Professional Doctorate in Pharmacy (DPharm)

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This part-time, flexible programme is a professional doctorate equivalent to a traditional PhD, which aims to develop experienced, working registered pharmacists into effective researchers through successful completion of appropriate distance e-learning material, a systematic review of an agreed research theme and a workplace based research project relevant to their area of practice. Due to the flexible nature of the programme this research can be done part-time to fit around working patterns.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Taught, combined research and taught

Study Options: Part time

Duration: 4 years part time for students who already hold a relevant MSc qualification; 5 years part time for students who hold a relevant PG Diploma; 6 years part time for students with minimum entry qualifications (PG Certificate).

Start date: October 2011 onwards - students can start the programme at any time throughout the year

Details

The programme aims to develop experienced, employed registered pharmacists into effective researchers through successful completion of appropriate taught modules. Including research training, a systematic review of an agreed research theme and a workplace-based research project relevant to their area of practice as agreed with their academic supervisor and the College. As confirmed at local, regional and national (DH) levels successful completion of the proposed DPharm would optimise the candidate's position to achieve Consultant Pharmacist status within the NHS and further the research base in Pharmacy Practice and Medicines Management.

Why study this course

The DPharm is titrated to the needs of the individual candidate and is designed to develop their research skills in their own chosen specialities. The individual candidate has expert tutors and mentors who work with them throughout the programme to support their learning and teaching.

Modules

These are selected from the wide range available in the College of Medical and Dental Sciences on the basis of the educational level of the candidate on entry and their needs to conduct effective research in their chosen area. The taught composition of the programme is agreed through a learning contract with each candidate.

Fees and funding

2011/12 course fees

UK/EU  Part-time - £1965 per year

Learn more about fees and funding

Entry requirements

Please note that this programme is only open to UK/EU applicants.

This programme is open to those with a Pharmaceutical degree normally classified at 2(i) or above or equivalent. Successful applicants will have a Postgraduate award at Certificate, Diploma or Masters level in an appropriate discipline. Employment with an appropriate body agreeing to host workplace based research is essential.

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

As a Birmingham student, you will be joining the academic elite and will have the privilege of learning from world-leading experts, as well as your peers. From the outset you will be encouraged to become an independent and self-motivated learner. We want you to be challenged and will encourage you to think for yourself.

This programme uses multiple methods of teaching such as - distance learning, campus based teaching days, individual tutorials and workplace-based research.

You will have access to a comprehensive support system that will assist and encourage you, including personal tutors and welfare tutors who can help with both academic and welfare issues.

Assessment methods

Any taught modules taken (which are individual to a given candidate) will be assessed by the particular strategy for that material and are outlined on the website. The assessment of the research components of the DPharm include expert review of a submitted written research proposal, panel review of a systematic review and viva voce examination of a final written thesis.

Employability

Careers Support for Postgraduate Students

Careers Network – We can help you get ahead in the job market and develop your career

We recognise that as a postgraduate student you are likely to have specific requirements when it comes to planning for your next career step. Employers expect postgraduates to have a range of skills that exceed their subject knowledge. Careers Network offers a range of events and support services that are designed for all students, including postgraduates looking to find their niche in the job market.

Here are just a few ways in which we can help postgraduates to get ahead:

  • Careers Networking opportunities
  • Effective careers strategy toolkit
  • Year planner for all postgraduate students
  • Masters Career Coaching Workshops
  • One to one careers guidance

The Careers Network also have subject specific careers consultants and advisers for each College so you can be assured the information you receive will be relevant to your subject area. They also have a dedicated careers website for international students where you can find useful resources and information.

Quotes

“We have hired some fantastic Birmingham graduates and postgraduates in the past, and believe that they have the experience and intelligence to understand the challenges of working with Procter and Gamble.”

In an independent survey, over 75% of employers regarded a postgraduate Masters-level qualification as ‘essential’ or ‘preferred’ when recruiting. ‘Talent Fishing: What Businesses want from Postgraduates’ A CIHE Report for Department of Business Innovation and Skills, March 2011.

For more information visit the Careers Network website.