Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians

This a top-up degree can be started in year 2 or year 3 following completion of other college courses.

Year 2

The emphasis is on foundational pharmaceutical sciences relevant to clinical practice. This includes an understanding of pharmaceuticals that covers the drug journey from discovery to medicine design and use. The foundation modules will focus on the clinical practice pillar to collectively enhance students' understanding of drug formulation, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacological and toxicology principles, and clinical therapeutics, preparing one to effectively support pharmacists in patient care and medication management.

Year 3

The development of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics skills for patient safety, decision-making, and critical thinking as well as evidence-based therapeutics and patient centred clinical outcomes will be explored. Students will learn to interpret investigational data for chronic conditions, enhance their clinical information gathering skills and understand public health roles, with a focus on the three pillars of healthcare professional practice i.e. clinical practice, education and research to improve healthcare.

Year 4

An integration of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics to manage patients with complex needs through evidence-based treatment strategies will be taught. The development of leadership skills and the ability to manage advanced pharmacy services by embedding reflective practice will be explored.  All four pillars of healthcare practice will be incorporated. Students will also learn how to conduct continuous quality improvement in pharmaceutical care and services.

Learning Methods

Teaching and learning activities include an appropriate mix of small and large group teaching, as well as problem-based approaches. Your individual clinical pharmacy practical skills will be developed as teaching design fosters your interpersonal and other professional clinical skills.

Our virtual learning environment, Moodle, will be used for delivery, directed and private study. The variety in approach means that the teaching and learning strategy provides you with a responsive environment to encompass your individual needs and learning style yet also encourage group interaction.

How long is a BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course?

The BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course can be successfully completed in 2 years based on stage 3 entry.

Activity Summary

Indicative group sizes and activity hours:

Year 3

• Online lectures - 20 hours per semester. Lectures are pre-recorded, delivered asynchronously online for you to complete in your own time 
• Webinar - 30 hours per semester
• Facilitated discussion forums - 30 hours per semester
• Independent Study - 250-300 hours per semester

Independent Study

You will take responsibility for your own learning. You will complete the provided course content and read widely from the provided reading lists. You will attend tutorials and complete assignments and work on regular formative activities. Together with teaching activities and independent study this should equate to approximately 12-15 hours-per-week.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The BSc (Hons) CPPT course will be delivered by a team of highly qualified academic professionals who are experts in the various fields of Clinical and Professional Sciences, Pharmacy Practice, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and includes several GPhC Registered Pharmacists. Visiting Healthcare Professionals, including practising Pharmacists are involved in the delivery of specialist elements. E-tutors will provide online support and clinical expertise.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 2

• 2 written exams
• 3 written assignments, including essays and reports

Year 3

• 3 written exams
• 1 written assignment, including essays and reports

Year 4

• 2 written exams
• 1 written assignment, including essays and reports
• 1 eportfolio
• 1 oral assessment

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Job Prospects

With the BSc qualification, Pharmacy technicians will be educated to the SCQF Level 9 (~Skills for Health level 5) and have the potential to competently undertake expanded clinical roles.

With the BSc (Hons) qualification, Pharmacy technicians will be educated to the SCQF Level 10 (~Skills for Health level 6) and have the potential to progress to specialist and leadership roles.

What is needed for a Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course?

Year 2 Entry

• A qualification at SCQF level 7 such as the Diploma Pharmacy Services SCQF level 7 (GR2H 47) or equivalent.
• Work experience is considered on a case-by-case basis by an Academic Team Member. 
• The GPhC also has a work-based experience requirement of a minimum of 14 hours per week over a two-year period.
• Minimum 2-years post GPhC registration or equivalent.
• Applicants must be practising pharmacy technicians.

Year 3 Entry 

• A qualification at SCQF level 8 such as the Scottish Vocational Qualification, SVQ, in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 (GR2C 24) or equivalent.
• Work experience is considered on a case-by-case basis by an Academic Team Member.  
• The GPhC also has a work-based experience requirement of a minimum of 14 hours per week over a two-year period. 
• Minimum 2-years post GPhC registration or equivalent.
• Applicants must be practising pharmacy technicians.

GPhC Fitness to Practise requirements

The GPhC has Fitness to Practise requirements for pharmacy technicians that will apply to GPhC registered candidates. Offers of a place on the Pharmacy Technician course are subject to compliance with these standards and a satisfactory Good Health and Good Character declaration.  

Alternative Qualifications

Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.

The University's requirements in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, though further specific information may be sought from the Course Leader.  

There are a broad range of entry qualifications recognised for pharmacy technician registration by the GPhC or equivalent, which may also be accepted by RGU. If your qualification is not listed, email admissions@rgu.ac.uk with a list of your qualifications and we will review these on a case-by-case basis. 

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 6.0, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.