Revised Regulations for the Master of Pharmacy Degree Program

1. Overview

The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree is a professional postgraduate qualification designed to equip graduates with advanced knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and drug development. The regulations governing the program were reviewed to align with current industry standards, enhance academic rigour, and ensure graduate competency.

The revised regulations took effect on 1September2025 and apply to all applicants enrolling from that date onward. Existing students will transition to the new framework under a phased implementation plan.

2. Eligibility Criteria

• Academic Background: Applicants must hold a recognised Bachelors degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or a related healthscience discipline with a minimum overall grade of 2:1 (or equivalent).
• Professional Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant professional experience (e.g., community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, industry or research) is now required for direct entry. Candidates without this experience may enter via a provisional Preparatory Year (see Section3.2).
• English Language Proficiency: Nonnative speakers must achieve at least IELTS 7.0 (with minimum 6.5 in each component) or an equivalent test score.
• Regulatory Clearance: Applicants must provide a clean record from the national pharmacy regulatory authority and, where applicable, a recent criminal background check.

3. Curriculum Structure

3.1 Core Modules (120 credits)

All students must complete the following core modules, each worth 15 credits unless otherwise noted:

1. Advanced Pharmacokinetics & Pharmacodynamics (15)
2. Clinical Pharmacy Practice (15)
3. Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design (15)
4. Pharmacoepidemiology and Outcomes Research (15)
5. Regulatory Affairs & Ethics (10)
6. Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance (10)
7. Research Methodology & Statistics (15)
8. Professional Placement Yearlong (30)

3.2 Optional Modules (30 credits)

Students select two of the following elective modules (15 credits each) to tailor their expertise:

• Biopharmaceutics & Formulation Development
• Advanced Clinical Pharmacy in Oncology
• Pharmacoeconomics & Health Technology Assessment
• Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
• Pharmacogenomics

3.3 Preparatory Year (For Candidates Lacking Professional Experience)

Applicants who do not meet the professional experience requirement may enrol in a 60credit preparatory year comprising:

• Pharmacy Practice Foundations (15)
• Introduction to Clinical Pharmacy (15)
• Professional Skills and Communication (15)
• WorkBased Learning Project (15)

Successful completion grants eligibility to progress into the standard Master programme.

4. Assessment & Grading

All modules are assessed through a combination of written examinations, coursework, laboratory reports, and a final dissertation (or equivalent project) worth 30 credits.

Grading Scale:

Students must achieve a minimum overall average of 50% to be awarded the degree. Failure in any core module can be remedied by a resit examination within six months of the original assessment date.

5. Program Duration

The standard route (including the mandatory professional placement) spans two academic years (four semesters). The preparatory year adds an additional year for those who require it, making the total duration three years. Parttime study is permitted at a rate of 50% of fulltime credit load, extending the programme accordingly.

6. Completion & Certification

Upon successful completion of all required credits, assessments, and the professional placement, graduates will be awarded the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree. In addition, the programme provides eligibility for registration with the national pharmacy board, subject to passing the boards licensing examination.

Graduates may also apply for the following postgraduate recognitions:

• Certified Clinical Pharmacist (CCP)
• Registered Pharmaceutical Scientist (RPS)
• Specialist in Medicines Optimisation (SMO)

7. Appendix

7.1 Transition Arrangements

Students currently enrolled under the previous regulations will be permitted to complete their studies under the older framework, unless they opt to transfer to the revised structure. Transfers will be subject to academic standing and may require supplemental coursework.

7.2 Appeals Process

Any student who wishes to appeal an assessment decision must submit a written appeal to the Academic Appeals Committee within 15 calendar days of the result notification. The committee will render a decision within 30 days.

7.3 Contact Information

For further clarification, please contact the Programme Office:

• Email: pharmacyprogramme@university.edu
• Phone: +15551234567
• Office Hours: MondayFriday, 9:00am 4:00pm