LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy
Mental health is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting millions of people across the globe. With rising cases of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, the demand for safe, effective, and personalized treatment has never been greater. At the heart of this effort lies psychiatric pharmacy, a discipline that ensures medications used in mental health care are managed responsibly, tailored to individual needs, and aligned with best practices.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (PgD Psychiatric Pharmacy) emphasizes the importance of advanced expertise in this field. Psychiatric pharmacy is not only about dispensing medicines—it is about safeguarding patient wellbeing, reducing risks, and supporting multidisciplinary teams in delivering holistic care. As mental health continues to gain recognition as a global priority, professionals trained in psychiatric pharmacy are essential for bridging pharmaceutical science with compassionate practice. For learners, engaging with psychiatric pharmacy is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to healthier communities, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mental health treatment.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (PgD Psychiatric Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in mental health and pharmaceutical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as psychopharmacology, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, ethical considerations, and global best practices in psychiatric pharmacy.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand psychiatric pharmacy, apply evidence‑based approaches, and align with international 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, mental health facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in psychiatric pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201232-1 | Advanced Principles of Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201232-2 | Clinical Assessment and Medication Management in Psychiatry | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201232-3 | Medication Safety and Risk Management in Psychiatric Practice | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201232-4 | Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Psychiatric Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201232-5 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in Psychiatry | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201232-6 | Advanced Therapeutic Interventions and Specialist Psychiatric Management | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
This postgraduate diploma is designed for individuals who want to specialize in mental health care, medication safety, and advanced pharmaceutical practice. It is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as therapy optimization, patient safety, and compliance with international standards. The program helps learners strengthen their expertise, enhance employability, and prepare for roles where pharmaceutical knowledge and clinical skills are central to supporting effective mental health treatment and overall healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on mental health.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in psychiatric pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of psychopharmacology and patient monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in mental health care.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into psychiatric pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and psychiatric practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for psychiatric pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Psychiatric Pharmacotherapy
- Analyse neurobiology and pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders
- Evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in psychiatric patients
- Review evidence-based guidelines for antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and anxiolytics
- Assess risks and benefits of polypharmacy in mental health care
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Medication Management in Psychiatry
- Conduct comprehensive psychiatric assessments
- Perform medication reviews to optimise therapy and minimise adverse effects
- Integrate comorbidities, hepatic/renal function, and patient-specific factors into treatment decisions
- Apply personalised medicine approaches in psychiatric care
Unit 3: Medication Safety and Risk Management in Psychiatric Practice
- Identify and manage adverse drug reactions and toxicities
- Implement strategies for safe prescribing and monitoring of psychiatric medications
- Apply pharmacovigilance principles in mental health care
- Comply with regulatory and safety frameworks in psychiatric pharmacy
Unit 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Psychiatric Pharmacy
- Critically appraise psychiatric research and clinical trials
- Apply research methods to improve clinical decision-making
- Develop interventions to enhance patient outcomes in psychiatric care
- Use data to support policy, protocol development, and evidence-based practice
Unit 5: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations in Psychiatry
- Examine ethical dilemmas in psychiatric pharmacy, including capacity and consent
- Understand legal responsibilities in prescribing and dispensing psychiatric medications
- Analyse patient confidentiality and safeguarding issues
- Promote professional standards and reflective practice in mental health care
Unit 6: Advanced Therapeutic Interventions and Specialist Psychiatric Management
- Design individualised treatment plans for complex psychiatric patients
- Evaluate specialist interventions for severe or treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions
- Implement multidisciplinary approaches in psychiatric care
- Monitor, review, and optimise therapy to improve patient outcomes
