Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme PgDip

The Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP) provides theoretical and practical training in key topics relevant to practice in Great Britain. This conversion course is designed to enable overseas-trained pharmacists (non-EU and who are not covered by Directive 2005/36/EC) to become familiar with the practice of pharmacy in the UK.

Graduates will be eligible for a one year pre-registration period in an approved pharmaceutical establishment prior to taking up the Registration Examination of the pharmacy regulator with a view to gaining entry to the Great Britain register of pharmacists (see below for important information on pre-registration training).

What will you study?

You will receive training in in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, pharmacy practice, and pharmacy law and practice.

Important information on pre-registration employment and visas

Completion of this course does not guarantee entry onto the Great Britain register of pharmacists. To register as a pharmacist in Great Britain, OSPAP graduates must undertake a one year pre-registration training period in an establishment approved by the pharmacy regulator and pass the Registration Examination laid down by the pharmacy regulator.

Obtaining a pre-registration placement is the responsibility of the student, and different visa requirements for non EU/EAA citizens.  As visa regulations can change, we advised you to visit the UK Borders Agency and Home Office websites for the latest information on visas and employment.

The School of Pharmacy and Chemistry, which teaches this course, has over 27 academic staff with wide-ranging educational, research and industrial expertise in areas including pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical technology, pharmacology, physiology, and pharmaceutical chemistry. There are also teacher practitioners from hospital and community pharmacies.

There is a healthy balance of experienced and new younger staff with flourishing research interests. This dynamic academic environment fosters an enthusiasm for learning and supports excellence.

Read more.

There are eight 15-credit modules in this course, spread out over the two semesters. Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Semester 1

• Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics

• Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics

  This module provides you with an understanding of:

  • the principles of biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics; and
  • their application in designing various pharmaceutical dosage forms for a safe and effective delivery in vivo.

  It covers various aspects of drug formulation, including preformulation and stability studies, physico-chemical characterisation of a drug, and an excipient.

  
   
• Introduction to Professional Pharmacy Practice in UK

• Introduction to Professional Pharmacy Practice in UK

  This module provides the overseas pharmacist with knowledge of UK law and ethics as relevant to the use of medicines and the practice of pharmacy. Sessions on communication skills and basic IT skills should ensure that all students have the same level in these important core skills.

  The module also provides support for your ongoing study by introducing and developing an electronic Personal Development Plan (ePDP). This will prepare you for the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) pre-registration training and continuing professional development (CPD) once registered as a pharmacist.

  
   
• Provision of Care to Patients

• Provision of Care to Patients

  This module advances your knowledge of conditions commonly treated in practice by pharmacists and issues concerning pharmaceutical public health.

  It teaches you the skills they will need in order to appropriately:

  • respond to symptoms
  • prescribe over-the-counter medicines, including complementary therapies; and
  • provide advice for health promotion activities.

  It further builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in previous pharmacy practice modules in relation to dispensing and counselling.

  
   
• Applied Pharmacology

• Applied Pharmacology

  This module builds upon basic pharmacology to enable you to understand the pharmacology of drugs on a number of common organ systems. It will also consider the applied pharmacology and therapeutics in the major body systems.

  
   

Semester 2

• Biotechnology and Advanced Drug Delivery

• Biotechnology and Advanced Drug Delivery

  This module develops and builds on the knowledge gained from the Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics module.

  You study advanced topics concerning drug targeting and the use of particulate carriers systems. Other key topics covered within this module include:

  • the application of recombinant technology in gene therapy via viral and non-viral systems;
  • processes involved in drug development; and
  • use of radiopharmaceuticals and other biotechnology derived products such as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies.

  You also acquire hands-on practical skills in preparation and dispensing pharmaceuticals in an aseptic environment.

  
   
• Clinical Pharmacy

• Clinical Pharmacy

  This module develops the principles and skills required to practice evidence-based medicine and problem solving as a clinical pharmacist.

  It exposes you to real clinical situations and near-patient learning as you spend a significant proportion of your time in a community or hospital setting as part of your compulsory placements.

  
   
• Application of Evidence to Practice

• Application of Evidence to Practice

  This module helps you to understand how evidence-based medicine is applied in the various aspects of pharmacy practice. It enhances your:

  • knowledge and application of critical appraisal in the evaluation of clinical literature;
  • understanding of decision analysis and clinical decision making; and
  • knowledge and ability in the critical appraisal of health economic data and evaluations.
  
   
• Professional Pharmacy Practice

• Professional Pharmacy Practice

  This module advances your knowledge of legal, ethical and recent practices related to pharmacy eg medicine use reviews and supplementary and independent prescribing.

  It teaches you the skills you will need for professional practice, such as:

  • decision making;
  • minimising dispensing errors;
  • continual professional development;
  • the role of pharmacist as part of the health-care team; and
  • pharmacoeconomics.

  It also prepares you for your pre-registration year. Nearly 25% of the teaching time is spent in practicals and workshops to emphasise these concepts.

  
   

Learn more about the facilities available to you as a student of this course. Find out more...

We want to make sure you get all the support you need while you are with us. Here you can see the range of support we can offer you while you're doing this course.

Find out more...