The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (PgD Specialty Pharmacy) is an advanced, professional qualification designed for healthcare practitioners who wish to enhance their expertise, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in the management of specialised pharmaceutical therapies. This programme equips learners with the skills and knowledge required to manage complex treatments, optimise patient outcomes, and deliver high-quality care in specialty pharmacy settings.
Learners will explore a comprehensive curriculum covering advanced pharmacotherapy, specialty medication management, patient-centred care, medication safety, risk assessment, and pharmacovigilance. The course also emphasises research methods, evidence-based practice, leadership, and ethical considerations, preparing learners to make informed clinical decisions and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary healthcare teams. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, learners gain the confidence and competence to manage high-risk, complex therapies and provide specialised pharmaceutical care to diverse patient populations.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure they have competent and qualified staff with substantial expertise in specialty pharmacy and clinical practice. Additionally, centres are required to provide up-to-date learning resources, facilities, and support systems to facilitate high-quality teaching and learner success. This ensures that learners receive a rigorous, postgraduate-level educational experience aligned with international standards.
Ideal for pharmacists, clinical practitioners, and healthcare professionals working with specialised therapies or aspiring to advanced practice roles, the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy offers a pathway to professional recognition, career progression, and continued CPD in this highly specialised and evolving area of healthcare.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (PgD Specialty Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (PgD Specialty Pharmacy), offers 120 Credits, requiring a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 1200 hours, including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH).
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC30110- 1 | Advanced Specialty Pharmacotherapy and Clinical Practice | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30110-2 | Patient Assessment and Disease Management in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30110-3 | Medication Safety, Risk Assessment, and Pharmacovigilance in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30110-4 | Patient-Centred Care, Communication, and Ethics in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30110-5 | Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30110-6 | Leadership, Quality Improvement, and Professional Development in Specialty Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (PgD Specialty Pharmacy):
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be at least 21 years old at the time of enrolment.
Educational Background:
- A recognised Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or a closely related health or life sciences discipline is required.
- Applicants with equivalent professional qualifications or substantial relevant experience may also be considered.
Professional Experience:
- A minimum of two years of practical experience in pharmacy, clinical practice, or managing complex therapies is recommended to provide adequate context and readiness for postgraduate-level learning.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners whose first language is not English should demonstrate proficiency through an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent) to ensure effective engagement with course content and assessments.
Commitment to CPD:
- Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to lifelong learning and CPD, maintaining and enhancing professional competence in specialty pharmacy.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners must have access to reliable internet connectivity, appropriate IT equipment, and any necessary learning materials or workplace facilities to fully participate in the programme.
These requirements ensure that learners are equipped to succeed in this highly specialised postgraduate programme while maintaining the highest professional and academic standards.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (PgD Specialty Pharmacy):
Advanced Specialty Pharmacotherapy and Clinical Practice
- Analyse complex pharmacological therapies, including biologics, oncology, and rare disease treatments
- Optimise therapeutic regimens for specialised patient populations
- Apply advanced clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes
- Manage therapy-related complications, drug interactions, and high-risk medications
- Integrate evidence-based strategies into specialty pharmacy practice
Patient Assessment and Disease Management in Specialty Pharmacy
- Conduct comprehensive patient assessments for complex conditions
- Develop personalised care plans based on clinical evaluation and patient needs
- Monitor treatment efficacy and adjust therapy as required
- Apply chronic and acute disease management strategies in specialty care
- Promote continuity of care and patient self-management
Medication Safety, Risk Assessment, and Pharmacovigilance in Specialty Pharmacy
- Implement risk assessment strategies for safe prescribing and administration of specialty therapies
- Monitor, report, and manage adverse drug reactions effectively
- Apply pharmacovigilance principles to enhance patient safety and regulatory compliance
- Develop protocols to minimise errors and optimise therapy outcomes
- Foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement in specialty pharmacy
Patient-Centred Care, Communication, and Ethics in Specialty Pharmacy
- Employ advanced communication skills with patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams
- Address barriers to understanding, including cognitive, cultural, and emotional factors
- Apply ethical principles and professional standards in specialty pharmacy practice
- Support patient adherence and education for complex therapies
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to optimise outcomes
Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice in Specialty Pharmacy
- Design and conduct research projects relevant to specialty pharmacy
- Critically appraise and interpret clinical and scientific literature
- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse research data
- Integrate research findings into clinical decision-making and patient care
- Promote innovation and evidence-based improvements in specialty pharmacy services
Leadership, Quality Improvement, and Professional Development in Specialty Pharmacy
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within pharmacy teams
- Plan and implement quality improvement initiatives in specialty pharmacy services
- Apply ethical and professional decision-making in leadership roles
- Mentor and support colleagues in professional development and CPD activities
- Develop and manage personal CPD plans to maintain advanced competence in specialty pharmacy
This advanced postgraduate qualification is designed for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, advance their career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in specialty pharmacy.
Pharmacists Specialising in Complex Therapies
- Practising pharmacists aiming to deepen their knowledge of specialty pharmacotherapy, including biologics, oncology, and rare disease treatments
- Professionals seeking to optimise high-risk therapy regimens and improve patient outcomes
Healthcare Practitioners in Specialty or High-Risk Settings
- Clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals managing patients receiving complex therapies
- Multidisciplinary team members looking to contribute more effectively to specialised patient care and treatment monitoring
Professionals Aspiring to Leadership Roles
- Individuals preparing for senior or specialist positions in specialty pharmacy or clinical services
- Learners seeking a recognised postgraduate qualification to support career progression and advanced clinical practice
Researchers and Academics in Pharmacy and Specialty Therapies
- Professionals interested in conducting research and applying evidence-based practice in specialty pharmacy
- Those wishing to integrate clinical research findings with practical patient care for complex therapies
International Learners and CPD-focused Professionals
- Global pharmacy professionals seeking an internationally recognised Level 7 qualification in specialty pharmacy
- Learners committed to lifelong learning and CPD to stay updated with advancements in complex pharmacotherapy and patient-centred care
To ensure learners receive high-quality education and achieve successful outcomes, centres delivering this qualification must meet the following detailed requirements:
Qualified and Experienced Staff
- Employ trainers, assessors, and internal quality assurers with recognised Level 7 or higher qualifications in pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, or related healthcare disciplines
- Ensure staff have substantial practical experience in managing complex therapies, including biologics, oncology, and rare disease medications
- Provide ongoing professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date clinical knowledge and teaching skills
- Staff should be capable of mentoring learners through advanced clinical, research, and leadership content
Comprehensive Learning Resources and Materials
- Provide access to up-to-date textbooks, journals, clinical guidelines, and digital platforms relevant to specialty pharmacy
- Supply case studies, patient scenarios, and practical tools that support applied learning for complex therapies
- Ensure all learning materials align with Level 7 postgraduate standards and unit learning outcomes
- Include resources for research methodology, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement initiatives
Appropriate Facilities and Equipment
- Maintain suitable classrooms, laboratories, or virtual learning environments for effective delivery of postgraduate programmes
- Provide reliable IT infrastructure, stable internet connectivity, and multimedia tools to support blended or online learning
- Ensure access to specialist resources, simulation tools, or clinical environments required for practical specialty pharmacy training
- Provide spaces for interactive workshops, group work, and clinical skills practice
Robust Quality Assurance and Assessment Processes
- Implement strong internal quality assurance procedures to monitor teaching, learning, and assessment standards
- Follow QualCert’s policies for assessment, moderation, and learner feedback
- Maintain accurate and secure records of learner progress, achievements, and assessment outcomes
- Conduct regular course reviews to ensure continuous improvement in delivery and learner support
Learner Support and Accessibility
- Offer academic guidance, mentoring, and one-to-one support to help learners achieve their potential
- Provide clear information on course requirements, assessment criteria, and progression opportunities
- Ensure inclusivity and accessibility for learners from diverse professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds
- Provide additional support for learners with learning difficulties, disabilities, or special needs
These centre requirements ensure learners receive a rigorous, postgraduate-level educational experience in specialty pharmacy that meets international standards and promotes professional excellence.