Community Pharmacy

At Keele we offer a number of flexible options for you to achieve a postgraduate award that is relevant to you if you are working in Community Pharmacy practice. All courses are delivered by distance learning. Some options also include the Independent Prescribing Preparatory Course.
Course for Pharmacists
1. Open Learn Pathway to Certificate, Diploma and MSc Awards
You would choose this pathway to study for the following awards:
Certificate in Community Pharmacy (Open Learn)
Diploma in Community Pharmacy (Open Learn)
MSc in Community Pharmacy (Open Learn)
Professional MSc course – includes the Diploma in Community Pharmacy (Open Learn) plus 3 modules: Research Methods, Advanced Practice Development, Independent Study Project
This is a flexible pathway that allows you to choose the modules that you study for the Certificate and Diploma awards using options from the CPD Plus+ and CPD Plus+ Open Learn portfolio.
Community Pharmacists can choose from the options shown below. Further information about the content of each module can be found on the Postgraduate Modules pages.
The 5 credit CPD Plus+ options are particularly relevant if you are involved in providing a prescribing advice service to a GP practice. The 3 modules for the MSc are compulsory.
Postgraduate Course and Module Options – Community Pharmacy Programme
Open Learn Pathway (all courses and modules are available to study as stand-alone).
CPD Plus+ 5-credit courses:
Managing Angina*
Managing Asthma
Managing COPD*
Managing Depression*
Managing Diabetes*
Treating Individuals*
Managing Dyspepsia*
Managing Heart Failure*
Managing Hypertension*
Managing Infections*
Managing Joint Diseases*
Managing Osteoporosis*
Managing Palliative Care*
Managing Substance Misuse*
Managing Women’s Health*
Rational Prescribing*
Communication Skills*
Patient-Prescriber Partnerships in Medicines Taking*
Developing Your Skills in Critical Appraisal*
Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Governance*
Ethical Issues in Health care and Prescribing*
PACT in Practice*
Licensing and Drug Development*
Hazards of Drug Use*
Monitoring Treatment*
Pharmacology and Biochemistry*
Adv Practice Development (PhwSI) 15C
Independent Prescribing (60 credits)
Medicines Use Review
CPD Plus+ Open Learn Modules
*Available as 5, 10, 15 and 30-credit options
CPD Plus+ 15-credit courses:
Communication and Consultation Skills*
Clinical Pharmacy for Medicines Management 1*
Clinical Pharmacy for Medicines Management 2*
Promoting Health through Community Pharmacy*
Working with Prescribers in Primary Care*
Developing and Delivering High Quality Services
Advanced Practice Development (Pharmacists with Special Interests PhwSI) (15 credits)
CPD Plus+ Open Learn Modules
*Available as 30-credit options (depending on the topic chosen)
CPD Plus+ Open Learn modules allow you to negotiate the learning outcomes of the module with your Keele tutor, within the requirements that are necessary for a 5, 10, 15 or 30-credit module.
For example, you may wish to focus your studies for the Open Learn Certificate Award on developing your clinical knowledge and skills in relation to medicines management beyond that of the 15 credit CPD Plus+ fixed content module. In this case, you may choose to do so by negotiating a 30-credit Open Learn version of the module with your tutor as part of the overall 60 credits that you require for the Certificate in Community Pharmacy (Open Learn).
2. Pathway to Diploma and MSc awards that includes Independent Prescribing
You would choose this pathway to study for the following awards:
Diploma in Community Pharmacy (Independent Prescribing)
MSc in Community Pharmacy (Independent Prescribing)
Professional MSc course – includes the Diploma in Community Pharmacy (IP) plus 3 modules: Research Methods, Advanced Practice Development, Independent Study Project.
This is a flexible pathway that allows you to incorporate the Independent Prescribing Preparatory Course for Pharmacists within the Community Pharmacy Diploma and MSc academic awards. You can achieve this by first completing the Certificate course described above to gain the Diploma in Community Pharmacy (Independent Prescribing).
The 3 modules leading to the MSc are compulsory.
Registration Options
Our flexible approach to study offers you the following options:
1. Apply for a named award route
Register for a full academic year for the postgraduate Certificate award (60 credits)
Register for 2 academic years for the Postgraduate Diploma award (120 credits)
2. Apply on a module-by-module basis, under CPD Plus+ and CPD Plus+ Open Learn. Further information on the modules available can be found on our Postgraduate Module pages.
If you register in this way, Keele will keep a record of your achievements and inform you of your award options as you progress through your studies. If you have any questions on the pathways, or need other information, please contact us:
Amanda Salt: 01782 733570
a.salt@keele.ac.uk
Sharon Warren: 01782 734207
s.l.warren@keele.ac.uk