Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice

The Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice is a workplace-based programme aligned to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS) Post-registration Foundation Pharmacist Curriculum (2021). This programme builds on the knowledge and skills gained during the PGCert, expanding capabilities in leadership, management, and independent problem-solving, preparing pharmacists to confidently tackle complex pharmaceutical challenges in practice.

Overview

The programme is designed to enable pharmacists to become confident and adaptable practitioners with wider capability, including enhanced consultation, clinical examination, and digital literacy skills. It contributes to the professional vision of pharmacists as medicines experts across all sectors, delivering safer, more effective, and cost-efficient care to improve health outcomes.

How You'll Learn

You will benefit from a blended learning experience that combines face-to-face teaching with interactive online activities. Workshops, directed and self-directed study, and workplace-based assessment will support you to develop your professional portfolio. As a workplace-based learning programme, placements are part of your employment prior to enrolment, and you will require the support of an Educational Supervisor in your workplace.

Diploma Modules

There are three diploma modules designed to prepare you for more senior pharmacist roles. These focus on key areas such as:

• Evidence-based medicines
• Formulary management
• Audit
• Medication safety
• Research You will apply this learning to your own area of practice to produce a detailed critical appraisal, quality improvement project, and research proposal.

Collaboration with NHS Pharmacy Services

This collaborative programme between local NHS pharmacy services and the University provides the opportunity to gain experience and feedback that will inform your personal development plan.

Sponsorship and Self-Funding

You may be sponsored by your employer or may choose to self-fund. If you are being sponsored, you should ensure funding is in place prior to submitting an application, as places cannot be held in the event of funding not being secured.

Provisional Timetable

A provisional timetable is available, and the timetable for the next academic year will be published provisionally during the spring term.

Application Information

Applications open in late October/early November for the main intake in January. If you are interested in applying after the deadline, please note that sometimes a waiting list is operated if applicants withdraw at the last minute.

Entry Requirements

Before You Apply

1. Confirm Professional Entry Requirements:
   • A pharmacy degree (BSc, BPharm, or MPharm).
   • Registration as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.
   • A practice-base with access to a workplace educational supervisor.
2. Complete a Statement of Purpose:
   • The statement should be between 300 and 500 words, supporting evidence of meeting the entry criteria and determining your preparedness to undertake the programme of study.
3. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Checklist for foundation programme.
   • Workplace-based learning declaration.
   • Proof of funding (if applicable).
   • Self-funding declaration (if applicable).

How to Apply

1. Access the University's Online Application Portal.
2. Select Your Programme Choice:
   • PGDip Pharmacy Practice (part-time).
3. Complete All Required Fields and Upload Documents.
4. References:
   • Provide details of one academic and one non-academic referee, or two non-academic referees if you have not completed postgraduate study.

Structure

Year 1

You must have completed the PGCert Pharmacy Practice (or 60 academic credits of an equivalent and comparable programme).

PGDip (without Prescribing)

Each of the diploma modules is 20 credits.

• Introduction to Evidence-Based Medicine (PMMPD1): Introduces concepts of evidence-based medicine, literature searching, critical appraisal tools, and economic review.
• Introduction to Quality Improvement in Healthcare (PMMPD2): Develops skills in promoting quality through audit, change management, and service improvement.
• Introduction to Research: Provides core knowledge of research methodologies and good research practice required to write your own research proposal.

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland Students: £1,500 (£500 per module).
• Flexible/Modular Study: Charged on a pro-rata basis. Fees will increase each year according to inflation (up to 4%) and will be rounded up to the nearest £50.
• New International Students: Not applicable - this course is only open to UK applicants.

Additional Costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs.

Financial Support for Your Studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Applicants can be fully or partly sponsored by their employer to undertake the programme.

Careers

Our programmes are based on developing your professional competence and confidence. You will have the opportunity to network with other healthcare professionals from a range of employers and sectors to identify future career options. We can offer advice to help you meet your professional regulator revalidation requirements and/or leadership body credentialing processes, and support you in building a personal learning plan to enhance your career prospects.

Related Subjects

• Healthcare
• Pharmacy

University of Reading

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Overview:

The University of Reading is a public research university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation and its commitment to providing a high-quality student experience.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Reading offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various subject areas, including:

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Ancient History, Archaeology, Art, Classics, Creative Writing, Drama, English Language and Applied Linguistics, English Literature, Film and Television, History, Languages and Cultures, Linguistics, Museum Studies, Philosophy, Theatre & Performance, War and Peace Studies.

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Accounting, Business and Management, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing, Economics, Education, Finance, Healthcare, International Development, International Relations, Law, Marketing, Politics and International Relations, Psychology, Public Policy, Real Estate and Planning, Social Policy, Strategic Studies, Teaching.

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The University of Reading has a strong research focus and is ranked among the top universities in the world for its research output. It also has a strong commitment to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area.