BELFAST School of Pharmacy, The Queen's University of Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland
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The MPharm degree at Queen's is four years in duration. In year one students take six compulsory modules in skills development, pharmaceutics, chemistry and physiology. These introduce various transferable skills (eg, communication and IT skills), pharmaceutical microbiology, physicochemical principles, organic and bio-organic chemistry, general principles of physiology, and histology and pathophysiology. The second year develops further the basic sciences related to pharmacy (including pharmacology) and introduces professional aspects concerned with interpretation of prescriptions. Professional and clinical aspects of the course, covered primarily in the final two years, reflect the extension of the pharmacist's role in the health care team. Students continue to study the pharmaceutical sciences which underpin professional and clinical judgments. Both the third and fourth years contain the equivalent of six modules, although subject areas are taught in an integrated fashion. Examinations are held in January and May/June during the first and second years and in May/June for the last two years of the course. Coursework contributes to the final mark in most subjects. The school has been particularly responsive to the changing needs of the pharmacist by introducing courses in areas such as transferable skills and pharmaceutical care. Third and fourth year students attend hospital ward rounds and outpatient clinics in a variety of specialties. Short presentations based on clinical cases encountered during the visits are followed by discussion led by hospital pharmacists. Clinicians and staff with joint appointments contribute to the design and running of the clinical and practice courses. The degree is recognised by both the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland; graduates may apply for registration with either body, between which there is reciprocal recognition of qualifications. Research leading to the award of MPhil and PhD degrees is available in each of the major areas of pharmacy, with particular emphasis on drug delivery, medical devices, pharmaceutical material science, biomedicinal chemistry and pharmacy practice/clinical pharmacy. Postgraduate diploma and MSc courses by distance learning are available in both clinical (hospital based) and community pharmacy. A postgraduate certificate in community pharmacy management is also offered by distance-learning. Halls of residence are within easy walking distance of the main university buildings. A wide variety of accommodation is available in the private sector.
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