This programme is designed for non-UK qualified pharmacists who want to develop advanced clinical skills, with a focus on clinical pharmacy research and healthcare leadership. It’s primarily aimed at overseas pharmacists with at least 2 years of patient facing practice-based experience, helping them build on their expertise to practice at an advanced level. The programme offers an extended placement of 6 months (24 weeks) in hospital settings, integrated into the 18-month programme to support further development in clinical practice.
For this programme we have an exclusive recruitment agreement with our partner UKUD International Education Consultancy. All applications must be made via UKUD using the link provided.
Our masters programme offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy, patient-centred care, and healthcare leadership. It emphasises evidence-based medicine and its role in improving patient outcomes across various healthcare settings.
The course equips you for senior specialist and advanced roles in both academia and clinical practice, providing a strong foundation in leadership and the skills needed to drive change in healthcare. The extended placement in hospital settings will further support clinical skills and practice to drive improvements in patient care and service delivery.
This course will run over 18 months full-time. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each term.
In term one, you’ll be introduced to the key concepts and skills which are routinely applied in a clinical setting, and you’ll learn the principles of evidence-based medicine.
Additionally, you’ll explore leadership and its relationship to change by considering the conceptual frameworks and scholarly practices within which leadership and change is situated and applying these within a contemporary health and social care context.
In term two, you’ll build further on your knowledge of pharmacotherapeutic approaches and rational medicines use in these areas, as well as imparting principles which can be applied in disease states.
You’ll be introduced to topics that are pertinent to conducting research including critical review of published literature, developing a research protocol, research ethics, study design and research methodology.
Communication and clinical skills training within our Interactive Studies Unit will also provide you with background in the systematic approaches around history taking, physical examinations and communication techniques.
In term three you’ll complete a focused research project.
Placements in hospital settings will be integrated throughout the 18 month programme. You will experience a range of practices and services to apply and develop skills to support patient care, service development and delivery.
Our MSc in Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice (International) is an advanced programme offered by the School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with NHS teaching hospitals in the West Midlands. This programme helps you develop the clinical expertise and leadership skills needed to deliver advanced pharmacy services tailored to your home country or pursue a PhD in the UK or abroad.
With state-of-the-art teaching facilities, including clinical skills labs, simulation spaces, and patient consultation suites, you'll benefit from a modern curriculum. Additionally, communication and clinical skills training in our Interactive Studies Unit will equip you with top-tier skills in clinical communication, language, and professionalism.
Alongside being in the Top 100 Universities in the world for Pharmacy in the QS World University Ranking. The University of Birmingham is also ranked as the first choice for leading graduate employers in the UK.
for Pharmacy in the West Midlands. Complete University Guide, 2024
for Pharmacology & Pharmacy. Times, 2024
in the world for Pharmacy & Pharmacology. QS World rankings, 2025
You'll gain practical experience in hospital healthcare settings, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real clinical environments. The course offers training in patient assessment, diagnostic reasoning, and pharmaceutical care planning, preparing you for specialist, senior and advanced roles in hospital pharmacy, clinical practice, and academia.
You'll also participate in innovative research projects alongside leading pharmacy professionals, developing the skills needed to advance your career in research.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly postgraduate students to get their thoughts on our courses, stunning campus and life in a vibrant and cultural city.
The course includes a combination of lectures, seminars, small-group tutorials, and placements. You’ll learn from world-leading academics and researchers at a top 100 UK university. From the outset we’ll encourage you to become an independent and self-motivated learner. This course consists of four taught modules and one research project.
Taught modules - these include lectures, seminars and small-group tutorials. You’ll also receive support to help you address any personal questions or challenges, and to reinforce your understanding of both scientific and professional topics.
Research project - utilises the knowledge and experience gained through the programme (including knowledge of research methods) to answer a relevant research question. This individual research project will allow you to demonstrate higher level skills of analysis, self-direction, independent thought, creativity, and autonomy.
Clinical placements - build on the learning gained through the taught clinical pharmacy topics as well as the problem-based learning sessions to learn appropriate methods (not specific knowledge) to identify and manage pharmaceutical care and medicines optimisation issues for individual patients.
Assessments - these include written exams, coursework, research projects and presentations.
This programme comprises 120 credits of taught material. There is also a 60 credit research project.
The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.
As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.
2026/27 Session
The following modules must be taken. For information on the spread of modules across the duration of the programme, please contact your Department.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 1 | 30 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2 | 30 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical examination skills and on-site clinical practice (Int) | 40 | Semester 2 |
| Leadership and Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods and Practice based project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Structured Reflective Portfolio | 0 | Full Term |
2027/28 Session
The following modules must be taken. For information on the spread of modules across the duration of the programme, please contact your Department.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 1 | 30 | Semester 1 |
| Advanced Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics 2 | 30 | Semester 2 |
| Clinical examination skills and on-site clinical practice (Int) | 40 | Semester 2 |
| Leadership and Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Research Methods and Practice based project | 60 | Semester 2 |
| Structured Reflective Portfolio | 0 | Full Term |
Director of Postgraduate Studies
Staff profile for Mrs Parbir Jagpal, Director of Postgraduate Studies, Programme Director - Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy and Prescribing at UoB.
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
You should have a 2:1 Honours degree (at least 55%- 3 out of 4- GPA) or equivalent in Pharmacy.
You must also be a registered pharmacist in your home country with at least 2 years of patient facing practice-based role.
We also require students to have a DBS check and complete an occupational heath check once in the UK to be able to start their placements.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.
Unavailable for UK applicants - please select your country
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online. International students should be aware that this course doesn’t lead to registration to practice as a pharmacist in the UK.
This programme is now open for applications, but they must be made via our exclusive recruitment partner for this programme, UKUD. Please contact UKUD at app@ukud.co.uk to express your interest in applying.
If you have any questions or an enquiry about the programme content, then you may contact p.k.jagpal@bham.ac.uk
Application deadline for international students requiring a visa. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Our MSc in Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice (International) is designed primarily for international students, helping you develop advanced skills and knowledge to practice at a specialist, or senior or advanced specialist pharmacist level, depending on the requirements of your country's regulatory bodies.
This programme equips you with the clinical expertise and leadership abilities necessary to enhance pharmacy services in your home country, whether in government ministries, hospitals, universities, or other healthcare settings.
This MSc is also excellent preparation for a PhD, either in the UK or abroad.
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.
We are the most targeted UK university by top graduate employers (High Fliers report, The Graduate Market 2025). Our graduate stories highlight the achievements of Birmingham alumni and the way their university experience shaped their journey.
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham is a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.
