ObjectivesThe overall objectives of this programme embrace: * To develop students clinical knowledge base, expertise and skills in evidence-based practice, specialist therapeutic areas and to continue their professional development; * To provide an in-depth knowledge and understanding of disease processes and the principles underlying the rationale use of medicines in the treatment of disease; * To widen access to postgraduate study in management of medicines; * To develop research skills and to enable students to use these skills in the design and implementation of research projects; * To encourage students to become independent learners with the necessary skills to undertake continuing professional development throughout their careers in pharmacy, medicines management or as prescribers. * To develop students knowledge of evidence-based use of medicines in the treatment and prevention of disease; * To prepare students for practice as medicines managers. Please look at the course content below that enables students to achieve the objectives.
Entry requirementsAn applicant for this programme should meet the following requirements: 1. Hold a pharmacy degree with at least a lower-second class honour, overall score > 60% or average grade-point average (GPA) > 2.50 from an institution recognised by the applicant's own country; 2. Where the applicant's language is not English, provide evidence of English proficiency, i.e. an average IELTS score > 6.0 or equivalent, according to the Postgraduate Module/Programme Boards. Although working experience is not required for this course, we would like an applicant to have at least one-year experience in pharmacy practice, i.e. hospital or community pharmacy placements or teaching in the area of clinical or pharmacy practice. This will help you better contribute to group discussions, share ideas with your classmates and complete all coursework with good results and feedback.
Academic titleMSc Pharmacotherapy and Medicines Management
Course descriptionThis one-year MSc programme has been specially designed for international and home/EU pharmacists who wish to extend their knowledge and skills in clinical pharmacy, pharmacotherapy and medicines management. It requires attendance in class at Sunderland Pharmacy School and is most suited for full-time students.
The term, 'medicines management' was officially coined in the UK by the working group of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC) in 1998. It generally refers to a practice that enables health care professionals and patients to make the best possible use of medicines by maximising all benefits and minimising relevant risk. This covers all aspects of medication use, i.e. prescribing, dispensing, administering, monitoring and patient's drug use with adherence. Medicines Management is therefore an important part of prevention and management of disease. Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals have a key role in improving patient outcomes through medicines management. This process includes care plans for recommendation of drug therapy, monitoring for efficacy and safety of medicines use and educating patients, family and carers in order to improve medication adherence. There are many websites and sources of information about Medicines Management, such as the National Prescribing Centre (www.npc.co.uk) and National Health Service (NHS, www.nhs.uk).
Regarding pharmacy practice in Britain, medicines management is equivalent to pharmaceutical care, which was originated in the US. Thus, this course focuses on medication use and pharmaceutical care provision for patients, but it does not involve the management of drug products, procurement, human resources or financial issues that are usually taught in an MBA or pharmacy management programme.
Course Content
In order to be awarded an MSc, students need to pass all modules of 180 credits that include core modules (150 credits) and optional modules (30 credits). As they have different backgrounds and interests, they will be allowed to choose three out of six modules that account for 30 credits.
Core modules (150 credits)
* Evidence-based Practice PHMM30 (15)
* Clinical Biochemistry PHMM31 (15)
* Research Methods PHMM45 (30)
* Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics PHMM47 (60)
* Research Investigation PHMM48 (30)
Optional modules (selected 30 credits)
* Anticoagulation PHMM39 (10)
* Dermatology PHMM40 (10)
* Infection PHMM41 (10)
* Natural Health Products PHMM42 (10)
* Palliative Care and Oncology PHMM43 (10)
* Public and Population Health PHMM44 (10)
Teaching and Assessment
In this programme, teaching is through open learning, lectures, seminars, group work and structured practical experience, and is delivered by staff from the University of Sunderland with some lectures from clinical specialists.
Assessment varies depending upon the module studied includes written examination, coursework, reports, oral presentations and portfolio, case studies, critical appraisals as well as OSCE and a research report. The research project requires you to investigate a topic of practical relevance to healthcare.
Students will use a mixture of paper and internet-based materials (distance-learning units or workbooks) covering all aspects of the syllabus, while much of the reference material is provided and guidance as to the sources of other material is detailed. This material will continue to be authored by University of Sunderland staff and expert practitioners and be validated by experts in the field.
Career Opportunities
Most students graduated from this course will return home and apply their knowledge and skills acquired from the study to improve their work and pharmacy practice in the home country.
Based on the new British visa regulation, students will be able to work in the UK with a post-study visa for two years. Some students go for part-time jobs as pharmacy assistants in community pharmacy or hospital, researchers in national and international drug companies, or scientific officers in MHRA and regulatory affairs. Others who prefer to get registered as British pharmacists will pursue the Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Science (OSPAP) programme and go through one-year pre-registration training. However, few students do their second postgraduate courses or further their study in PhD programmes with or without scholarships in the UK. On the whole, with this MSc degree you can either apply your knowledge and skills to your pharmacy practice or further your study to achieve your career goal.