The MSc Independent Prescribing, which can be also studied as a certificate, diploma or on a module-by-module basis, prepares nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, junior doctors, radiographers, podiatrists and other allied health professionals to prescribe safely, professionally and in a multidisciplinary healthcare environment
Essential Info
The MSc Independent Prescribing, developed in partnership with the Royal Society of Medicine, meets the relevant continuing professional development standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health Professions Council (HPC).
The programme, which can be studied as an MSc, a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma or on a module-by-module basis, will develop your knowledge of the principles of prescribing, the associated consultation, assessment and diagnosis processes as well as the associated ethical, legal and societal issues, and continuing professional development.
Special features of this course
- This is an innovative award delivered entirely online and by distance learning
- It is offered in partnership with the Royal Society of Medicine so students can be sure that what they learn is clinically relevant. Students may also apply for associate membership of the RSM for the duration of their studies
- Students have the option to study individual modules or continue with their life-long learning in order to gain a certificate, diploma or masters qualification
- The Independent Prescribing Module offers the additional option of studying to become a registered independent prescriber
The award is delivered via a virtual-learning environment. This means:
- There is no requirement for you to attend university
- You can study on a flexible basis
- You don’t have to arrange study leave time with your employer
- There is no need for back fill or travelling expenses
Who is the course for?
At present the programme is open to students who are currently registered and practicing as a prescriber or in a position to be eligible to prescribe in their area of practice. The learning within the modules is designed to support the CPD of existing independent and supplementary prescribers. The course is designed to draw strengths from existing nursing and pharmacy professional practice and develop the application of existing prescribing theory and practice.
Healthcare professionals such as chiropractors and psychologists whose professions have not yet embraced prescribing can learn and evolve the knowledge and skills required for practice. All learning activities are tailored to the individual learners needs and will give the participant a sense of the skills and knowledge that are required for safe and effective prescribing practice.
Our reputation
The Faculty of Health, Sport and Science specialises in providing a wide range of health and social care courses designed to give you the skills, knowledge and attributes to deliver a high standard of care in all contemporary healthcare settings. We are proud to be placed in the top 10 for nursing training within the UK.
Video interview
Kath Elley, divisional head of professional education, talks about this innovative new award.
What You Will Study
At present we offer a range of seven modules. The content of each module is linked directly to professional level prescribing theory and practice and is mapped against the Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF). Each 20 credits costs £667. Payment may be made by instalments.
- The Science of Prescribing – 40 credits. Starts 3rd October 2011
- Communication Skills in Prescribing Consultations – 20 credits. Starts 9th January 2012
- Assessment, Diagnosis and The Consultation – 20 credits. Start 2nd April 2012
- Prescribing Professionally and Safely – 40 credits
- Prescribing in Multidisciplinary Healthcare Environments – 20 credits
- Appraising and Managing Information – 20 credits
- Auditing and Reflecting on Prescribing Practice – 20 credits
RSM Membership
Once you begin your module, you will receive one year’s free RSM Associate Membership (a saving of up to £206 on the usual cost of the joining fee and annual membership subscription). Upon completion of the module, you will receive a £20 discount on your first annual renewal. More details.
If you pay or book for more than one module, each module will provide one year of free membership (up to a maximum of three years). If you are an existing RSM Associate Member, you will receive one year’s free membership per module completed (up to a maximum of three years).
If you are an existing RSM Fellow, then an allowance equivalent to Associate Membership will be put towards your next renewal, for a maximum of three years. Terms and conditions valid until 30/9/12, and may be extended after this time.
Flexible study
The course is designed around your needs, so you can choose an option that best fits your current development needs or your future ambitions. For example:
- Module-by-module – ideal for topping up knowledge in a specific area
- Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits)
- Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- Masters (180 credits)
Therefore to qualify for the MSc, you will need to complete all seven modules.
Want to speak to the course team before applying?
Dr Simon Young is available to answer course related queries every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8.30am to 10.30am. Please call 01443 483086 or email syoung@glam.ac.uk
How You Will Study
This distance-learning course is delivered entirely online. The award is delivered via a virtual-learning environment. This means:
- There is no requirement for you to attend university
- You can study on a flexible basis
- You don’t have to arrange study leave time with your employer
- There is no need for back fill or travelling expenses
An induction module will assist you in appreciating the mode of learning, and outlines your role as a learner through providing you with a feel of what it is like to be a student-at-a-distance. You will have a personal tutor who will provide you with help and support on the subject and academic issues. Full access to learning support form University learning support staff and an IT support package is available to assistance with technical issues. You will also identify a clinical mentor who will act as an assessor; someone who can support you in your studies through your practice in the context of your own work.
Possible Career Options
This MSc will allow you to appreciate the complexity of prescribing in modern healthcare and show employers that you have the skills and knowledge to critically analyse the domains of knowledge that support prescribing.
