Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)

The Postgraduate Diploma for Overseas Pharmacists provides key theoretical and practical training in topics essential for a career in pharmacy in the UK. You will learn the newest developments in key pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacy practice, together with the study of health service delivery, and UK pharmacy law and ethics.

With our roots stretching back to the establishment of the Birmingham Pharmaceutical Institution in 1847, being the only Pharmacy School in the UK to hold a prestigious Regius Chair in Pharmacy awarded by HM the Queen and our strong links with the NHS and industry, Aston Pharmacy School is the ideal place to further your career in the UK.

How you will learn Taught in our modern Birmingham city centre campus, attendance on the course is normally* Monday through Thursday (with the occasional Friday). Satisfactory attendance and performance in the assessments are required for successful completion of the OSPAP. We utilise a range of study methods throughout the course from lectures and web-based learning to clinical teaching sessions.

This course is worth 120 credits (PgDip). The learning hours may include but are not limited to lectures, seminars, tutorials, lab sessions, practicals, online activity, reading, other independent study, reflecting on assignment feedback and work placements.

*Subject to change

What you will learn The programme is delivered as a single, fully integrated module. This open and inclusive curriculum structure allows you to see how the material you learn throughout the course is connected. The learning on this programme is structured with two main themes which are taught in parallel:

Integrated Person-Centred Care In its substantial theme, you will develop the knowledge and skills for contemporary pharmacy practice, including advanced therapeutic skills that integrate clinical knowledge and the latest developments in drug delivery and formulation.

Transition and Contextualisation During this theme, you will learn about the delivery of pharmacy and healthcare services in the UK, for example, the law and ethics relating to pharmacy practice. You will also be supported in the transition from your home qualification to the UK context, and in the transition from this programme to your further studies and foundation training year.