| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-17 | 2023-06-30 |
| 2024-01-22 | 2024-11-30 |
Program Overview
This course is offered as a one-year, three-semester, MSc programme for students who can demonstrate, either through certified or experiential learning, the achievement of learning outcomes equivalent to PgDip level in the subject matter and are in possession of a GPhC-accredited Independent Prescribing qualification.
In semester one students will complete the 20-credit Advanced Practice Development Module. Semester two will begin with the 10-credit Research Methodologies for Advanced Pharmacy Practice module, which will result in a project proposal being submitted mid-semester, following which students will undertake their 30-credit Research Project in Advanced Pharmacy Practice in semester two and three.
Attendance
The course is a part-time distance learning programme delivered as a combination of online lectures, webinars and self-directed learning.
Students are expected to engage with all on-line material associated with the programme and be punctual and regular in engagement with the programme
Start dates
Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The learning and teaching and assessment methods adopt a learner centred approach developing the intended learning outcomes through on line lectures, tutorials, self directed learning , case studies and directed reading.
Assessments will enable practising pharmacists undertaking the programme alongside part- or full-time employment to enhance the current evidence-base within their areas of pharmacy practice such as using a written paper for submission to a journal and poster for submission to a conference as a method of assessment.
Academic profile
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
Program Outline
Careers & opportunities
In this section
- Career options
Career options
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and play an integral role in the wider healthcare team. The MSc in Advanced Pharmacy practice will support pharmacists to develop their careers and step up as ideal canditates to the senior roles withint the NHS that are crucial to providing leadership and determine the quality of care delivered to patients in all healthcare settings.
There is now a wide, diverse range of roles within the NHS and prospects for professsional development for pharmacists have increased within the framework for progression set out by the NHS "agenda for change " which follows a clearly defined strcture where pharmacists can specialise in a particular area of practice or advance to become chief pharmaceutical officers or directors of services.
Experienced GP pharmacists have negotiated increased remuneration following developing evidence of competence and skill ans some of secured GP partnerships.
The MSC in Advanced pharmacy practice will enable career progression for pharmacists from all areas of the profession, broadening their horizons and ambitions.
Modules
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
- Year one
- Year two
- Year three
Year one
Foundation Pharmacist Programme
Year: 1
Status: C
The NICPLD Foundation Programme incorporates competencies from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Foundation Pharmacy Framework (FPF), and builds on the NICPLD Hospital Vocational Training (VT) Programme which was implemented in Northern Ireland in 2008.
Year two
Pharmacotherapeutics for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
Year: 2
Status: C
This module provides the necessary pharmacological knowledge within the context of the underpinning pathophysiology that will enable the healthcare professional to prescribe safely, appropriately, and effectively within a collaborative health care team. It will be offered through a blended combination of e-learning, taught components and threaded discussion with supported group work. Assessment is by a combination of coursework and a synoptic examination.
Medicine Optimisation for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
Year: 2
Status: C
This module will prepare pharmacists to undertake an active role in non-medical prescribing within their specified area of practice. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society prescribing competency framework facilitates this module highlighting the importance of taking a holistic and patient centred approach to prescribing and the importance of working within a team, giving cognisance to the importance of wider systems within healthcare.
Year three
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Development
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will help individuals to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding required to deliver 'Excellent' practice as an Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner, helping to drive forward strategic Health and Social Care (HSC) innovation and transformation initiatives as a strategic leader. The knowledge and skills covered in this module are based on the competencies defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF). Completion of the module will provide some of the evidence required for the Advanced Practice Framework portfolio as required by the RPS.
Research Methodologies for Advanced Pharmacy Practice
Year: 3
Status: C
Well-planned research is essential for increasing knowledge and service development within Health and Social Care. Research design and evidence-based practice require the ability to critically assess published work and have the ability to select an appropriate research method to solve a complex "real life" issue. Students will understand the application and limitations of qualitative & quantitative analysis and have the competence to write a comprehensive research proposal. The knowledge and skills covered in this module are based on the competencies defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF) in the Research and Evaluation competency cluster.
Research Project in Advanced Pharmacy Practice
Year: 3
Status: C
This module provides experience in research philosophy, planning and methodology by relevant literature survey and generation, interpretation and evaluation of original data through the completion of an individual research project. The knowledge and skills covered in this module are based on the competencies defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF) in the Research and Evaluation competency cluster.
Ulster University
Overview:
Ulster University is a public university in Northern Ireland with campuses in Belfast, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, and a dedicated Sports Village. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, as well as short courses and research opportunities. The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation, ranking in the top 10% of UK universities for research impact.
Services Offered:
Ulster University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available at all campuses.Sports Services:
The university boasts a dedicated Sports Village with various facilities and memberships.Student Union:
The Ulster University Students' Union (UUSU) offers a variety of support services and social activities.Student Wellbeing:
The university provides support services for student mental health and well-being.Digital Services:
Students have access to online resources and services through the university portal.Library Services:
The university library offers a wide range of resources and support for learning, teaching, and research.Employability and Careers Advice:
The university provides guidance and support for students seeking employment opportunities.Global Partnerships:
The university offers opportunities for international students and partnerships with other institutions.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Ulster University offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience. Students can expect:
Strong sense of community:
Each campus fosters a welcoming and supportive environment.Active student life:
UUSU organizes various social events, clubs, and societies.Access to facilities:
Students have access to modern facilities, including libraries, sports centers, and accommodation.Opportunities for personal development:
The university offers various programs and activities to enhance students' skills and well-being.Key Reasons to Study There:
High-quality education:
Ulster University offers a wide range of programs taught by experienced academics.Strong research focus:
The university is known for its commitment to research and innovation.Vibrant campus life:
Students can enjoy a diverse and engaging campus experience.Excellent support services:
The university provides comprehensive support services for students' academic and personal needs.Career-focused approach:
The university emphasizes employability and provides career guidance to students.Academic Programs:
Ulster University offers a wide range of academic programs across various faculties, including:
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Life and Health Sciences
Ulster University Business School
The university is particularly strong in areas such as:
Nursing and Healthcare
Business and Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Humanities
Other:
- The university has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
- Ulster University is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The university has a dedicated website for alumni and supporters.
- The university offers a range of online courses and resources.
Applicants must:
(a) have successfully completed an RPS-accredited foundation programme, and
(b) have successfully completed a GPhC-accredited independent prescribing programme; and
(c) must be employed as a pharmacist.
In exceptional circumstances, as an alternative to (a) and/or (b), where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Exemptions and transferability
It may be possible for students to transfer with credit to other programmes at similar level within the University, but this would be at the sole discretion of the receiving course team.
Due to the specific nature of the modules on this programme, students transferring into the programme will be required to undertake all compulsory modules (unless previous qualifications are recognised as equivalent to the modules and are approved through the University’s Accreditation of Prior Learning scheme). Each case of exemption is determined by whether the certificated evidence is commensurate with the learning outcomes within the module(s) for which exemption is sought. All students are accepted in accordance with the Faculty APC/EL Policy.
