Advanced Pharmacy Practice - Online

Overview

Pharmacists developing skills and knowledge in advanced practice enabling them to lead, develop and support practitioners across the healthcare system.



Summary

The Advanced Pharmacy Practice (APP) MSc course (60 credits) is based on the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Core Advanced Pharmacist curriculum, which encompasses the four pillars of clinical practice, leadership and management, education and research. The clinical practice, leadership and management, and education pillars are delivered by NICPLD, and the research pillar is delivered by the university.



Students can be admitted onto the MSc programme through Accreditation of Prior/ Certified Learning having met the learning outcomes of the following modules from programmes successfully completed at NICPLD or equivalent institution.



• Foundation Pharmacist Programme

• Pharmacotherapeutics for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers

• Medicine Optimisation for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers



An opportunity for accreditation of prior learning (APL) is available - please contact the Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning Development (NICPLD) at NICPLD-Post-Reg@qub.ac.uk for more information.



About

This course is offered as a two-year, 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 semesters one and two of year one, students will complete the 20-credit Advanced Practice Development Module (delivered by NICPLD).



Semester two of year one students will complete the 10-credit Research Methodologies for Advanced Pharmacy Practice module, which will result in a project proposal being submitted.



Students will undertake their 30-credit Research Project in Advanced Pharmacy Practice in year two over semesters one and two.

Year One

Foundation Pharmacist Programme



Year Two

Pharmacotherapeutics for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers

Medicine Optimisation for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers



Year Three

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Development

Research Methodologies for Advanced Pharmacy Practice



Year Four

Research Project in Advanced Pharmacy Practice

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.



An opportunity for accreditation of prior learning (APL) is available - please contact the Northern Ireland Centre for Pharmacy Learning Development (NICPLD) at NICPLD-Post-Reg@qub.ac.uk for more information.



Students will need support from their employer to undertake the work-based practice activities, and to develop a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that they have achieved the capabilities and outcomes of the RPS Core Advanced Pharmacist Curriculum.



The initial application process, and the funding application process, for this workforce development programme, is managed by NICPLD. Please see https://www.nicpld.org/courses/advance/ for more details.



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.

Attendance

The course is a part-time distance learning programme delivered as a combination of webinars, self-directed learning and work-based practice activities. 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 Date: September 2025.

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 candidates to the senior roles within 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 professional development for pharmacists have increased within the framework for progression set out by the NHS "agenda for change" which follows a clearly defined structure 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 and some have 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.