Pharmacists developing skills and knowledge in advanced practice enabling them to lead, develop and support practitioners across the healthcare system
The University regularly ‘refreshes’ courses to make sure they are as up-to-date as possible.
In addition it undertakes formal periodic review of courses in a process called 'revalidation’ to ensure that they continue to meet standards and are current and relevant.
This course will be revalidated in the near future and it is possible that there will be some changes to the course as described in this prospectus.
The MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice aims to develop the student's competencies as defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF): Expert Professional Practice; Collaborative Working Relationships; Leadership; Management; Education, Training and Development; Research and Evaluation.
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
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
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.
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
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.
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.
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: 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: 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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
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 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.
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.
In this section
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.
Our postgraduate fees are subject to annual increase and are currently under review.
See our tuition fees page for the current fees for 2023/24 entry.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
