Medicines Optimisation, PGCert/PGDip/MSc
Get the skills you need to contribute effectively to medicines management and drug therapy decisions with a Master’s in Medicines Optimisation by distance learning.
Medicines optimisation covers the processes and behaviours that determine how medicines are used by patients and the NHS. Effective medicines optimisation places the patient at the centre and acts as a key driver for NHS modernisation in the UK.
Whether you work in primary or secondary care, a GP surgery, a community pharmacy or for a hospital trust, this course provides a full understanding of medicines optimisation in the NHS. Explore how optimisation contributes to getting the maximum benefits for patients and the best value for money.
Study this course by distance learning and choose from a wide range of options to suit the focus of your clinical practice.
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School
Location
Duration
1-6 years distance learning
Start month
September; January; April
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
All of our courses are written by experts and are regularly updated. The course leader is Denise Rabbette, with support from the lead postgraduate administrator for the Medway School of Pharmacy. You will be guided through becoming a fully registered distance-learning student with full access to your learning platform.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
- Applicants must be pharmacists, nurses or allied health professionals (AHPs) registered with the relevant UK professional body and working in the NHS or similar UK-based health system providing direct patient care.
- They must have a first degree in a relevant subject from an EU university. Equivalent qualifications from a non-EU university may be acceptable, but this will be assessed on an individual basis.
- Students must have direct access to patients in order to complete the assignments in many of the courses.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Any offer will be subject to satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and relevant health checks.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
You can apply for any study you have already completed to be recognised where there is a close match to one of our modules (in terms of content and credits).
How you will learn
Learning experience
The course is formed of a series of 5-credit and 10-credit compulsory and optional modules, which are accessed online via a learning platform or website.
Each module comprises a mixture of resources for self-study and case studies plus suggested activities that link the learning directly with your practice. Some online modules consist of video or interactive learning materials.
If you undertake a research project (MSc only), you will receive support from an academic supervisor.
Class sizes
This distance learning course does not take place in a standard classroom, but it is possible to correspond with others who are studying this course remotely.
Independent learning
Distance learning requires the discipline to study independently. You will have to make enough time to meet your requirements and co-ordinate these with your work as required.
Some of our modules are subject-based learning materials, which encourage you to explore the subject in the context of your working environment. Learning activities are sections which invite you to formulate your own response to the situation under study (e.g. patient case study).
If you undertake a research project (MSc), you will conduct a piece of independent work with support from an academic supervisor.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job. For part-time students, this will reduce in proportion with the number of courses you are studying.
Assessment
PG Certificate and Diploma assessment is through work-based case studies and assignments.
5-credit courses are normally assessed by submitting case studies. Additional written work is required for 10-credit courses. You'll receive guidance on word length or any other system of marking.
Feedback summary
University policy is to give feedback on assignments within 15 working days of the coursework submission date.
Examination results will be available within 28 days.
Dates and timetables
Entry points are in September, January and April. You can be registered for a maximum duration of six years.
To complete a full master's qualification in this time, you would need to complete an average of 30 credits each year.
Fees and funding
For courses taught at the Medway School of Pharmacy please visit their postgraduate fees page.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Careers and placements
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
This degree equips you to work more closely with other healthcare professionals in primary care, particularly GPs and CCGs. At the same time, you develop clinical skills in your speciality areas of care and have the opportunity to qualify as a non-medical prescriber.
Do you provide employability services?
This is a work-based programme. You must must already be working in an accredited workplace with an accredited educational supervisor.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
The programme leader and postgraduate administrator will support you during your distance learning.
Once you have started your research project, you will be supported all the way. Your academic supervisor will guide you through the process of structuring and conducting your research, writing it up, and submitting it for examination.
Support from the department
Once you have been offered a place the postgraduate administration team will guide you through the process of becoming a fully registered student at the University of Greenwich.
This support is tailored to distance learners and includes enabling access to your learning materials on the Virtual Learning Environment.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
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Visit our pharmacy degrees page.
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Visit our science degrees page.
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Mode of study
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