MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy Course Handbook

Welcome Message

Welcome to the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) Honours programme. This handbook provides essential information about your course, the University, and support services available throughout your studies.

Pharmacy is a dynamic profession offering diverse career opportunities within healthcare. Our MPharm programme provides the knowledge, skills, and attributes required to become a competent, caring, and forward-thinking pharmacist.

Programme Overview

The MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy is a four-year full-time programme accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Upon completion, you will be eligible to undertake the pre-registration training year required to register as a pharmacist in the UK.

Programme Aims

• To provide high-quality education preparing graduates for professional pharmacy practice
• To develop scientific understanding of drugs and their effects on the body
• To cultivate clinical skills for safe and effective medicines management
• To foster critical thinking and research skills relevant to pharmacy practice
• To instill professional values, ethics, and commitment to patient care

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate comprehensive pharmaceutical sciences knowledge
• Apply clinical expertise to optimize patient outcomes through medicines management
• Communicate effectively with patients, carers, and healthcare professionals
• Apply legal and ethical principles to pharmacy practice
• Utilize evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making

Course Structure

The MPharm programme comprises four years, each building on previous knowledge. The curriculum integrates scientific knowledge with clinical practice, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Teaching Methods

• Lectures: Foundation knowledge from subject experts
• Tutorials: Small group discussions and problem-solving
• Workshops: Practical skills development
• Laboratory sessions: Hands-on pharmaceutical science experience
• Simulation exercises: Clinical scenarios using manikins or standardized patients
• Placement experiences: Learning in real-world healthcare settings
• E-learning: Digital resources for independent study

Assessment Methods

• Written examinations: Testing knowledge and understanding
• Coursework assignments: Essays, reports, and case studies
• Practical assessments: Laboratory skills and clinical competencies
• OSCEs: Assessment of practical skills in simulated clinical scenarios
• Project work: Research skills and application of knowledge
• Presentations: Communication skills development
• Portfolios: Reflection on learning and professional development

Support Services

Academic Support

• Personal Academic Tutors: Regular guidance on academic progress and personal development
• Module Leaders: Available for subject-specific questions and support
• Study Skills Service: Workshops on academic writing and revision techniques
• Library Services: Specialist pharmacy resources and research support

Personal Support

• Counselling Service: Confidential support for personal issues
• Disability Service: Support for students with disabilities
• Financial Advice Service: Guidance on funding and budgeting
• Careers Service: Support with career planning and applications

Resources and Facilities

As a pharmacy student, you will have access to specialized resources:

Pharmacy Facilities

• Model Pharmacy: Simulated community pharmacy for dispensing practice
• Clinical Skills Suite: Simulated hospital ward for clinical practice
• Pharmaceutical Laboratories: For formulation, analytical, and synthetic chemistry
• Aseptic Suite: For sterile product preparation
• Dispensing Laboratory: Equipped with current pharmacy dispensing systems

Library and Digital Resources

• Extensive collection of pharmacy and biomedical texts and journals
• Access to databases including PubMed, Embase, and BNFC
• E-books and online courses
• Study spaces including group study rooms

Regulations and Policies

Academic Regulations

• Attendance Requirements: Attendance at scheduled teaching sessions is monitored
• Assessment Submission: Coursework submission with penalties for late work
• Academic Integrity: Plagiarism, collusion, and misconduct are taken seriously
• Progression Requirements: Criteria must be met to progress between years

Health and Conduct Requirements

• Health Screening: Completion of occupational health screening is required
• DBS Check: Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is mandatory
• Professional Conduct: Adherence to GPhC standards at all times
• Immunisations: Required for clinical placements

Academic Excellence

Research-Informed Teaching

Teaching staff are actively engaged in pharmaceutical research, ensuring learning is informed by latest developments. Research strengths include drug design, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical policy.

Quality Assurance

The programme undergoes regular quality review through annual monitoring, external examiner reports, student feedback, and periodic GPhC accreditation reviews.

Student Engagement

• Staff-Student Liaison Committee
• Module evaluation surveys
• Student representation at programme committee meetings

We hope you find your MPharm studies rewarding and that this handbook provides useful information to support your journey. We wish you every success in your academic and professional development.