h) days in practice spent with a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP).
Teaching
The seminars and physical assessment skills training have a different theme each week which is supported by online learning material to provide students with the underpinning knowledge base.
This is a 60 credit module, accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, representing 600 hrs of student endeavour comprising:
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26 days of teaching, involving attendance at either Waterloo or Guy’s campus, and completion of flexible e-learning materials
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110 hours of supervised practice within the clinical environment of the student
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Personal study and preparation for assessments including a reflective portfolio of practice
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Online support sessions to address student questions relating to portfolio development and physical assessments.
Typically, one credit equates to ten hours of work
A variety of teaching methods are used including tutorials, workshops, presentations and case studies. Material is also provided via the King’s e-learning and teaching service (KEATS). A minimum of 12 days (90 hours) 'in practice' must be carried out under the supervision of the DPP during the nine month course. However, we ask that an additional 20 hours is conducted in physical assessments bringing the total number of hours of practice to 110 hours.
Attendance
The seminars have a different theme each week which is related to the modules that are in the web based learning materials. Attendance at these seminars is compulsory and it is expected that annual leave will not be taken throughout these days.
Please see course dates below. Note that all seminars are held on Tuesdays and are full days.
Please click the relevant link in the table below to access Key Dates, for the relevant cohort that you wish to join. This document contains dates for all taught sessions, the DMP session, assessment days and online sessions.
| Course Dates |
| Cohort |
Key Dates |
| September 2020 cohort |
Please click here. |
| January 2021 cohort |
Please click here. |
Methods of assessment
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework contributes approximately 70% and examinations approximately 30% to your final mark.
Assessment comprises three distinct approaches, all of which must be passed:
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A written examination comprising multiple choice and short answer questions
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An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
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The presentation of a reflective practice portfolio recording the individuals learning from their minimum of 90 hours in practice. This must contain 2 patient cases, a therapeutic and risk framework as well as a range of competence related assessments. Competency is assessed using the Royal Pharmaceutical Society A Competency Framework for all Prescribers 2016.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect.
Further Information
Please take a look at our FAQs for answers to common questions about the course.
Frequently Asked Questions (PDF, updated September 2019)
If the information you require is not in the FAQs, please use the relevant contact details below.