LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy
Hospitals are the backbone of modern healthcare, and within them, the safe and effective use of medicines is critical to patient outcomes. At the heart of this responsibility lies hospital pharmacy, a discipline that ensures every prescription is not only accurate but also tailored to the complex needs of patients in clinical settings. Hospital pharmacy is more than dispensing—it is about managing therapies, preventing drug interactions, and supporting doctors and nurses in delivering evidence‑based care.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy (PgD Hospital Pharmacy) emphasizes the importance of advanced knowledge in this field. Hospital pharmacy professionals are vital in reducing medication errors, improving patient safety, and optimizing treatment plans. As healthcare systems face rising demands, the role of hospital pharmacy becomes increasingly essential for bridging pharmaceutical science with clinical practice. For learners, engaging with hospital pharmacy is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to life‑saving interventions, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare delivery..
Program Outline
This postgraduate diploma is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in clinical and pharmaceutical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as therapeutic drug monitoring, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, healthcare communication, and ethical considerations in pharmaceutical care.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to apply evidence‑based approaches and align with global standards effectively. It highlights the type of learners the program is aimed at, the skills they will gain, and the career pathways available upon completion. Readers will also discover how this internationally recognized qualification opens opportunities in hospitals, community pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in advanced pharmaceutical practice.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201240-1 | Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201240-2 | Medicines Management and Optimization | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201240-3 | Hospital Pharmacy Services and Patient Safety | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201240-4 | Clinical Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201240-5 | Research Methods in Hospital Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201240-6 | Leadership and Governance in Hospital Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
This postgraduate diploma is designed for individuals who want to specialize in advanced pharmaceutical care within clinical environments. It is particularly valuable for those aiming to address challenges such as patient safety, therapy optimization, and adherence to international standards. The program helps learners strengthen their expertise, enhance employability, and prepare for roles where pharmaceutical practice is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on clinical practice.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in advanced pharmaceutical care.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of patient care and therapeutic monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in clinical settings.
- Technicians working in healthcare facilities who want to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into specialized pharmaceutical roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and patient‑centered care.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for careers in advanced pharmaceutical practice.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice
- Demonstrate advanced clinical decision-making skills in complex hospital pharmacy cases.
- Apply evidence-based practice to optimise patient outcomes in diverse clinical settings.
- Critically evaluate pharmacotherapy plans and adapt them to individual patient needs.
- Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams to improve patient care.
Unit 2: Medicines Management and Optimisation
- Analyse principles of medicines management and their application in hospital environments.
- Develop strategies to reduce medication errors and enhance safe prescribing.
- Evaluate cost-effectiveness and sustainability of medicines use in healthcare systems.
- Implement optimisation processes that ensure patient-centred, high-quality care.
Unit 3: Hospital Pharmacy Services and Patient Safety
- Assess the organisational structure and delivery of hospital pharmacy services.
- Evaluate the role of hospital pharmacy in promoting patient safety and risk management.
- Design interventions to improve operational efficiency and clinical effectiveness.
- Demonstrate awareness of healthcare policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks.
Unit 4: Clinical Pharmacotherapy and Therapeutics
- Apply advanced knowledge of pharmacology and therapeutics to hospital-based practice.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacotherapy across a range of complex clinical conditions.
- Integrate clinical guidelines with patient-specific data for optimal therapeutic outcomes.
- Critically reflect on emerging therapies and innovations in pharmacological treatment.
Unit 5: Research Methods in Hospital Pharmacy
- Design and conduct independent research relevant to hospital pharmacy practice.
- Critically evaluate methodologies and select appropriate research approaches.
- Analyse and interpret research data to generate evidence-based recommendations.
- Apply ethical considerations and governance standards in pharmaceutical research.
Unit 6: Leadership and Governance in Hospital Pharmacy
- Demonstrate leadership skills required for managing hospital pharmacy services.
- Critically assess governance frameworks and their impact on healthcare delivery.
- Implement quality assurance processes to maintain safe and effective pharmacy practice.
- Apply ethical and professional standards to support accountability and transparency.
