Advanced Pharmacy Practice

This programme has been designed for hospital pharmacists in Northern Ireland who wish to develop their practice to an advanced level. The course content is based on the capabilities and outcomes specified in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Core Advanced Pharmacist curriculum, and covers the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research.



The programme is open to hospital pharmacists in Northern Ireland who have completed EITHER the PG Certificate in Independent Prescribing and the NICPLD post-registration Foundation Programme; OR the Advanced Pharmacy Practice (with Independent Prescribing) PgDip (which has now closed to new applicants).



In year 1 students cover clinical reasoning and decision making, leadership, education and research and data analysis methods.

Course Structure

Study part-time by distance and work-based learning



Stage 1

Hospital pharmacists who have completed the NICPLD Post-registration Foundation Programme will receive 60 credits for the following modules:



PMY7111 Safe & effective provision of medicines

PMY7110 Promoting public health

PMY7109 Medicines optimisation & proficient patient care

PMY7108 Evidence-based practice & quality improvement



Hospital pharmacists who have completed the Independent Prescribing Pg Cert will receive 60 credits for the following modules:



PMY7070 Person-centred care and collaboration

PMY7071 Disease management

PMY7072 Clinical skills

PMY7073 Professionalism

PMY7074 Learning in Practice



Note: These modules are also coverd in the former Advanced Pharmacy Practice (with Independent Prescribing) PgDip (which is permanently closed for recruitment from September 2024)



Stage 2 (MSc stage)

Students complete the following modules:





Year 1:

Advanced Practice Development

Research in Advanced Practice



Year 2:

Service Evaluation and Development

Entrance requirements



A primary degree in Pharmacy (minimum Bachelor Degree) from an institution approved by the University. Additionally all applicants must:



- be employed as a registered hospital pharmacist in Northern Ireland;

- have completed EITHER:

• the former PgDip Advanced Pharmacy Practice (with Independent Prescribing), OR;

• the NICPLD Post-registration Foundation Programme AND the PgCert Independent Prescribing



Please note: this programme is open only to students who are resident in Northern Ireland by prior agreement between QUB and the applicant's employer.



International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region at https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/your-country/



English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 7.0, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).



International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.



For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.



If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 31st July 2026 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

24 months (Part Time)

Entry Year: Academic Year 2026/27

Career Prospects

Introduction

This Masters programme in Advanced Pharmacy Practice enhances the opportunities for hospital-based pharmacists in Northern Ireland to progress their career to Advanced Practitioner level.