Advanced Pharmacy Practice PgCert | PgDip | MSc
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-18 | 2023-05-05 |
Program Overview
The online MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice course will equip you with the necessary knowledge, skills, attitude and competencies required for effective advanced practice. The course delivers a focused education, with content mapped to relevant professional development frameworks. The Pharmacist Independent Prescribing qualification is mandatory at the diploma stage.
There are also several elective modules appropriate to advanced practice, with opportunities for interprofessional learning with other healthcare practitioners through shared modules with the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice. You will have many opportunities to use and build on your experience of professional practice, enabling you to reflect analytically as a life-long learner. This career-enhancing course will develop your ability to make a positive impact on patients' lives.
Program Outline
PgCert (Stage 1) - 30 weeks, Jan – Aug
The first two modules are studied concurrently providing a strong foundation for your practice and future studies. Pharmaceutical Care Planning (30 credits) focuses on the development and implementation of evidence-based pharmaceutical care plans for patients and Therapeutics (30 credits) covers a wide range of therapeutic topics.
PgDip (Stage 2) - 30 weeks, Sept - May
You will complete 60 credits, 30 of which will be Pharmacist Independent Prescribing with a compulsory 5-day ‘virtual residential period’. On completion of this module pharmacists will be eligible for annotation as Pharmacist Independent Prescribers by the General Pharmaceutical Council.
You will also choose two additional 15 credit modules from seven offered. Some of these will be studied with postgraduate students from the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedic Practice:
MSc (Stage 3) - 30 weeks, Sept - May
You will undertake an MSc by portfolio in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice module (60 credits) which includes research and evaluation, education and training, and leadership and management. The content is mapped to relevant professional development frameworks enabling you to develop the relevant knowledge, skills, attitudes and competencies required for effective advanced pharmacy practice.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our
course and module disclaimer
for more information. Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You will be taught part-time via our virtual learning environment
CampusMoodle
, allowing you to develop all necessary knowledge, skills, attitude and competencies while you remain in employment. Regular evening webinars are a feature, providing opportunities for support, sharing of practice and input from subject experts.The Course Leader is a central point for information and support with regard to the delivery of the course. It is also recommended (but not mandatory) that you have a workplace mentor to provide local support and encouragement.
As part of the Pharmacist Independent Prescribing module, the pharmacist’s period of learning in practice must be supervised by a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) who may be a medical or a non-medical independent prescriber.
Further information on this role in relation to our course and our requirements can be found in our DPP Guide.
RGU DPP Guide
PDF - 190KB DOWNLOAD
Activity Summary
How long is an Advanced Pharmacy Practice course?
The duration of the course is 2 years and 4 months; this includes time for independent study, coursework preparation, placement / work based learning and other activities. Please note that there is a break between Stage 2 (Diploma) and Stage 3 (MSc).
Independent Study
All your materials will be provided online and are designed to allow self-assessment of learning needs.
Staff Delivering on this Course
Staff delivering this course are practised academics, with active links to national industry bodies including the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and the General Pharmaceutical Council.
The Course Leader is your central point for information and support with regard to the delivery of the course. You will be supported by university staff including e-tutors who are all practising clinical pharmacy practitioners, and many, pharmacist prescribers. They review the learning materials, provide real-life case scenarios and participate in the marking of practice related assessments. They facilitate discussion and learning within the modules and bring a unique practice-related perspective to learning.
Assessment
You will be assessed by continuous assessment based on your acquisition and application of knowledge in practice-related problem-based scenarios and activities including: responding to case studies, developing care plans and essay responses to specific topics and contribution to online discussion forums, formative peer-assessed essays, short answer problem/case study questions and multiple-choice questions. In addition there is a compulsory 5-day 'virtual residential' period as part of the Pharmacist Independent Prescribing module, during which you will complete an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessment. There will be a practical online assessment in Clinical History Taking and Examination Skills for Advanced Practice module.
Typically students are assessed each year:
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
The Inclusion Centre
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
CampusMoodle
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
Study Skills Support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
University Library
Job Prospects
This course is designed to enable you to develop in the key competency areas for advanced practice including Pharmacist Independent Prescribing; the option of advanced clinical skills training as an elective module at the diploma stage complements this. The interprofessional nature of some modules offers opportunities to enhance multi-disciplinary team working. The course has been designed in collaboration with employers across the profession, in community pharmacy, primary and secondary care and in other settings to ensure that it is kept up-to-date and in line with current practice and the demands of the workplace, benefiting you and your employer.
Is studying the MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice a good career choice?
The multi-disciplinary nature of the course and the inclusion of the Pharmacist Independent Prescribing practice certificate enhance its appeal to employers and as a result, career prospects are excellent.
Find Your CAREER PathRobert Gordon University (RGU)
Overview:
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is known for its high student satisfaction rates and strong focus on employability. RGU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Academic Support:
Library resources, IT helpdesk, and academic advising.Student Life:
Social and cultural activities, sports facilities, and student clubs.Career Services:
Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.International Student Support:
Visa guidance, cultural integration programs, and dedicated support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
RGU offers a vibrant campus experience with a diverse student community. Students can enjoy:
Beautiful Campus:
The university boasts a modern campus with green spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.Active Student Life:
A wide range of clubs, societies, and sports teams cater to various interests.Aberdeen City:
The city of Aberdeen provides a rich cultural and social environment with numerous attractions and opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Student Satisfaction:
RGU consistently ranks highly in student satisfaction surveys.Strong Employability:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Industry Connections:
RGU maintains close ties with industry, providing students with valuable real-world experience.Quality Teaching:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and learning environment.Academic Programs:
RGU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A diverse selection of undergraduate degrees across various disciplines.Postgraduate Courses:
A range of postgraduate programs, including master's degrees, PhDs, and professional development courses.Online Learning:
Flexible online learning options for students who prefer remote study.Other:
Research:
RGU conducts world-class research across eleven academic schools, contributing to economic, societal, and environmental impact.Business & Innovation:
The university actively supports industry, government, and non-profit organizations in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.International Students:
RGU welcomes international students and provides dedicated support services to ensure a smooth transition.Alumni Network:
RGU graduates are part of a global alumni network of over 80,000 individuals.What is needed to study MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice?
*Relevant work experience is considered that which is patient facing.
English Language Requirements
By meeting one of the full entry requirements stated, the English condition for this course is deemed as having been met.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTSPlease note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
