Course Structure

Study part-time by distance learning

Course details

The programme 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. E-learning modules are updated annually by subject experts and are delivered via the Queen's virtual learning environment. In-practice training is documented in an e-portfolio, which, on successful completion, provides documentary evidence of meeting all of the competencies within the 'RPS Competency Framework for all Prescribers'. Students attend a compulsory 5-day residential in February at Queen's, which includes workshops, clinical skills training and assessment.

Career Prospects

Professional Opportunities
On successful completion, students can apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for an annotation to their entry in the GPhC’s Register and/or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for an annotation to their entry in the PSNI’s Register.

The annotation is a public record that they can practise as an independent prescriber.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Assessment

Awarding of the qualification is based on continuous assessment of coursework, clinical skills objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and completion of a competency-based in-practice training portfolio.

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Evidence-based medicine and safe prescribing (10 credits)

  ×

  Evidence-based medicine and safe prescribing

  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 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

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7052

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Influences on and psychology of prescribing and patient-centred care (10 credits)

  ×

  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

  Coursework

  0%

  Examination

  100%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7053

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Prescribing in Practice (0 credits)

  ×

  Prescribing in Practice

  Overview

  The student undertakes twelve days of work-based training under the guidance of a Designated Medical Practitioner (DMP).

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion the student will have demonstrated competence in prescribing.

  Skills

  Students will develop the following skills:
  Team working
  Oral and written communication skills
  Decision making
  Ethics.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  0

  Module Code

  PMY7058

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  28 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Professionalism (10 credits)

  ×

  Professionalism

  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 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

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7057

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Clinical skills, patient monitoring and onward referral (10 credits)

  ×

  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

  Coursework

  0%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  100%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7055

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  8 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Disease Management (10 credits)

  ×

  Disease Management

  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 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

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7056

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Consultation and communication skills (10 credits)

  ×

  Consultation and communication skills

  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 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

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  10

  Module Code

  PMY7054

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  4 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

Entrance requirements

A primary degree in Pharmacy (minimum Bachelor degree) from an institution approved by the University. Additionally all students 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 2024 (dates to be confirmed).

* Further guidance on the type of experience and DPP requirements will be provided when applying for this programme.

Note: this programme is only open to students who are resident in Great Britain.

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.
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.

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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 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.

Career Prospects

Professional Opportunities
On successful completion, students can apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) for an annotation to their entry in the GPhC’s Register and/or the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for an annotation to their entry in the PSNI’s Register.

The annotation is a public record that they can practise as an independent prescriber.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts helps our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Additional Awards Gained

Students 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.

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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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£2,465
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£2,465
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£2,465
EU Other 3	N/A
International	N/A

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.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

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.

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