Robert Gordon University Master of Pharmacy Overview

The role of the modern pharmacist has evolved greatly in recent years, making it a hugely varied and rewarding profession.

Pharmacists advise on and deliver the latest in cutting-edge treatments and medicines to millions of patients every day. Whether on the frontline of the NHS as a community pharmacist, working on a hospital ward, in a GP practice, in research or within industry, pharmacists are an integral part of the healthcare team. Pharmacy offers a challenging and patient-focused career path.

Robert Gordon University’s Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) course produces effective practitioners with the knowledge and skills to deliver the very best pharmaceutical care for patients underpinned by sound scientific principles. This is achieved through a student-centred approach, developing you as a life-long learner and reflective practitioner. An emphasis is placed on inter-professional learning where you will learn with and from other professions such as medicine, dentistry, nursing and allied healthcare professions.

At Robert Gordon University you will develop an understanding of how the body works; the effects of disease; how drugs are made, delivered to and affect the body; and importantly, how to achieve shared decision making with patients that ensures the maximum benefit from medicines with the minimum incidence of side effects.

Facilities

You will benefit from studying in our new purpose-built facilities, particularly Robert Gordon’s Pharmacy Simulation Centre. The modern, state-of-the–art chemistry, formulation, biomedical and microbiological laboratories will allow you to develop the fundamental scientific skills which underpin modern pharmacy practice.

What you will study

Robert Gordon’s Master of Pharmacy course has three strands: The Pharmacist, The Patient, The Medicine, which are introduced separately and then become increasingly interlinked and developed over four years. The emphasis is on preparing graduates for a profession undergoing change, and to reflect the need for continuing professional development and life-long learning.

Development of generic transferable skills, including numeracy, communication, IT and presentation skills, is an embedded element within all of the taught subjects and reflective practice is undertaken through the use of a personal development e-portfolio.

Year 1

The emphasis is on science relevant to pharmacy and the skills required to both complete the course and for professional practice. An insight into the profession of pharmacy covering the drug journey from discovery to pharmaceutical care and prescribing is offered.

Year 2

The science becomes more applied with the study of biochemistry, therapeutics, pharmaceutical microbiology and the design and manufacture of medicines and their supply within a professional and legal framework.

Year 3

The concepts developed in previous years are consolidated with further integration of the strands; The Patient, The Medicine and The Pharmacist. An approach to professional practice is developed that promotes the improvement of health outcomes alongside further development of therapeutics, integrated with a strong science base emphasising quality assurance. The skills necessary to conduct a research project in year four are introduced.

Year 4

The skills, knowledge and attitude necessary for the demands of a dynamic profession are strengthened using an integrated approach to pharmaceutical care, public health, professional service development and practice including prescribing, and students undertake an individual research project.

Clinical Work Experience

Placements take place in a variety of settings, both on and off campus, where you will have the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge acquired in the course. These interactions with experienced pharmacists, other healthcare professionals and patients will allow you to develop your professional skills including reflective practice through the use of an e-portfolio.

Entry Requirements

Completed high school Diploma to include Chemistry plus two further sciences from Maths, Physics or Biology (Human Biology) at Grade B or above. Advanced English (or subject requiring the use of English) should be achieved at a minimum of Grade C.

Ontario high school diploma with average of 65% in 6 U/12 subjects, just include 70% in Chemistry and one further science

Professional Recognition

The course is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Therefore on graduation, provided you comply with Fitness to Practice requirements you will be eligible to undertake a pre-registration year. At the end of this you will have to demonstrate various competencies and pass a registration assessment to be eligible to register as a pharmacist with the General Pharmaceutical Council.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their local credentialing body for re-entry pathways. The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) is the national certification body for the pharmacy profession in Canada. Upon returning, students must go through an evaluation procedure with the PEBC.

Robert Gordon University Undergraduate Entry latest news

QAA Quality Mark for Robert Gordon University

A team of QAA reviewers visited the university and judged that it has effective arrangements for securing academic standards and enhancing the student learning experience.

The positive review identified a number of examples of good practice. These include:

• The proactive approach RGU takes to establishing strong relationships with employers and professional, statutory and regulatory bodies for the benefit of students. These relationships complement the curriculum, are recognised and valued by staff and students,
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RGU professor receives CAIPE Honorary Fellowship

A Robert Gordon University (RGU) professor has been recognised by the organisation which promotes Interprofessional Education (IPE) across the UK.

Professor Lesley Diack from the university’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences has been awarded one of the first honorary fellowships of the Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE).

The prestigious award was made on Thursday, June 16 at CAIPE’s Annual General Meeting in London. …

First UK Doctorate of Physiotherapy Course Launched at RGU

Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched an innovative Doctorate of Physiotherapy (DPT) course which meets professional development needs and is the first of its kind in the UK.

Devised by RGU’s Physiotherapy team, the new three-and-a-half year course will produce physiotherapists with clinically applied doctoral research skills and workplace experience.

The university’s MSc physiotherapy course has a well established reputation for employable, experienced graduates both in the UK and internationally. DPT graduates will have all of these attributes in addition to highly sought-after doctoral level research skills. …

Travel Guide – Aberdeen Scotland

Travel Guide – Aberdeen, Scotland

Known throughout Scotland as the granite city, Aberdeen has a thriving cultural and commercial life. The city also offers easy access to Royal Deeside in the Cairngorms to the west, sandy beaches to the north and Speyside whisky country to the northwest.

See
Overlooking the busy harbour, the Maritime Museum includes a replica of a North Sea oil platform. Some galleries are in the Provost Ross’s House, …

Robert Gordon University Recognized for Quality of Student Experience

A national survey in the UK has recognized Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen as providing its students with one of the best student experiences in both Scotland and the UK.

The Times Higher Education (THE) UK Student Experience Survey ranked RGU as providing the third best student experience in Scotland behind St Andrews and University of Dundee.

RGU was also ranked third equal in the UK for the quality of its facilities, …