UNIVERSITY of Bradfordschool of Life Sciencesschool of Pharmacymsc in Community Clinical

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of Life SciencesSchool of PharmacyMSc in Community Clinical Pharmacy

Awarding and teaching institution: / University of Bradford
Final award: / MSc
[Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level M]
Programme title: / MSc in Community Clinical Pharmacy
Duration: / 2-4 years to Diploma.
Masters level, maximum of 3 years after
completing the Diploma.
Distance learning.
Date produced: / June 2010
Last updated : / July 2010

Introduction

This course is run by the School of Pharmacy, which scored 23/24 (Excellent) in the latest subject review of teaching quality and received an internal award of excellence for Investors in People. It has a unique 5-year practice-integrated undergraduate programme with a high percentage of pharmacy practice teaching and strong links with community pharmacies.

The course is designed for practising Community or Primary Healthcare Pharmacists to help prepare them for the exciting new roles detailed in the NHS programme for pharmacy. It is distance learning in nature, and as such is designed to be:

• Convenient (a formal education and training programme when practice commitments will allow);

• Cost effective (the pharmacist continues to work while completing the course);
• Relevant (applied immediately to the pharmacists work);
• Flexible (the pharmacist can study at a rate appropriate to their other commitments)

The content is directed towards the delivery of patient focused, economical, evidence based pharmaceutical care, with the option to develop management skills. To support this, there are two core modules – Personal Development Planning and Commissioning and Negotiating for Pharmacy Services. The optional modules include Management of People in Organisations, a key skill within community pharmacy, as well as six clinical modules that cover many of the chronic disease states and the most commonly presenting symptoms in a community pharmacy.

Programme Aims

The programme is intended to:

A1. further develop the students’ knowledge, confidence and skills in order to provide pharmaceutical care to patients with commonly presenting symptoms / diseases

A2. promote a critical understanding of the factors that impact on NHS commissioning and the influence of negotiating

A3. provide the opportunity to develop the skills required to manage people in organisations

A4. encourage an independent and reflective approach to learning and development which is sustainable beyond the programme of study

A5. integrate with a practitioner’s continuing professional development

A6. address the criteria to meet clinical governance requirements

Programme Learning Outcomes

Postgraduate Certificate

When you have completed the programme you will be able to:

LO1.systematically apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of common diseases in order to be able to advise on their therapeutic management

LO2.through a patient history, analyse and assess complex issues and communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences

LO3.collect, analyse and critically review data in order to formulate pharmaceutical care plans

LO4.demonstrate a conceptual understanding of the place of research evidence in influencing clinical practice, through the ability to independently search for and critically evaluate different types of evidence

LO5.critically analyse and evaluate prescribing practice and make appropriate recommendations

LO6.apply skills in problem-solving, self-management and autonomous learning

LO7.have the option to demonstrate a critical understanding of the factors that impact upon and influence human behaviour in organisations

Postgraduate Diploma

In addition to the above, when you have completed the programme you will be able to:

LO8. demonstrate comprehensive understanding of NHS commissioning and negotiating

LO9.develop a reflective approach to learning

LO10.develop a critical awareness of their development needs

Postgraduate Masters

In addition to the above, when you have completed the programme you will be able to:

LO11.develop critical understanding of the research process by undertaking an in-depth piece of research in an area relevant to their own pharmacy practice.

Curriculum

The course consists of two 10-credit core modules, a choice of five from seven 20-credit optional modules and a 60-credit core dissertation. Personal Development Planning (core) will run throughout the Diploma and encourage an independent and reflective approach to learning whilst enabling students to develop critical awareness of their own developmental needs. Commissioning and Negotiating for Pharmacy Services (core) is the final module on the Diploma and will develop a critical understanding of NHS commissioning, in order to support the continued implementation of the knowledge gained throughout the course in professional practice.

Successful completion of the first 60 credits leads to the award of a Postgraduate Certificate, with the completion of a further 60 credits leading to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma. Eligible students may complete to a masters level by undertaking project work (60 credits) and submitting a written dissertation.

Alternatively, students may register as an Associated Student and study an individual module.

Each 10 credits provide the student with 100 hours of learning, involving reading the distance learning material, self-assessment activities and task-based assignments.

Students can study modules at their own pace i.e. they can take 1 to 2 years to complete the Postgraduate Certificate and 2 to 4 years to complete the Postgraduate Diploma. The Master Level will take another 1 to 3 years to complete.

Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level
POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE LEVEL
Three from the following seven optional modules:
PH9965D / Gastroenterology / Optional / 20 credits / M
PH9966D / Pain / Optional / 20 credits / M
PH9967D / Dermatology / Optional / 20 credits / M
PH9969D / Respiratory / Optional / 20 credits / M
PH9970D / Endocrinology & Cardiology / Optional / 20 credits / M
PH9961D / Psychiatry & Neurology / Optional / 20 credits / M
MAN4247D / People in Organisations / Optional / 20 credits / M
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA LEVEL
Five from the above seven optional modules plus:
PH9974M / Personal Development Planning / Core / 10 credits / M
? / Commissioning and Negotiating for Pharmacy Services / Core / 10 credits / M
MASTER LEVEL
All the above plus:
PH9973Z / Dissertation / Core / 60 credits / M

The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.

Teaching and Assessment Strategies

(See Appendices for Teaching and Assessment maps.)

The learning undertaken in order to be able to achieve the desired outcomes is predominantly student-centred, distance learning which is practice-based.

The teaching and learning methods used on this programme allow you to demonstrate the requirements of ‘M’ level within the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, namely that you are ‘able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively’ and ‘show originality in tackling and solving problems’. The University’s Teaching and Learning mission statement ‘making knowledge work’ is applied in this programme through the use of task-based assignments, which are linked to the your practice as a community pharmacist.

There is a core Personal Development Planning module which you will undertake over the whole period of the programme, enabling you to develop key skills and reflect on the learning process.

Assessment is based 100% on coursework, reflecting the practice-based nature of the course. The assessment strategy of the course includes both formative and summative assessment. Self-assessment within modules is used as a form of formative assessment. Students are given case studies and self-assessment questions which they may choose to complete, depending on their preferred learning style. The summative assessment methods used assess whether the knowledge has been understood and how the student has applied that knowledge to achieve the learning outcomes.

Assessment Regulations

This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:

The exception to these regulations is that, in order to pass a module the student must achieve a mark of greater than 40% in ALL elements of coursework. There is no compensation allowed (ref. SLS CART CCR Minutes 4th May 2005 Pt. 2.2)

Admission Requirements

The course accepts students twice a year (time of intakes may vary). In addition to fulfilling the university’s general entrance requirements you will also need to fulfil the following specific requirements:

• Registration with the RPSGB

• Access to patients in Primary Care

The University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application. Most important in the decision to offer a place is our assessment of a candidate’s potential to benefit from their studies and of their ability to succeed on this particular programme. Entrance requirements for each programme will vary but consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and other relevant experience.

If you have prior certificated learning or professional experience which may be equivalent to parts of this programme, the University has procedures to evaluate this learning in order to provide you with exemptions from specified modules contained within the curriculum. Please talk to us if you do not fit the standard pattern of entry qualifications.

The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have some form of disability you may wish to contact the programme leader before you apply.

Learning Resources

The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist libraries in the School of Health and the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians for each School provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment, and will help you organise your references properly.

Student PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal information and course-related materials this way.

Staff are on hand during the daytime to help you if you get stuck, and there is a 24/7 IT helpline available.

There is a librarian with specific responsibility for distance-learners who can provide additional support with issues around IT access and reading materials.

Student Support and Guidance

The university and department have a well-deserved reputation for support and guidance. All members of staff operate an open door policy in order to allow you to talk to any member of staff about academic or personal issues.

All students are allocated a tutor for the PDP module, which runs throughout the length of the programme. General queries about the programme should be directed to the Course Secretary. Queries to do with aspects of a particular module e.g. distance learning material and assignments should be directed to the Module Assessor. Any queries that cannot be satisfactorily answered elsewhere should be directed to the Programme Leader.

You will also be supported by an Induction Pack, which contains general information about the programme, specific information about individual modules, additional reading references and staff contact details. Information on the following is provided to ensure students have the generic knowledge required to enable them to complete the coursework: clinical governance and audit; medication review and pharmaceutical care planning (with examples of pharmaceutical care plans); finding, understanding and appraising clinical and economic evidence and putting it into practice.

There is an Induction Day for all new students. This provides students with information about university facilities and the structure and content of the programme. Workshop sessions cover I.T. and literature searching skills, pharmaceutical care planning and personal development planning.

Stage Evaluation Questionnaires and feedback from individual modules are used to enable continual feedback and development to meet the needs of the students.

Course Team

Support for you personally and in your course of study, will be provided both by the University and the Course Team. You will be allocated a personal tutor who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your course tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries.

Students’ Union

We value the feedback provided by students and collaborate with the Students’ Union, through a system of course representatives and formal staff student liaison committees, so that any issues you wish to raise are addressed rapidly.

The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues such as council tax, personal safety and tourist information. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.

The Hub, Student Support Centre

The Hub, Student Support Centre provides a central reception where students can receive information, advice and guidance on a whole range of topics about their life at University. The Hub is located in the Richmond Building adjacent to the Atrium.

The teams located within The Hub:

• Accommodation

• Admissions
• Education Liaison
• Enquiries
• Student Administration and Support
• Bursaries and Financial Support
• Finance and Credit Control Group
• Payzone
• Records and Tuition Fees
• International Office
• Customer Service Team

+44 1274 232233

Careers and Employability

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career Development Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the web site

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of programmes there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

All students on this course are already employed as pharmacists. Should you wish to discuss future prospects in your career, please contact the programme leader, who will put you in touch with the most relevant member of staff with whom to discuss your situation.

Learner Development Unit

The Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements the individual support available from Advisers and the wide range of interactive online materials.

Disability

Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or via email:

University policies and initiatives

Ecoversity

Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see

This programme aligns with the School of Life Sciences policy to provide opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for sustainable development practices and to develop a responsible professionalism.

The Induction Pack introduces the concept of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the UNESCO principles. It discusses the expanding role in public health that community pharmacists have and directs the student to a reference, written specifically for pharmacists, outlining the link between health improvement and sustainable development. The Induction Pack also highlights how community pharmacies are ideally placed to contribute to local health improvement and reduce the impact of health inequalities, being a key resource for the promotion of health, social-inclusion and well-being. Students are referred to Pharmacy Health Link, which has produced a range of evidence based resources to provide pharmacists and their staff with background information to help them to lead by example. These resources examine key influences associated with sustainable development and its potential impact on health.

Within all six optional clinical modules, the distance learning material highlights to students how the principles of ESD can be applied to the provision of pharmaceutical care to patients with the clinical conditions covered within the module. Students are asked to consider their role in providing health advice to current generations and how this can impact on sustainable development and so improve the health of future generations. Students will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their application of these principles through the Pharmaceutical Care Plans.