Postgraduate Diploma - Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (CID1035)

If students are qualified pharmacist from outside the UK looking to register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK, the Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is their essential first step. Designed for pharmacists who trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA), or who hold an EEA qualification that isn't recognised in the UK, the OSPAP is one of the few courses accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

Students can choose to study the course as a standalone Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or progress to a full MSc by completing an additional research project. The MSc route gives them the opportunity to carry out an original piece of research, demonstrating both theoretical understanding and practical skills in the field.

The course content is carefully aligned with GPhC requirements, ensuring students receive the knowledge and skills needed to practise safely and effectively in the UK. They will also benefit from studying in a country where qualified pharmacists are in high demand and unemployment in the sector is virtually non-existent.

Students can apply for the course with or without their GPhC adjudication letter, but they’ll only be offered an interview once their adjudication has been received. If it's not yet available, their application will be held until it is.

By completing the OSPAP PgDip, students will become eligible to move on to the next stage of the UK registration process, which is foundation training. This involves a 52-week placement and passing the GPhC registration assessment. Once complete, they can apply to join the register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK. It's also important to note that if they wish to apply for a foundation training position starting immediately after the OSPAP course, they must complete the application process before they begin their studies. Applications typically open in May or June, and late applications aren't accepted.

This course opens doors to a rewarding and respected profession in the UK, with excellent career prospects across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.