Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice

Program Overview

The Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice MSc program at Aston University is a one-year, distance learning program that equips students with critical research skills and prepares them for doctoral-level studies or advanced clinical practice. Students undertake an independent research project under the supervision of an experienced researcher and are assessed on their research proposal and final project. The program emphasizes ethical considerations and develops transferable skills such as collaboration, communication, and time management.

Program Outline

Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice MSc

Degree Overview:

• Duration: One year
• Start dates: January 1 and July 1
• Entry requirements:
• Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy from Aston University or equivalent (research methods module desirable)
• Employment as a mental health pharmacist specializing in the treatment of people with mental illness
• Limited number of places based on supervisor capacity and academic ability
• Lead supervisor and programme director: Ian Maidment

Objectives:

• Successfully complete an independent research project
• Gain an understanding of applied research in the NHS
• Widely disseminate research to an academic and lay audience

Course Description:

• This program equips students with critical, analytical, and evaluation skills to understand the research process, including ethical and risk assessment.
• It involves practice research and project management, culminating in a project proposal suitable for publication.
• Students receive supervision from an experienced researcher who helps develop their research skills and abilities and assists with research dissemination.
• Students are expected to demonstrate a growth mindset, critical thinking, ambition, and the ability to apply their learning.

Outline:

• Research Project
• Students undertake an independent research project related to their area of interest in clinical mental health pharmacy practice.
• Through this module, students learn the skills needed to conduct independent research projects, from conception to completion, including research methods development, and writing and communication skills.

Assessment:

• The program assesses students based on their
• research proposal
(2,000 words) and
• final research project
(8,000-12,000 words).
• The proposal is evaluated for content, research question, study design, ethical considerations, professional conduct, and implications.
• The project is assessed for theoretical understanding, critical analysis of research literature, research question or hypothesis, experimental design, data handling, analysis, and interpretation.
• Additionally, independence of thought and action during the research process and timekeeping are also evaluated.

Teaching:

• Students receive individual supervision from an experienced researcher, who guides them throughout the research project and assists with publication preparation.
• This program is delivered online through distance learning, providing flexibility for students.

Careers:

• This program helps develop the research component of students' practice, preparing them for doctoral-level studies.
• It supports students in fulfilling requirements for advanced-level or consultant-level practice within the NHS.
• Graduates may pursue research-focused careers or advance in clinical settings as consultant pharmacists.

Other:

• Students will develop transferable skills like collaboration, communication, time management, and independent study skills.
• The program emphasizes ethical considerations within research.
• Aston Pharmacy School holds a Regius Chair in Pharmacy awarded by HM the Queen.
• Aston University is located in Birmingham and has a diverse student population from over 120 countries.

UK students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,900 International students(2024/25) Annual tuition fees: £3,900