Psychiatric Pharmacy

MSc

Build upon the knowledge gained from a Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy to gain an MSc and develop the necessary critical, analytical and evaluation skills to understand key research processes including ethical and risk assessment issues.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Part-time, Online / distance learning
Entry requirements
Duration

One year

Start date

Course overview

Our one-year research MSc Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice programme is available to you if you have previously completed the PgDip Psychiatric Pharmacy course here at Aston or equivalent. This single 60-credit module will enable you to convert your Diploma (where you will have obtained 120 credits) to an MSc (where you will then obtain 180 credits in total).

Start dates are January 1 and July 1. Students are advised to contact the lead supervisor at least 2 months before the start date.

Lead supervisor and programme director: Ian Maidment

 

Why Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice at Aston University?

Cerficate
Internationally recognised Pharmacy School
Aston University's Pharmacy School is the only in the UK to hold prestigious Regius Chair in Pharmacy awarded by HM the Queen
Book and pen
Specialist skills
Gain critical, analytical and evaluation skills to understand the research process, including ethical and risk assessment issues
Graduation cap and certificate
Supplement your knowledge
Top up for Psychiatric Pharmacy PgDip graduates

Course description

Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice MSc

This module will equip you with the necessary critical, analytical and evaluation skills necessary to understand the research process thoroughly, including ethical and risk assessment issues. It provides experience of practice research and project management together with preparation for submission for publication.

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What we will provide
Supervision from an experienced researcher to help you develop your research skills and abilities, and support with the publication and dissemination of your research. 

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What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success comes from applying yourself.  You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

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What skills we teach
Learn the skills to conduct an independent research project, from initial conception to developing research methods to successful completion.  You will also develop key written and verbal communication skills.

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Career prospects
The MSc will help you to develop the research pillar of your practice, and several of our graduates have gone on to doctorate-level study.  The MSc can support you in fulfilling the requirements for advanced-level or consultant-level practice.
 

What you will learn

You will undertake supervised, but independently executed, practice research and be encouraged to integrate and apply the skills acquired during the PgCert and PgDip courses to investigate in depth an area of clinical mental health pharmacy practice of specific interest to you.

In addition to the knowledge gained on this course, you will develop the following skills:

  • The ability to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries in the field of Mental Health Pharmacy practice research
  • Learn to communicate effectively to academics as well as students
  • Learn good writing skills and the ability to complete an ethics proposal for submission to an ethics committee
  • Develop the ability to study independently and employ good time management.

Course objectives

  1. To successfully complete your own independent research project.
  2. Gain an understanding of applied research in the NHS.
  3. To widely disseminate your research to an academic and lay audience.

Modules

You will study the following core module:

Module TitleCredits
Research Project60
Total60

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

Employment

The student will normally be employed by the NHS and will be on a career path as a mental health pharmacist specialising in the treatment of people with mental illness

Postgraduate qualifications

We welcome applications from candidates interested in our course who have the skills and capability to excel. All candidates are considered on an individual basis based on their qualifications, experience, references and motivation. Requirements include:

  • A Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy from Aston University or equivalent is essential, with a research methods module a desirable option.
  • Students will normally be employed by the NHS and will be on a career path as a mental health pharmacist specialising in the treatment of people with mental illness.
  • Please be aware that places are not guaranteed and will be limited by supervisor capacity, academic ability and treated on a first come, first served basis.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be considered for applicants who express an interest in direct entry to the Diploma or MSc.

For further information about the eligibility requirements please contact the course director. The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor. This course is part of the Aston Pharmacy School which sits within the College of Health and Life Sciences.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

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Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£3,900

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£3,900

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

Your assessment will consist of:

  • A research proposal: You will be required to submit a research proposal of approximately 2,000 words. This will be assessed for appropriateness of content; proposed research question and design of the study together with ethical issues; professional conduct and implications of the results.
  • The research project: This should demonstrate a detailed theoretical understanding and a critical appraisal of the relevant research literature. It should include an appropriate research question or hypothesis, plus suitable experimental design, execution, data handling, data analyses and interpretation in a systematic and accurate manner. The project should usually be between 8,000 and 12,000 words in length. Independence of thought and action within the research process and effectiveness of timekeeping will all be assessed.

Career prospects

The certificate is the first stage for pharmacists in becoming a specialist mental health pharmacist. It is also undertaken by mental health nurses to increase their knowledge base especially those practising or aiming to practise as non-medical prescribers. General practitioners and psychiatrists, as well as graduates working in the pharmaceutical industry have also been past students.

The diploma is frequently a requirement for specialist clinical mental health posts in the NHS. “Specialist status” as deemed by Membership of the College of Mental Health Pharmacy is also increasingly expected for higher level clinical posts in the NHS. The Diploma forms part of the pathway for this accreditation.

The MSc (research project) is designed to help students develop their career either within practice or academia. Consultant pharmacist posts, in the NHS, are all required to have a research component. 

The qualification can also help students looking to undertake a PhD.

Alumni

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first step in developing your research project?

Students should develop a research question based on their applied experience. They should then discuss the research question with the supervisors to understand whether it would be suitable for a research project.

If you are interested in the programme and want to discuss your research idea, please contact the lead supervisor Professor Ian Maidment.


 

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

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