Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice MSc
Aston University
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

Aston University

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Study mode

Online

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

Aston University

Study mode

Online

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Pharmacology & Pharmacy
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Course info

Course SummaryThis course is for you if you are looking to build upon the Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy to gain an MSc. This qualification provides the necessary critical, analytical and evaluation skills to understand the research process including ethical and risk assessment issues. This course is accredited by the CMHP.Professional accreditationAll our Psychiatric Pharmacy courses are accredited by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy (CMHP).Course outline and what you will studyOur one ...Read more

Course Summary

This course is for you if you are looking to build upon the Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy to gain an MSc. This qualification provides the necessary critical, analytical and evaluation skills to understand the research process including ethical and risk assessment issues. This course is accredited by the CMHP.

Professional accreditation

All our Psychiatric Pharmacy courses are accredited by the College of Mental Health Pharmacy (CMHP).

Course outline and what you will study

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

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 psychiatric pharmacy practice of specific interest to you.

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.

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 psychiatric 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.

Learning, teaching, assessment and staff

Assessment is in three parts:

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 10,000 and 15,000 words in length. Included in that word limit are an abstract (maximum 300 words) and an executive summary (maximum 1500 words). Independence of thought and action within the research process and effectiveness of timekeeping will all be assessed.

Your future 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 practicing or aiming to practice 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.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
77/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
25th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
39th
What students say
E
Emma
06 Feb 25

I think overall, it is a nice place to study and there are quite a number of good and useful facilities. I just think there may be problems with engagement of the student body..Read more

S
SABAH
06 Feb 25

There is a lot of student support available and the staff are very active and adamant on helping students with facilities to improve English, maths and writing skills. Events are..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Students need to have 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. 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.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£3,720 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

The mentioned fee is 2023/24 entry, there may be slight increase in 2024/25 entry.

£3,720 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The mentioned fee is 2023/24 entry, there may be slight increase in 2024/25 entry.

£3,720 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The mentioned fee is 2023/24 entry, there may be slight increase in 2024/25 entry.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

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E
Emma
06 Feb 25
Pharmacy MPharm MPharm (Hons)
I think overall, it is a nice place to study and there are quite a number of good and useful facilities. I just think there may be problems with engagement of the student body...
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SABAH
06 Feb 25
Pharmacy MPharm MPharm (Hons)
There is a lot of student support available and the staff are very active and adamant on helping students with facilities to improve English, maths and writing skills. Events are...
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Uni info

Aston University
Aston Triangle Birmingham B4 7ET United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Birmingham Moor Street  0.3 miles away
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