University of Leicester

What you'll study

This Graduate Diploma combines taught modules, practical clinical skills training and a workplace-based learning portfolio. Core areas include clinical assessment and diagnostic reasoning; consultation and clinical examination skills; safe and effective prescribing across common disease areas (for example respiratory, cardiovascular, diabetes, infections, pain and mental health); medicines optimisation and de-prescribing; pharmacology and therapeutics; legal, ethical and professional frameworks for prescribing; and clinical governance and risk management.

Learning is delivered through a blended approach of online modules, face-to-face workshops and clinical skills sessions. Students compile a supervised practice portfolio demonstrating achievement of the required learning outcomes under the supervision of a designated medical practitioner (DMP) or suitably qualified prescriber. Assessment typically comprises a written portfolio, case-based assignments, and practical clinical assessments such as observed structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) or workplace-based assessments.

Entry requirements

• Current registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (or equivalent regulator if applying from outside the UK).
• Demonstrable post-registration experience in pharmacy practice; programmes usually ask for at least a period of recent, relevant practice experience.
• Evidence of employer support for protected learning time and access to appropriate clinical practice opportunities, including agreement from a designated medical practitioner or another qualified prescriber to supervise workplace learning.
• Good standard of previous academic attainment (a UK MPharm degree or equivalent); some applicants may be asked to provide a transcript and evidence of recent CPD.
• Satisfactory fitness to practise and occupational health clearance where required; applicants may also need to provide references.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the independent prescribing qualification that enables them to prescribe autonomously within their competence and in accordance with professional guidance. Typical career pathways include advanced clinical pharmacist roles in primary care networks and general practice, clinical prescribing pharmacist posts in hospitals, specialist clinic pharmacist roles (for example diabetes, respiratory, cardiology), community pharmacist prescribers offering extended services, and leadership roles such as prescribing lead or clinical pharmacist manager. The qualification also supports portfolio careers that combine patient-facing prescribing with education, research or service development.

Why study at University of Leicester

• The programme is delivered by the University of Leicester's established health sciences teaching teams with experience in pharmacy education and clinical prescribing training.
• Blended learning design combines online study with practical clinical skills sessions and access to clinical simulation facilities to build hands-on competence.
• Emphasis on workplace-based learning and personalised supervision ensures alignment with real clinical practice and employer needs; staff provide support in developing the supervised practice portfolio required for qualification.
• Interprofessional learning opportunities and links with local NHS providers help students prepare for prescribing roles across primary and secondary care settings.
• The curriculum is aligned with professional standards for pharmacist independent prescribers and focuses on safety, medicines optimisation and patient-centred care.