Pharmacy - Clinical Pharmacy

Course Outline
MSc Clinical Pharmacy is a two-year, part-time distance learning course specially designed for pharmacists employed in a healthcare setting, who want to enhance their clinical pharmacy knowledge and practice skills. Much of the learning is case-based so scientific and professional elements are integrated. The course is designed to maximise contact between student and tutor while allowing distance learning via the internet and through teleconferences/webinars with experienced medical and pharmacy practitioners.

Possible Exit Awards

Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy (NFQ Level 9, Minor award)
Students unable to complete the full Master's programme may register for the Master's and, on completion of 30 credits (taught modules), may opt to exit the programme and be eligible for the Level 9 award of Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Pharmacy. A student who subsequently applies for the Master's Degree in Clinical Pharmacy must do so within 5 years from the date of successful completion of the Certificate examinations.

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Students successfully completing 60 credits (taught modules) may opt not to proceed to the Research Project and Dissertation (PF6008) and may opt to be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy. A student who subsequently applies to continue to the Master's Degree in Clinical Pharmacy must do so within 5 years from the date of successful completion of the Diploma examinations.

Masters in Clinical Pharmacy (NFQ Level 9, Major award)
Upon completion of the taught modules (60 credits), students will undertake PF6008 Research Project and Dissertation in Clinical Pharmacy (30 credits).

Individual Modules - CPD
As part of UCC's commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD), healthcare professionals may take a one-off module from the list available in this course and be provided with a relevant transcript of marks.

Pathway 1
Pathway 1 consists of 60 credits of taught modules and 30 credits of a research project.

Part I (60 credits)
PF6001 Biostatistics/Critical Appraisal (5 credits)
PF6005 Pharmacoeconomics (5 credits)
PF6006 Pharmacotherapy II: Endocrinology, CNS (Psychiatry/ Neurology), Musculoskeletal, Infectious Disease (15 credits)
PF6007 Pharmacotherapy III: Special Populations (10 credits)
PF6009 Pharmacotherapy I: Renal, Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Disorders (15 credits)
PF6010 Drugs and Therapeutics: Safety, Efficacy, and Rational Use (10 credits)
In Part I, you must take a minimum of 30 credits in the first academic year. You cannot proceed to year 2 of the course unless you have passed year 1.

Part II (30 credits)
PF6008 Research Dissertation in Clinical Pharmacy (30 credits)
The research project is carried out in the workplace under the supervision of an academic supervisor and your workplace tutor. You are expected to develop an understanding of the planning, execution and reporting of a research project. You will also develop problem-solving, project management and presentation skills.

After completion of the taught modules (60 credits), students can opt not to complete the course and be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy.

Pathway 2 (one-year course)

Students take 45 credits as follows:
PF6001 Biostatistics/Critical Appraisal (5 credits)
PF6007 Pharmacotherapy III: Special Populations (10 credits)
PF6008 Research Dissertation in Clinical Pharmacy (30 credits)

Candidates must hold a Primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8 or equivalent) from a School of Pharmacy that is approved by the Programme Committee;

They must be registered with the professional accreditation authority in the country in which they are practising;

Candidates should have practical experience in their area of qualifications of at least one year post-registration;

Candidates must be employed in a healthcare setting;

Applicants may be requested to undergo an interview;

All candidates will be required to have full access to computer and internet facilities and to be computer literate;

In some exceptional circumstances candidates, by virtue of their training and experience may, at the discretion of the Programme Director and the Head of School, be deemed suitable for entry to the degree under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements (Pathway II): In addition to the above the Programme Management Committee may permit graduates holding a Postgraduate Diploma (NFQ, Level 9 or equivalent) in Clinical Pharmacy from an appropriately accredited School of Pharmacy to enter a one year programme. To be considered for entry to this programme, candidates must have completed their Clinical Pharmacy Postgraduate Diploma no later than five years prior to the date of registration for this programme.

Closing Date Open until all places have been filled or no later than 30 June 2024. Early application is advised.

Assessment

This course is assessed using a mixture of continuous assessment (assignments, exercises, multiple choice question exams and clinical case presentations) and written exams. Written examinations take place in UCC at the end of both years. For some modules, there is a clinical case presentation along with the exam at the end of the academic year. Students in year 2 of the course will complete their research project.

Who teaches this course

Our academic staff includes clinical staff from the School of Pharmacy, pharmacists, medical doctors, health economists, pharmacologists and biostatisticians. MSc in Clinical Pharmacy contributing practitioners are identified in each module and contact can be made directly or through the course co-ordinator.

2 years part-time Online.

Start Date 9 September 2024

Skills and Careers Information
If you are interested in becoming a leader in clinical pharmacy services, our course will provide you with the skills you need. These include presentation skills, report writing, critical appraisal of drug therapies and rational drug use, pharmacoeconomic evaluation, research project management and medication safety management.