Teaching and assessment
Our distance learning approach with minimal on-campus learning is designed to allow you to study alongside your professional role. Study materials are available online in the Â鶹ӰԺ virtual learning environment. We suggest you will need to spend about 10-15 hours per week studying the course material and undertaking assessment. You will be supported on your postgraduate journey by a highly motivated and experienced team.
Modules in the first (certificate) year are supported by three on-campus study days. Study day requirements for diploma year modules vary.
Our assessment strategy draws from contemporary practice using an inclusive design to meet your needs. It is designed to meet the developing needs of pharmacy professionals and is aligned with current competency frameworks including those developed by the Royal College of Pharmacy. Assessments include portfolio assessments, case presentations, critical evaluation of care, targeted structured reflection, and structured reports. The Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing includes a three station OSCE-style examination, alongside a critical evaluation of patient care and a portfolio assessment.
Pathways
We offer a structured and modular pathway for the PG Cert and PG Dip:
Structured Pathway (recommended) – You will study Professional Practice 1, Applied Therapeutics 1, Applied Therapeutics 2 and Applied Therapeutics 3 modules in the Certificate year and your choice of modules in the Diploma year.
Modular Pathway – You choose the modules that you study. Please note, if choosing the modular pathway there may be limitations on when modules are running within the academic year and this may mean that completing your planned programme of study may take longer than if choosing the structured pathway.
Location of study
Attendance on the induction day, study days and tutorials is strongly recommended.
PG Cert (Year 1) Induction Day, Study Day 1, Study Day 2 delivered on campus
PG Dip (Year 2) Distance learning, online or on campus depending upon module choice.
Please note that course start dates may vary, and that there are a limited number of places available per intake, the programme may close to applications prior to the admission deadline if all places are filled.
Application
The Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing module also has its . Being accepted onto the MSc in Clinical Pharmacy programme does not guarantee a place on the Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing module.
Attendance for certificate year modules
September 2026 intake
Location: Leicester
Induction day: Tuesday 22, or Wednesday 23, or Thursday 24 September 2026
First study day: Tuesday 10, or Wednesday 11, or Thursday 12 November 2026
Second study day: Tuesday 09, or Wednesday 10, or Thursday 11 February 2027
Please note: Case Presentation assessment takes place the week commencing 26 April 2027. Students will be required to make themselves available online in an uninterrupted manner for up to 90 minutes.
January 2027 intake
Location: Leicester
Induction day: Tuesday 19, or Wednesday 20, or Thursday 21 January 2027
First study day: Tuesday 09, or Wednesday 10, or Thursday 11 March 2027
Second study day: Tuesday 15, or Wednesday 16, or Thursday 17 June 2027
Please note: Case Presentation assessment takes place the week commencing 6 September 2027 students will be required to make themselves available online in an uninterrupted manner for up to 90 minutes.
All dates are provisional and may be subject to change.