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:
- Meet the requirements of the GPhC indicative syllabus for pharmacist independent prescribing
- 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
- 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 under the supervision of a designated medical practitioner.
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
- On-line 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 DMP during the nine month course.
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. Seminars are normally held on Tuesdays and are full days.
Course dates:
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September 2018 course dates
(application deadline: Monday 16th July 2018 at 5pm)
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Course Seminars will be held on the following dates; all require FULL day attendance unless stated.
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October: Monday 1st, Tuesday 2nd, 9th, 16th , 23rd and 30th
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November: Tuesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th
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Online tutorials will be held on the following days; times to be confirmed (access from work):
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Tuesday 27th November 2018
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Tuesday 5th February 2019
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Key course deadlines:
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Application deadline: Monday 16th July 2018 at 5pm
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Provisional OSCE: Mid February
Final OSCE: Mid March
both dates TBC
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Written exam: January 2019 (TBC)
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Oral portfolio examination: 25th June 2019
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Portfolio submission: 25th June 2019
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Formative assessment submission dates and portfolio support
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Learning Contract and clinical skills assessment: 13th November 2018
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Therapeutic framework and/or risk framework: Provisional 27th November 2018, Final 25th June 2019
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Portfolio development day (self-directed): Tuesday 30st October 2018
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Joint Designated Medical Practitioner and student training sessions
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Tuesday 9th October 2018 from 16.00-17.15
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January 2019 course dates
(application deadline: Monday 12th November 2018 at 5pm)
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Course Seminars will be held on the following dates; all require FULL day attendance unless stated.
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January: Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th, 22nd and 29th 2019
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February: Tuesday 5th , 12th, 19nd and 26th 2019
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March: Tuesday 5th and 12th 2019
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Online tutorials will be held on the following days; times to be confirmed (access from work):
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Thursday 12th February 2019
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Thursday 12th March 2019
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Thursday 20th June 2019
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Key course deadlines:
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Application deadline: Monday 12th November 2018 at 5pm
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Mock OSCE: Tuesday 19th March
FINAL OSCE: Tuesday 2nd April
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Written exam: Early/mid May 2019 (the date will be confirmed at the start of the course).
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Oral portfolio examination: Wednesday 25th September 2019
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Portfolio submission: Wednesday 25th September 2019
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Formative assessment submission dates and portfolio support
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Learning Contract and clinical skills assessment: 4th Mar 2019
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Online portofolio review dates will be held on the following days (access from work):
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Wednesday 19th June 2019
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Wednesday 14th August 2019
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Joint Designated Medical Practitioner and student training sessions
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Tuesday 22nd January 2019 from 16.00-17.15
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May course dates
(application deadline: 29th March 2019)
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| Course Seminars will be held on the following dates; all require FULL day attendance unless stated. |
| April: Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th April, 2019 |
| May: All taught sessions on Tuesdays 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th 2019 |
| June: All taught sessions on Tuesday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th June 2019 |
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| Key courses deadlines: |
| Application deadlines: Friday 29th March 2019 |
| Mock OSCE: Tuesday 18th June 2019 |
| Final OSCE: Tuesday 9th July 2019 |
| Written exam: September (the date will be confirmed at the start of the course). |
| Oral portfolio examination: Wednesday 15th January 2020 |
| Portfolio submission: Wednesday 15th January 2020 |
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| Formative assessment submission dates and portfolio support |
| Learning Contract and clinical skills assessent: Friday 7th June 2019 |
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| Online portofolio review dates will be held on the following days (access from work): |
| Wednesday 7th August 2019 |
| Wednesday 6 November 2019 |
| Joint Designated medical practical/ student training session |
| Tuesday 7th May 4.00-5:15 pm 2019 |
Methods of assessment
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 Feb 2017)
If the information you require is not in the FAQs, please use the relevant contact details below.