Program Overview

Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme

MSc/PgDip

Overview

The course is designed for qualified pharmacists outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or who hold an EEA pharmacist qualification which is not a relevant qualification (other than a UK-recognised pharmacist qualification) who are looking to become registered pharmacists in the UK. It's one of a small number of courses that are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Completing the OSPAP postgraduate diploma allows for entry to the next stages of registering as a pharmacist in the UK, and in addition, you can also apply to undertake a master's research project. The content of this course reflects the accreditation requirements of the GPhC.

You can choose to study this course as a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or a master's (MSc). If you choose to study the master's level, you'll also undertake a research project. This will be an original piece of work in which you'll demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge.

You can apply with or without your GPhC adjudication, however, you'll only be offered an interview once this has been received. Your application will be held pending until we have your GPhC Adjudication letter.

Why us?

• Pharmacy has been taught at Sunderland for over 100 years
• Research in Pharmacy at Sunderland has been described as ‘world-leading’ by the latest Research Excellence Framework

Course structure

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, online learning packages, tutorials, and seminars. Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this masters requires a higher level of independent working.

Assessment methods include examinations, practical assessments as well as assignments throughout the year.

This is a full-time course and classes take place on campus Monday to Friday. The main teaching takes place over two terms of approximately 12 weeks from September to December and January to April. If you are doing the MSc module, this will run from June to September after the two diploma modules are completed.

Modules

Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip)

• Pharmacy, Law, Ethics and Practice (60 credits) This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to practise legally and safely as a pharmacist in the UK. Areas covered in this module include legal and regulatory aspects of pharmacy practice; the dispensing process; the public health role of the pharmacist; and pharmaceutical calculations.
• Clinical Therapeutics (60 credits) This module will extend your ability to respond appropriately to clinical situations. You will cover core therapeutic areas including epidemiology, aetiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, clinical presentation and evidence- based treatment strategies. You will also gain experience of clinical case scenarios, ‘expert’ patients, patient simulators and practical sessions where you will be taught physical examination techniques.

Masters (MSc)

• Research Methods for Pharmaceutical Practice and Masters Research Project (60 credits) This module covers a wide range of topics for conducting scientific research from conceptualising research to statistical analysis. You will gain both a theoretical and practical framework for conducting pharmaceutical practice research. You are expected to apply this knowledge in the project report where you will focus on a particular area of a hospital, community, or general practice.

Facilities

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology. This course is based in The John Dawson Sciences Complex on City Campus, which boasts multi- disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million- pound investments.

Entry requirements

• To apply for this course, you must first apply to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and pass their adjudication process.
• After adjudication, the University will be informed of successful candidates.
• You can then apply by completing our online application form and attaching several required documents.
• As part of your application, we will also need the following documentary evidence:
  • A copy of your GPhC-approved adjudication letter.
  • Proof of English proficiency (please refer to the GPhC’s guidance on how they assess evidence of English language skills).

Interview

• You'll only be offered an interview once we have received your GPhC adjudication letter.
• Interviews will take place from November.
• We have a limited number of interview slots available so you'll be allocated one as soon as possible once you are eligible.
• Please make all attempts to attend this. If you cannot, please notify us immediately.

Fees and finance

• Fees for 2026/27 are tbc.
• The time it takes to complete a PgDip is approximately two-thirds of the time it takes to complete an MSc. For this reason, the fees for the PgDip are two- thirds of the cost of the MSc.

Career ready

This is one of the few courses in the UK that allow pharmacists from other countries to qualify for practising in the UK. Currently there is virtually no unemployment of qualified pharmacists.

Career options

• On completing the OSPAP postgraduate diploma you can enter foundation training, this is the next stage of your training process.
• You must successfully complete a 52-week foundation training position and pass the GPhC registration assessment before being allowed to apply to join the register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK.

Most pharmacists work in the following areas:

• Community pharmacy You'll be working in pharmacies on high streets or in large stores. You'll dispense prescriptions, deal with minor ailments, advise on the use of medicines, and liaise with other health professionals.
• Hospital pharmacy You'll be purchasing, dispensing, quality testing, and supply of medicines used in hospitals.
• Primary care You'll be working in GP surgeries, either as an employee of the Practice or the Primary Care Trust. Roles include Medicines Management Pharmacists, who are responsible for prescribing budgets and the development of prescribing directives.
• Secondary care You'll be working in hospitals to supply medicines, manage clinics, provide drug information, and prescribe medicines.
• Industrial pharmacists You'll be involved with research and development, quality assurance, and product registration.

Foundation training applications

• The application process and interviews will all take place before you start your OSPAP course.
• Once the application deadline has passed, late applications will not be accepted, therefore if you wish to be considered for a foundation training position starting immediately after the OSPAP course you must complete this process before starting at the University.
• Applications usually open in May/June before you start your OSPAP course.

Meet the team

• Deanne Marshall Programme Leader for OSPAP
• Rob Goring Senior Lecturer in Clinical Skills
• Susan Gault Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice
• John Sherwood Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice

Related courses

• (MPharm) Pharmacy