Expand+To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

If English is not your first langua...

Hide-To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

If English is not your first language this course requires a minimum English level of IELTS (academic) 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

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.

Visit ulster.ac.uk/englishrequirements for more details.

This course is open to international (non-EU) students.

For full entry requirements please see "Course Web Page" below.

Expand+The MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice aims to develop competencies as defined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Advanced Pharmacy Framework (APF): expert professional practice; collaborative working relationships; leadership; management; education...

Hide-The MSc Advanced Pharmacy Practice aims to develop 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.

You will 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:

- Foundation Pharmacist Programme
- Pharmacotherapeutics for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
- Medicine Optimisation for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers

In semester one you 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 you will undertake a 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.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

Expand+Year one
Foundation Pharmacist Programme
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...

Hide-Year one
Foundation Pharmacist Programme
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 two
Pharmacotherapeutics for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
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.

Medicine Optimisation for Pharmacist Independent Prescribers
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 three
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Development
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.

Research Methodologies for Advanced Pharmacy Practice
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.

Research Project in Advanced Pharmacy Practice
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.

Expand+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 w...

Hide-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 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.