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Postgraduate Programme Specification

MSc Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title MSc Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Master of Science
Programme Code PMY-MSC-CI UCAS Code HECoS Code 100251 - Pharmacy - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 3 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 180
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Pharmacy

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Accreditations (PSRB)

No accreditations (PSRB) found.

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

N/A

Programme Specific Regulations

Students who wish to select the Independent Prescribing option in Year 2 must meet the following criteria:

1. Have an agreement in place with a suitable prescriber to act as their Designated Prescribing Practitioner during their twelve days learning in practice.

2. In addition to the taught modules, a portfolio of professional competencies must be passed before the prescribing certificate can be awarded.

GPhC Standards for the education and training of pharmacist independent prescribers state:

7.10 Pharmacist independent prescribers in training must pass all summative assessments before being signed off.

7.11 On patient safety grounds, compensation or condonation are not allowed on courses for pharmacist independent prescribers in training.

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No

Educational Aims Of Programme

On successful completion of the programme, the student will be able to:

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Communicate medicine-related information to patients, carers and prescribers effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Interpret clinical information and adjust treatment accordingly

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Critically evaluate published research

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Recognise, evaluate and respond to influences on prescribing at individual, local and national levels (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the workshop components and the practice-based training component.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework
Online testing

Apply analytical, judgemental and interpretational skills when making decisions in complex situations (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the workshop components and the practice-based training component.

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework
Online testing

Demonstrate the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students are required to learn in an independent manner throughout

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate effective written communication skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts, supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination
Dissertation

Write in a scientific manner

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Dissertation

Manage time effectively

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

The distance learning format requires disciplined time management, students must complete the learning material and submit assessments according to a module timetable

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Dissertation

Design research studies that employ appropriate research methodologies

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Dissertation

Selection, application and interpretation of common statistical methods and associated numeracy and IT skills

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Dissertation

Demonstrate effective consultation and decision-making skills (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students attend clinical skills workshops and participate in 12 days of practice-based training with their Designated Prescribing Practitioner

Methods of Assessment

Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Provide safe and effective clinical pharmacy services

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts, supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Discuss the therapeutic options and strategies available for the treatment of a range of long-term diseases and conditions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Describe the clinical trials process

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Discuss the therapeutic options and strategies available for the management of the disease in which the student intends to prescribe (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Online resources, practice-based and self-directed learning

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Online testing

Discuss the influences on and psychology of prescribing in a public health context (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the practice-based training component

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Discuss the legal, policy, professional and ethical aspects of prescribing (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the practice-based training component.

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Interpret and maintain clinical records of patients with common long-term diseases and conditions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Interpret clinical information and make treatment recommendations based on clinical laboratory test results

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Minimise risks associated with drug treatment in patients with common long-term diseases and conditions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Assess and prioritise the pharmaceutical care of patients with common long-term diseases and conditions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework

Optimise the drug treatment of patients with common long-term diseases and conditions

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Written examination

Undertake pharmacy practice research using appropriate methodologies and analysis techniques

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Custom study materials authored by subject experts and supplemented by relevant online resources

Methods of Assessment

Written coursework
Dissertation

Make prescribing decisions based on interpretation of monitoring parameters and knowledge of the disease state of the patient (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the workshop components and the practice-based training component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Written coursework

Undertake appropriate physical examination of patients (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the practice-based training component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Prescribe effectively as a member of the healthcare team (Independent prescribing option)

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Students learn the relevant theory in the taught modules and learn to apply the theory in the practice-based training component

Methods of Assessment

Portfolio

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Disease Management PMY7056 7 10 -- YES 4 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Professionalism PMY7057 7 10 YES -- 4 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Evidence-based medicine and safe prescribing PMY7052 7 10 YES -- 4 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Management of long-term conditions 2 PMY7105 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Management of long-term conditions 3 PMY7106 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Clinical skills, patient monitoring and onward referral PMY7055 7 10 YES -- 8 weeks N -- YES 0% 100% 0%
Prescribing in Practice PMY7058 7 0 YES YES 28 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
An introduction to UK Clinical practice PMY7069 7 30 YES YES 30 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Influences on and psychology of prescribing and patient-centred care PMY7053 7 10 -- YES 4 weeks N -- YES 0% 0% 100%
Advancing practice in primary care PMY7102 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Service evaluation and development PMY7009 7 30 YES YES 30 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Critical Literature Review PMY7026 7 20 YES YES 30 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Development as an advanced practitioner PMY7068 7 30 YES YES 30 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Consultation and communication skills PMY7054 7 10 -- YES 4 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Developing evidence in practice PMY7103 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Managing drug treatment PMY7101 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Introduction to clinical pharmacy PMY7100 7 30 YES -- 12 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%
Management of long-term conditions 1 PMY7104 7 30 -- YES 12 weeks N -- YES 50% 0% 50%
Research Project PMY7090 7 60 YES YES 52 weeks N -- YES 100% 0% 0%

Notes

PMY7103 (Developing evidence) is compulsory for students on this programme. In addition, by the end of year 2, students must have completed three 30 credit modules from the options provided.

Students in Great Britain may select the Independent Prescribing option (60 credits) in Year 2.