Program Overview

Introduction to the MPharm Pharmacy Program

The Master of Pharmacy degree from Robert Gordon University is designed to produce effective practitioners with the knowledge and skills to deliver the very best pharmaceutical care for patients, underpinned by sound scientific principles. This is achieved through a student-centered approach, helping students to develop as lifelong learners and reflective practitioners.

Program Structure

The MPharm Pharmacy course is a four-year program that includes a combination of theoretical and practical learning. The program is divided into four years, each with a specific focus:

Year 1

The emphasis is on science relevant to pharmacy and the skills required for professional practice. An insight is provided into the profession of pharmacy, covering the drug journey from discovery to pharmaceutical care and prescribing. Numeracy is developed through pharmaceutical calculations, and an understanding of reflective practice.

Year 2

The science is applied through the study of drug and medicine design, plus understanding of the evidence and clinical basis for medicine use/supply within a professional/legal framework. Patient safety, decision-making, critical thinking, and interpretation/evaluation of experimental data are developed during the consultation skills aspects.

Year 3

Further development of Clinical Therapeutics is integrated with a strong science base to emphasize quality assurance, and students will conduct a short problem-based learning project. Professional practice will be developed through simulation and placements, where students will apply the principles for the improvement of health outcomes.

Year 4

Integration of science into practice is through individual problem-based learning and the development of skills of supervision of others. Reflective practice is embedded to support the transition to pre-registration training, demonstrating a range of required professional skills and competencies.

Learning and Teaching

Teaching and learning activities include an appropriate mix of small and large group teaching, individual and experiential learning, as well as problem-based approaches. Students' individual practical skills in the sciences will be developed as teaching design fosters their interpersonal and other professional skills. Professional experiences, including interaction with patients and other healthcare professionals, will allow students to develop their skills.

Extensive use is made of e-learning for delivery, directed, and private study. The variety in approach means that the teaching and learning strategy provides students with a responsive environment to encompass their individual needs and learning style, yet also encourages group interaction.

Assessment

Typically, students are assessed each year through a combination of written exams, reports, portfolios, set exercises, oral assessments, and practical skills assessments.

Placements

More than 200 hours of the course is spent on Practical Experiential Learning (EL) Placements. This includes compulsory and optional placements. RGU is responsible for allocating students to the compulsory EL placements.

Job Prospects

As a pharmacist, students will have wide and varied career options. They may focus on a clinical career and progress as a hospital pharmacist or work in a community pharmacy. They may train and register as a non-medical prescriber, follow a management career route either within the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry, or a community pharmacy company.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the MPharm Pharmacy program are:

• SQA Higher: ABBB to include Chemistry plus one further science from Biology/Human Biology, Maths, Physics, or Psychology.
• GCE A Level: BBC to include Chemistry plus one further science from Biology, Maths, Physics, or Psychology at grade B or above.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H2H2H2H3 to include Chemistry plus one further science from Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Physics, or Psychology at H2 or above.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the MPharm Pharmacy program vary depending on the student's location and mode of study. For the academic year, the fees are:

• Scottish students: Ł1,820 per year
• Rest of UK students: Ł9,535 per year
• International students: Ł20,680 per year

Accreditation

The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Therefore, on graduation, provided students comply with the GPhC's Standards for Pharmacy Professionals, they will be eligible to undertake a foundation training year. At the end of this training year, they will have had to demonstrate various competencies and pass a registration assessment to be eligible to apply to be registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council as a pharmacist. Completion of this course does not guarantee registration or annotation with the GPhC, or of future employment.