Clinical Pharmacy MSc

This programme will support you to become a confident independent learner and critical thinker and will embed the principles of quality improvement and using research to develop an evidence base. You’ll be supported to enhance your consultation and communication skills and to make decisions in complex clinical situations that may be acute or chronic. This will include an understanding of risk and how it can be managed or mitigated through appropriate quality management and clinical governance frameworks. You will embed the principles of shared decision making and multidisciplinary team-working in your practice.

The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is committed to developing the knowledge and skills needed for a pharmacist to improve health outcomes and health care for patients. Top-quality teaching relies on academic and clinical expertise of pharmacy practitioners and clinicians.

You will be taught in a variety of ways. A blended learning approach has been taken, which includes face-to-face study days, experiential learning, directed study, on-line activities and self-directed study. The exact nature of your learning will be dependent upon the modules selected.

Attendance at study days will be dependent upon the modules chosen, but all students will attend the initial 3 day study block in September held in Birmingham, a 2 day study block at the beginning of October held in Cardiff either in year 1 or 2, and other study days either held in one of the four teaching centres (North Wales, South-East Wales, South-West Wales or Oxford) or in Cardiff, depending upon which modules are undertaken.

Throughout all modules there is a particular emphasis on identifying your own specific learning needs to direct your independent study and to ensure the module is relevant to your own practice. Application of knowledge and skills in practice is the core of each module. 

How will I be assessed?

Assessments measure professional, academic and/or clinical practice. Many modules include formative assessments (assessments which do not count towards the module mark) which are intended to provide you with feedback and an indication of your progress. 

Methods of summative assessment (assessments which count towards the module mark) vary depending upon the module and their specific learning outcomes. Methods include portfolios, oral presentations, objective structured clinical examination, written assignments such as posters, patient management problems, reflective assignments and analytical reviews. Where there is an experiential practice component of the module, an assessment of your practice will be completed by an accredited tutor. These tutors are trained, supported and guided by the University academic staff.

Attendance at Cardiff University will be required for some compulsory assessments, for example the Objective Structured Clinical Examination and the poster presentation.

We will provide you with feedback on your work in a variety of formats. These will include oral feedback and electronic written feedback on assessed coursework. The opportunity to understand and use feedback constructively will also be provided through meeting with your personal tutor. During your experiential practice you will be supported in your progress by an accredited tutor who will provide verbal and written feedback on your practice.