Course descriptionOur PGCert in Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Assurance is aimed at pharmacy, health and biomedical professionals working in the technical services for the NHS or private sector organisations who want to update their skills and knowledge while gaining an academic qualification.This three-year part-time course allows you to choose from a range of optional units to enable you to develop in your chosen field of interest. Some units allow you to learn alongside students from other healthcare disciplines.Some of the topics covered by the course are radiopharmacy, aseptics, formulation sciences, production and clinical trials.You will learn from experts from the NHS and industry, who deliver lectures and workshops as part of the course.You will also be able to apply what you learn in practical workshops and visits to and placements in NHS and industrial environments.AimsWe aim to provide you with an understanding of core principles and features of clinical pharmaceutical science and professional training.Successful completion of the course will enable you to:critically apply knowledge of pharmaceutical technology and quality assurance to a range of specialist medicines management areas in pharmaceutical technology and quality assurancecritically analyse evidence to make judgements regarding complex quality assurance issues in pharmaceutical practicelead on enhancing the achievement of standards and upholding necessary standards and legal requirements in specific areas of practiceapply in-depth knowledge and experience of techniques for evaluating and managing the risk to patients from pharmaceutical technology and quality assurancetake a proactive and self-reflective role in work.Students who complete the full MSc qualification will achieve the objectives for the PGDip, and will also critically and creatively evaluate current issues in practice and conduct research that advances pharmaceutical technology, quality assurance and decision-making related to patient care.Teaching and learningThis is a residential and distance learning course. Units will include a compulsory taught component delivered in Manchester that is supported by extensive experience achieved in the workplace and on visits to specialist facilities.We use a blend of online and face-to-face methods. This will include small group tutorials, workshops and experience-based learning. You will have a nominated tutor at the University and your practice base to provide guidance on work-based activities and written assignments.You will engage in work-based learning and demonstrate this to the academic team by producing portfolios of evidence detailing your experiences gained during each visit or placement.Career opportunitiesCompleting this course will help you develop your chosen career path within the pharmacy profession by gaining advanced clinical knowledge, problem solving skills and a critical awareness of the role of pharmaceutical services within the workplace.