The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics (PgD Pharmacoeconomics) is an advanced qualification designed for healthcare professionals, pharmacists, and researchers who wish to deepen their expertise, enhance career prospects, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This programme equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to analyse the economic impact of pharmaceuticals, evaluate healthcare interventions, and make informed decisions in healthcare resource allocation.
This Level 7 programme is ideal for professionals aiming to specialise in pharmacoeconomic evaluation, health technology assessment, and policy development. Learners will explore advanced concepts in cost-effectiveness analysis, budget impact modelling, health economics, and the application of economic principles to clinical decision-making. The course prepares learners to critically appraise economic evidence, optimise healthcare spending, and contribute to strategic decision-making within healthcare organisations and the pharmaceutical industry.
Centres delivering this qualification are required to uphold the highest standards of training. This includes employing competent and qualified staff, providing access to up-to-date resources, and ensuring learners have all necessary materials to support their studies. By maintaining these standards, centres create an environment that promotes academic excellence, practical skill development, and learner success.
Upon completion, learners enhance their professional credibility, gain specialised expertise in pharmacoeconomics, and are equipped to take on advanced roles in healthcare, research, policy-making, and pharmaceutical consultancy. This programme not only strengthens analytical and decision-making skills but also demonstrates a commitment to professional growth and the application of evidence-based practices in healthcare economics.
Course Contents of QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics (PgD Pharmacoeconomics):
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics (PgD Pharmacoeconomics), 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 |
| QC30099- 1 | Principles of Pharmacoeconomics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30099-2 | Health Technology Assessment (HTA) | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30099-3 | Budget Impact and Resource Allocation | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30099-4 | Advanced Economic Modelling | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30099-5 | Research Methodologies and Evidence-Based Pharmacoeconomics | 20 | 100 | 200 |
| QC30099-6 | Policy, Governance, and Pharmaceutical Strategy | 20 | 100 | 200 |
Entry Requirements for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics (PgD Pharmacoeconomics)
Minimum Age:
- Learners must be 21 years or older at the start of the course.
Educational Background:
- Learners should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Economics, Pharmacology, or a related healthcare or life sciences qualification recognised internationally.
Professional Experience:
- It is recommended that learners have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical research, policy, or economics to contextualise advanced concepts effectively.
Language Proficiency:
- Learners must demonstrate proficient English language skills, both written and verbal, to understand course materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments successfully.
Commitment to CPD:
Learners should show a strong commitment to ongoing learning, professional growth, and CPD to excel in pharmacoeconomic practice.
Access to Required Resources:
- Learners are expected to have access to a computer, internet, statistical software, research databases, and relevant literature or resources to support independent study and practical assignments.
Meeting these entry requirements ensures learners are equipped to achieve success in this advanced Level 7 programme, develop specialised skills in pharmacoeconomics, and enhance their career prospects in healthcare, research, policy-making, and pharmaceutical consultancy.
Learning Outcomes for the QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics (PgD Pharmacoeconomics):
Principles of Pharmacoeconomics
- Explain core concepts of pharmacoeconomics, including cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit analysis
- Analyse the economic impact of pharmaceutical interventions in healthcare
- Apply pharmacoeconomic principles to evaluate therapeutic options
- Assess healthcare costs in relation to clinical outcomes
- Critically appraise published pharmacoeconomic studies
Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
- Evaluate healthcare interventions using clinical, economic, and social evidence
- Conduct systematic reviews to support health technology assessments
- Apply HTA methodologies to inform policy and funding decisions
- Interpret HTA reports for evidence-based decision-making
- Assess the cost-effectiveness and clinical value of new and existing therapies
Budget Impact and Resource Allocation
- Analyse the financial impact of pharmaceutical interventions on healthcare budgets
- Apply resource allocation models to optimise healthcare spending
- Develop strategies for cost containment and efficient use of healthcare resources
- Evaluate the economic sustainability of healthcare programmes
- Support decision-making in budget planning and healthcare policy
Advanced Economic Modelling
- Construct and apply economic models such as decision trees and Markov models
- Interpret model outputs to inform healthcare and pharmaceutical decisions
- Apply sensitivity analysis to assess model robustness
- Evaluate complex scenarios using advanced modelling techniques
- Integrate clinical, economic, and statistical data for decision support
Research Methodologies and Evidence-Based Pharmacoeconomics
- Design and implement research projects in pharmacoeconomics
- Critically evaluate scientific literature and evidence
- Apply statistical and analytical methods to research data
- Use evidence-based approaches to inform policy and practice
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct in research activities
Policy, Governance, and Pharmaceutical Strategy
- Apply pharmacoeconomic evidence to healthcare policy development
- Analyse governance frameworks in pharmaceutical and healthcare systems
- Develop strategic initiatives for sustainable healthcare interventions
- Evaluate the impact of policy decisions on clinical and economic outcomes
- Lead projects that integrate economic analysis into pharmaceutical strategy
The QualCert Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, advance their career prospects, and make meaningful contributions to healthcare decision-making. This programme equips learners with advanced knowledge, analytical skills, and practical experience in pharmacoeconomics and health economics, enabling them to apply evidence-based approaches to healthcare resource management and policy development.
Pharmacists and Healthcare Professionals
This programme is ideal for practising pharmacists and healthcare professionals who wish to specialise in the economic evaluation of medicines and healthcare interventions. Learners in this category will benefit from:
- Developing expertise in cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of pharmaceutical therapies
- Understanding the economic impact of treatment options and optimising resource use
- Applying pharmacoeconomic principles to assess the clinical and financial value of therapies
Policy Makers and Analysts
Professionals involved in healthcare policy, regulatory agencies, or government organisations can use this programme to improve policy decisions and resource allocation. Learners will be able to:
- Contribute to evidence-based policy development and health technology assessments (HTA)
- Evaluate healthcare programmes for cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability
- Translate economic evidence into actionable recommendations for healthcare systems
Researchers and Academics
This course supports scientists and researchers who wish to strengthen their knowledge and skills in pharmacoeconomics and health economics. Learners will be equipped to:
- Conduct cost-effectiveness analyses, budget impact studies, and systematic reviews
- Critically appraise published evidence and integrate findings into research or practice
- Enhance analytical and methodological expertise for evidence-based decision-making
Future Leaders and Consultants
The programme also caters to professionals aspiring to leadership or consultancy roles in healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector. Learners will gain the ability to:
- Develop strategies for optimal healthcare delivery and pharmaceutical investment
- Lead projects that integrate economic evaluation into clinical and organisational decision-making
- Drive innovation and initiatives that improve patient outcomes and resource efficiency
To ensure high-quality delivery of the Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacoeconomics, centres must meet rigorous standards. These requirements ensure that learners receive the highest standard of education, practical training, and academic support, enabling them to achieve their learning outcomes and succeed in advanced pharmacoeconomic practice.
Qualified and Competent Staff
Centres must employ teaching staff who are highly qualified and experienced in pharmacoeconomics, health economics, and healthcare policy. This ensures learners are guided by professionals who can provide real-world insights and advanced academic knowledge. Staff requirements include:
- Trainers holding relevant academic qualifications in pharmacoeconomics, health economics, pharmacy, or related fields
- Demonstrated professional experience in healthcare, pharmaceutical consultancy, or policy development
- Commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain up-to-date expertise and teaching excellence
Access to Learning Resources
Learners must have access to a wide range of resources that support both theoretical understanding and practical application. Centres are expected to provide:
- Up-to-date textbooks, research journals, and digital learning materials
- Access to statistical software, economic modelling tools, and research databases
- Case studies, clinical examples, and exercises to support evidence-based learning
Learning Environment
A supportive and effective learning environment is essential for learner engagement and success. Centres should ensure:
- Safe, accessible, and well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and online learning platforms
- Facilities that encourage interactive learning, group collaboration, and practical exercises
- Technology and infrastructure to facilitate blended or remote learning where applicable
Assessment and Monitoring
To maintain academic integrity and ensure learners meet Level 7 standards, centres must:
- Implement robust assessment strategies to track learner progress and achievement
- Provide timely, constructive feedback to support improvement and skill development
- Ensure all assessments are fair, valid, reliable, and aligned with postgraduate standards
Governance and Compliance
Centres must comply with all regulatory, ethical, and quality assurance standards to ensure the credibility of the qualification. Requirements include:
- Adherence to international standards for postgraduate education in pharmacoeconomics
- Accurate record-keeping of learner enrolment, progress, and outcomes
- Monitoring and evaluation processes to maintain continuous quality improvement
Learner Support
Centres should provide comprehensive support to help learners succeed throughout the programme. This includes:
- Academic mentoring, guidance, and access to expert advice
- Resources and tools for independent study and research
- Encouragement of professional growth, reflective practice, and CPD