2023
Minimum Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy
24 months (Part Time)
30 (Part Time)
Our Advanced Pharmacy Practice programme is designed for hospital-based pharmacists in Northern Ireland who wish to practice at Advanced Practitioner level.
The PG Diploma stage aims to develop the student's knowledge of therapeutics in several key areas and includes training as an independent non-medical prescriber.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice (with Independent Prescribing) highlights
In the non-medical prescribing modules, students undertake clinical skills training in the clinical skills teaching laboratories at Queen's.
World Class Facilities
- The School of Pharmacy at Queen's is acknowledged as a leading centre for Pharmacy teaching and research in the UK, consistently featuring at or near the top of league tables for the subject.
Student Experience
- Students are supported by full-time dedicated staff in the School of Pharmacy Distance Learning Centre and at the NI Centre for Pharmacy Learning and Development (NICPLD).
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Course content
Course Structure
Study part-time by distance and work-based learning
Introduction | Hospital pharmacists who have completed the NI Foundation Programme (or equivalent) will receive 60 credits. The remaining 60 credits are delivered in the following modules: PMY7040 Advanced Therapeutics (includes respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and infectious disease) Plus the non-medical prescribing modules: PMY7070 Person-centred care and collaboration PMY7071 Disease management PMY7072 Clinical skills PMY7073 Professionalism Note: Following publication of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum in 2022, the content of the Advanced Pharmacy Practice programme is being reviewed for 2023 entry. |
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People teaching you
Distance Learning ManagerSchool of Pharmacy
Email: b.mccaw@qub.ac.uk
School of Pharmacy / NICPLD
l.oloan@qub.ac.uk
Teaching Times
Teaching is delivered via a combination of distance and work-based learning, and on-campus workshops. |
Career Prospects
Introduction
This Masters/PG Diploma programme in Advanced Pharmacy Practice enhances the opportunities for hospital-based pharmacists in Northern Ireland to progress their career to Advanced Pharmacist level.
Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable student to achieve their full academic potential.
On the PgDip in Advanced Pharmacy Practice we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies that enhance their development as independent, lifelong learners.
Teaching is delivered via a combination of distance and work-based learning, and on-campus workshops.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Includes competency assessments, practice portfolios, coursework assignments, online tests, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Modules
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). 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.
- Year 1
Core Modules
Disease management (10 credits)Disease management
Overview
Prior to commencing the course, students are required to identify their clinical or therapeutic area(s) of practice in which they intend to prescribe. They identify personal learning outcomes relevant to their chosen therapeutic areas and undertake self-study that enables them to prescribe and modify therapy for identified disease conditions. Students study self-teaching material relating to evidence-based practice and the development of a Treatment Plan as part of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
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
• Apply evidence-based decision making in all aspects of prescribing
• Manage the risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions
• Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or an appropriate authority
• Recognise when and where to refer people appropriately
• 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
• Recognise the public health issues in promoting health as part of their prescribing practice.Skills
• Time management and prioritisation
• Oral and written communication to professional and non-professional audiences
• Decision making
• Critical appraisal
• Working in a multidisciplinary teamCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
PMY7071
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
8 weeks
Clinical skills (10 credits)Clinical skills
Overview
Students receive instruction and are assessed on their ability to perform basic physical examination skills.
Learning Outcomes
On completion the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate clinical and diagnostic skills in clinical settings appropriate to their scope of practice.
• Outline the general principles of physical examination
• Assess general appearance
• Describe how to assess vital signs
• Outline the specific anatomy and physiology concepts that underpin clinical examination skills for the cardiovascular, respiratory and abdominal systems
• Demonstrate examination of the cardiovascular, respiratory and abdominal systemsSkills
• Time management and prioritisation
• Clinical and diagnostic skills
• Communication skillsCoursework
50%
Examination
0%
Practical
50%
Credits
10
Module Code
PMY7072
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
6 weeks
Professionalism (10 credits)Professionalism
Overview
Students study material that enables them to prescribe safely within a legal and ethical framework with due regard to their role in relation to safeguarding and human rights.
Learning Outcomes
On completion the student will be able to:
• Understand and meet their legal responsibilities under equality and human rights legislation and respect diversity and cultural differences
• Recognise their own role as a responsible and accountable prescriber who understands legal and ethical implications
• Recognise and manage prescribing and medication errors
• Understand the clinical governance of the prescriber, who may also be in a position to supply medicines to people
• Manage the risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions
• Support individuals to make informed choices that respect people’s preferences
• 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
• Identify and respond to people’s need when prescribing remotely
• Utilise current and emerging systems and technologies in safe prescribing
• Create and maintain appropriate records which ensure safe and effective care and align with relevant legislation
• Apply relevant legislation and ethical frameworks related to prescribing, including remote prescribing and the handling and sharing of confidential information
• Recognise their own role and responsibilities, and those of others, in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults
• Recognise other professionals’ practice and raise concerns related to inappropriate or unsafe prescribing by other prescribers
• Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or an appropriate authoritySkills
• Time management and prioritisation
• Decision-making
• Independent learningCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
PMY7073
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
4 weeks
Person-centred care and collaboration (10 credits)Person-centred care and collaboration
Overview
Students study material relating to the influences on, and psychology of prescribing. They gain understanding of the psychological and physical impact of prescribing decisions on people and how to manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions. They will learn about their role in caring for patients, including how to undertake a consultation, take an accurate history and subsequently manage the patient, including when and where to refer them appropriately.
Learning Outcomes
On completion the student will be able to:
•Demonstrate appropriate history-taking techniques through effective consultation skills
•Demonstrate appropriate consultation skills to get information from individuals who are either unaware of or guarded about their health needs, to inform safe prescribing
•Recognise when to seek guidance from another member of the healthcare team or an appropriate authority
•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
•Work collaboratively with others to optimise individuals’ care, understanding their roles in the prescribing process
•Recognise when and where to refer people appropriate
•Recognise the psychological and physical impact of prescribing decisions on people
•Collaborate with people to encourage them to take responsibility for managing care
•Manage the risks and benefits associated with prescribing decisions
•Recognise the public health issues in promoting health as part of their prescribing practice
•Recognise and manage factors that may influence prescribing decisions
•Support individuals to make informed choices that respect people’s preferences
•Take responsibility for ensuring that person-centred care is not compromised because of personal values and beliefsSkills
• Time management and prioritisation
• Oral and written communication to professional and non-professional audiences
• Patient consultation
• Working in a multidisciplinary teamCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
10
Module Code
PMY7070
Teaching Period
Spring
Duration
4 weeks
Clinical Effectiveness (15 credits)Clinical Effectiveness
Overview
The main focus of the module is on experiential learning in the workplace. In this module, the competencies associated with pharmaceutical services such as Medicines Information, medicines governance, formulary development and effective procurement practices are used to plan, conduct and evaluate the student’s learning. Each competency has one or more behavioural statements defining how that competency would be recognised. During the module, students undertake a variety of practice activities which have been designed to help them to develop competence in clinical effectiveness, and can be used in their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their developing competence. In addition, students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of CPD to develop their underpinning knowledge. Reflective practice is encouraged and students are expected to maintain appropriate CPD records.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, students will be able to:
Search effectively for medicines information
Communicate accurate and reliable information to patients, carers and healthcare staff
Manage a safety incident appropriately
Discuss the importance of medication incident reporting and learning from incidents
Undertake a professional audit
Describe the principles of evidence-based decision making
Manage the procurement of pharmaceutical products appropriately
Apply the principles of quality improvement in the delivery of procurement services
Describe the principles of formulary management.Skills
Students will develop the following skills:
Time management
Written communication
Independent learning
Problem solvingCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
15
Module Code
PMY7049
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
7 weeks
Hospital Dispensary Services (15 credits)Hospital Dispensary Services
Overview
The main focus of the module is on experiential learning in the workplace. In this module, the competencies associated with the hospital dispensary are used to plan, conduct and evaluate the student’s learning. Each competency has one or more behavioural statements defining how that competency would be recognised. During the module, students undertake a variety of practice activities which have been designed to help them to develop competence in the dispensary, and can be used in their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their developing competence. In addition, students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of CPD to develop their underpinning knowledge. Reflective practice is encouraged and students are expected to maintain appropriate CPD records.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, students will be able to:
Describe the legal and professional responsibilities of hospital pharmacy staff working in the dispensary
Manage the provision of specialist medicines, controlled drugs, unlicensed medicines and clinical trial medicines appropriately
Process clinical information to determine if a patient’s treatment is optimal
Describe the principles of evidence-based decision making
Identify and intervene whenever patient safety in relation to medicines may be at risk
Communicate accurate and reliable information to patients, carers and healthcare staff
Apply the principles of quality improvement in the delivery of dispensing servicesSkills
Students will develop the following skills:
Time management
Written communication
Independent learning
Problem solvingCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
15
Module Code
PMY7046
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
8 weeks
Hospital Technical Services (15 credits)Hospital Technical Services
Overview
The main focus of the module is on experiential learning in the workplace. In this module, the competencies associated with the hospital pharmacy technical services are used to plan, conduct and evaluate the student’s learning. Each competency has one or more behavioural statements defining how that competency would be recognised. During the module, students undertake a variety of practice activities which have been designed to help them to develop competence in technical services, and can be used in their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their developing competence. In addition, students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of CPD to develop their underpinning knowledge. Reflective practice is encouraged and students are expected to maintain appropriate CPD records.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, students will be able to:
Describe the legal and professional responsibilities of hospital pharmacy staff working in technical services
Manage the provision of cytotoxic medicines and other products for parenteral use appropriately
Process clinical and pharmaceutical information to determine if a patient’s treatment is optimal
Describe the principles of evidence-based decision making
Identify and intervene whenever patient safety in relation to medicines may be at risk
Communicate accurate and reliable information to patients, carers and healthcare staff
Apply the principles of quality improvement in the delivery of technical services.Skills
Students will develop the following skills:
Time management
Written communication
Independent learning
Problem solvingCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
15
Module Code
PMY7047
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
7 weeks
Hospital Clinical Services (15 credits)Hospital Clinical Services
Overview
The main focus of the module is on experiential learning in the workplace. In this module, the competencies associated with the hospital pharmacy clinical / medicines management services are used to plan, conduct and evaluate the student’s learning. Each competency has one or more behavioural statements defining how that competency would be recognised. During the module, students undertake a variety of practice activities which have been designed to help them to develop competence in clinical / medicines management services, and can be used in their portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their developing competence. In addition, students are required to undertake a minimum of 10 hours of CPD to develop their underpinning knowledge. Reflective practice is encouraged and students are expected to maintain appropriate CPD records.
Learning Outcomes
On completion, students will be able to:
Identify and access clinical information that is relevant to individual patients
Process clinical information to determine if a patient’s treatment is optimal
Plan and implement changes when drug treatment is not optimal
Describe the principles of evidence-based decision making
Identify and intervene whenever patient safety in relation to medicines may be at risk
Communicate accurate and reliable information to patients, carers and healthcare staff
Explain how effective medicines management can be applied to each stage of the patient journey
Apply the principles of quality improvement in the delivery of clinical services.Skills
Students will develop the following skills:
Time management
Written communication
Independent learning
Problem solvingCoursework
100%
Examination
0%
Practical
0%
Credits
15
Module Code
PMY7048
Teaching Period
Autumn
Duration
8 weeks
Advanced therapeutics (20 credits)Advanced therapeutics
Overview
Students study directed reading which is designed to provide an evidence-based knowledge of the pathophysiology, diagnosis, drug treatment and clinical management of diabetes and common respiratory, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
The module includes on-campus workshops designed to develop the advanced-level clinical skills that are appropriate for the pharmaceutical care of patients with these diseases.Learning Outcomes
On completion, students will be able to:
Demonstrate specialist pharmaceutical knowledge in the care of patients with diabetes and common respiratory, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
Plan, manage, monitor, advise and review specialist pharmaceutical care programmes for patients with diabetes and common respiratory, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
Deliver pharmaceutical care to patients with diabetes and common respiratory, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.
Demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.
Implement professional policies/procedures and clinical guidelines.Skills
Students are required to work to a time schedule and will develop their time management skills. In addition, students will develop their analytical, judgemental and interpretational skills and will be able to demonstrate the application of decision-making skills in complex situations.
Coursework
0%
Examination
0%
Practical
100%
Credits
20
Module Code
PMY7040
Teaching Period
Full Year
Duration
6 weeks
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Course content
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Entry Requirements
Entrance requirements
Graduate
A primary degree in Pharmacy (minimum Bachelor Degree) from an institution approved by the University. Additionally all applicants must:
- have identified a designated medical practitioner prior to commencing the prescribing modules;
- have completed the NICPLD foundation/vocational training (VT) programme or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience;
- be employed as a hospital pharmacist.
Please note: this programme is open only to applicants who are resident in Northern Ireland or pharmacists in Ireland by prior agreement between QUB and the applicant's employer.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2023 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. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
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
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.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
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.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Modules
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Fees and Funding
Career Prospects
Introduction
This Masters/PG Diploma programme in Advanced Pharmacy Practice enhances the opportunities for hospital-based pharmacists in Northern Ireland to progress their career to Advanced Pharmacist level.
Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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.
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Entry requirements
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
Northern Ireland (NI) 1 | £4,930 |
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 | £4,930 |
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 | £4,930 |
EU Other 3 | N/A |
International | N/A |
The fee indicated is for the two-year programme.
1 EU 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 are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
Additional course costs
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.
Advanced Pharmacy Practice (with Independent Prescribing) costs
There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.
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. Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.
More information on funding options and financial assistance.
International Scholarships
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships/.
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Apply
How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
When to Apply
The deadline for applications is normally 30th June 2021. In the event that any programme receives a high volume of applications, the university reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than 30th June deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Entry Portal (DAP) against the programme application page.
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
Download Postgraduate Prospectus
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Fees and Funding