The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy) is a highly specialised qualification designed for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in psychiatric pharmacotherapy. This Level 6 diploma is ideal for learners who wish to expand their knowledge of mental health medications, optimise patient care, and enhance their professional career within pharmacy and healthcare settings.
This qualification provides learners with an in-depth understanding of psychiatric disorders and the pharmacological interventions used in their management. Learners will develop advanced skills in prescribing, monitoring, and managing medications for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other mental health conditions. The course also emphasises patient safety, adherence, and counselling, ensuring learners are equipped to deliver high-quality, patient-centred pharmaceutical care.
Designed to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD), the diploma enables learners to stay updated with the latest clinical guidelines, research, and best practices in psychiatric pharmacy. Centres delivering this qualification are required to maintain high training standards by providing competent and qualified staff, comprehensive teaching materials, and access to clinical and research resources, ensuring every learner achieves success and gains practical, applicable knowledge.
Completing the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional competence required to excel in specialised psychiatric pharmacy roles. This qualification not only enhances career prospects but also ensures learners can make a meaningful impact on patient care in mental health settings, contributing to improved treatment outcomes and safer, more effective pharmaceutical practice.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy), consists of a structured set of study units designed to provide learners with in-depth and comprehensive knowledge. The qualification includes a total of 1200 Total Qualification Time (TQT), 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and awards 120 credits.
| Unit Ref# | Unit Title | Credits | GLH | TQT |
| QC30075- 1 | Advanced Psychiatric Pharmacology | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30075-2 | Clinical Management of Psychiatric Patients | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30075-3 | Medication Safety and Optimisation in Psychiatry | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30075-4 | Psychiatric Pharmacy Leadership and Ethics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30075-5 | Evidence-Based Psychiatric Therapeutics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30075-6 | Research Methods and Quality Improvement in Psychiatric Pharmacy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy):
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy is designed for healthcare professionals seeking advanced expertise in psychiatric pharmacotherapy. Learners are expected to meet the following entry criteria to ensure readiness for this specialised and rigorous programme:
Minimum Age
- Learners must be 18 years or older.
Educational Background
- A recognised undergraduate degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, medicine, or a related healthcare field.
- Learners with a Level 5 Diploma or equivalent professional qualification in pharmacy or healthcare may also be considered.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of 2 years’ work experience in a pharmacy, clinical, or healthcare setting, preferably involving psychiatric or mental health care.
- Experience in medication management, patient counselling, or clinical pharmacy practice is highly advantageous.
Language Proficiency
- Proficiency in English is required.
- Learners may need to provide evidence of proficiency through recognised tests such as IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL, or equivalent, if English is not their first language.
Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Learners must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing CPD, staying updated with the latest clinical guidelines, research, and best practices in psychiatric pharmacy.
Access to Required Resources
- Learners must have access to internet-enabled devices, clinical references, and pharmaceutical databases for research, study, and practical assignments.
- Access to a clinical or pharmacy environment for hands-on experience is recommended where possible.
Learning Outcomes for QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy):
Advanced Psychiatric Pharmacology
- Understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications
- Analyse the mechanisms of action of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and anxiolytics
- Evaluate potential drug interactions and their implications in mental health care
- Apply advanced pharmacological principles to optimise psychiatric therapies
Clinical Management of Psychiatric Patients
- Assess and monitor patients with psychiatric conditions
- Develop evidence-based treatment and care plans
- Interpret clinical and diagnostic data to guide therapy decisions
- Promote patient adherence and manage therapy-related complications
Medication Safety and Optimisation in Psychiatry
- Identify strategies to minimise adverse drug reactions in psychiatric patients
- Optimise medication regimens for effectiveness and safety
- Apply principles of polypharmacy management in mental health care
- Enhance patient safety through monitoring and counselling
Psychiatric Pharmacy Leadership and Ethics
- Demonstrate leadership skills in psychiatric pharmacy settings
- Apply ethical decision-making frameworks in complex clinical scenarios
- Understand regulatory requirements and professional standards
- Manage multidisciplinary teams effectively in mental health care
Evidence-Based Psychiatric Therapeutics
- Integrate clinical research and treatment guidelines into patient care
- Evaluate therapeutic outcomes and adjust interventions accordingly
- Design personalised psychiatric treatment strategies based on evidence
- Critically appraise clinical studies to inform practice decisions
Research Methods and Quality Improvement in Psychiatric Pharmacy
- Design and conduct research projects relevant to psychiatric pharmacy
- Analyse and interpret clinical and research data
- Implement quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care
- Apply research findings to improve psychiatric pharmaceutical practice and outcomes
The QualCert Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy) is ideal for :
- Registered Pharmacists seeking advanced knowledge in psychiatric pharmacotherapy
- Healthcare Professionals working with patients in mental health settings, including nurses, clinicians, and medical practitioners
- Pharmacy Managers and Supervisors aiming to improve leadership, clinical decision-making, and patient safety in psychiatric care
- Clinical Researchers focusing on psychiatric conditions and pharmaceutical interventions
- Medical Educators and Trainers wishing to update knowledge and integrate best practices in psychiatric pharmacy
- Healthcare Professionals pursuing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to advance their careers
- Pharmacy Students and Graduates looking to specialise in psychiatric care and optimise patient outcomes
- Must be a registered and accredited learning centre recognised by QualCert
- Employ competent and qualified teaching staff with relevant psychiatric pharmacy or mental health care experience
- Provide access to up-to-date library resources, clinical references, and pharmaceutical databases
- Ensure availability of internet-enabled devices for online learning, research, and assignments
- Facilities to support practical sessions, case studies, and research projects
- Systems in place for monitoring learner progress, assessments, and quality assurance
- Comply with health and safety regulations for learners in clinical or practical environments
- Commitment to continuing professional development (CPD) for staff delivering the course
- Ability to deliver course content in English and provide necessary support to learners