MSc Overseas Pharmacists (OSPAP)

Our Postgraduate Diploma for Overseas Pharmacists (OSPAP) MSc is an intensive course that lasts 1 year (MSc). It has been designed for students who have qualified in a non-EU country to receive the appropriate education and training to prepare them for entry into pre-registration training and UK practice.

Course outline

Our Postgraduate Diploma for Overseas Pharmacists (OSPAP) MSc is an intensive course that lasts for1 year (MSc). It has been designed for students who have qualified in a non-EU country to receive the appropriate education and training to prepare them for entry into pre-registration training and UK practice.

During the course, you’ll receive the key theoretical and practical training in topics essential for a career in pharmacy in the UK. You’ll 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.

Professional accreditation

The Diploma for Overseas Pharmacists has been accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), fulfilling their requirements as an OSPAP. This accreditation is one of the key requirements to practice as a pharmacist in the UK. The most recent accreditation at Aston University took place in May 2019 and the MPharm programme was re-accredited for six years, the maximum period possible.

Career prospects

On successful completion of this programme, you’ll be eligible to undertake your pre-registration placement and GPhC registration assessment, before applying to register as a qualified pharmacist with GPhC.

While we are not responsible for the provision of a pre-registration post, or the preparation for professional qualifying examinations, during your time at Aston you will have access to a wide range of services and support as you embark upon your first career steps. Our dedicated Careers and Placements team offer interview support, CV surgeries and specialist on campus careers fairs. You will also have the Aston Pharmacy School team on hand to assist with any questions you have about securing your pre-registration post.

There is an excellent track record of Aston OSPAP students obtaining and successfully completing pre-registration training, with graduates going on to roles in community pharmacies, GP surgeries, NHS Primary Care Trusts and hospitals.