LICQual Level 7 Diploma in Pharmacy Practice Research
Pharmacy is a constantly evolving profession, shaped by innovation, patient needs, and the demand for evidence‑based healthcare. At the heart of this transformation lies pharmacy practice research, a discipline that explores how medicines are used, how services are delivered, and how outcomes can be improved. It is not just about studying drugs—it is about understanding the systems, behaviors, and policies that influence patient care.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice Research (PgD Pharmacy Practice Research) emphasizes the importance of advanced expertise in this field. Pharmacy practice research provides the foundation for improving medication safety, enhancing patient adherence, and shaping healthcare policy. As healthcare systems worldwide face challenges such as rising costs, chronic disease management, and access to care, professionals trained in pharmacy practice research are essential for driving meaningful change. For learners, engaging with pharmacy practice research is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to better healthcare delivery, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in advancing the future of pharmacy.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice Research (PgD Pharmacy Practice Research) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in pharmaceutical research and healthcare practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as research methodologies, patient safety frameworks, healthcare policy analysis, compliance with international standards, ethical considerations, and global best practices in pharmacy practice research.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand pharmacy practice research, 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, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in pharmacy practice research..
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201244-1 | Advanced Research Methodologies in Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201244-2 | Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201244-3 | Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201244-4 | Clinical and Applied Pharmacy Research | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201244-5 | Healthcare Policy, Ethics, and Governance in Pharmacy Research | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201244-6 | Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice Research (PgD Pharmacy Practice Research) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in healthcare research, patient safety, and pharmaceutical service improvement. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as medication adherence, therapy optimization, and evidence‑based healthcare delivery. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where pharmacy practice research is central to advancing healthcare systems.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on research.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in pharmacy practice research.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of patient monitoring and healthcare evaluation.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in service improvement.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into pharmacy practice research roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and healthcare policy.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for pharmacy practice research careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Research Methodologies in Pharmacy
Learners will be able to
- Critically analyse various research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods
- Design robust research studies suitable for pharmacy practice and clinical settings
- Apply ethical principles and standards to ensure integrity and compliance in research activities
- Evaluate and interpret existing research literature to inform practice and professional decision-making
Unit 2: Evidence-Based Pharmacy Practice
Learners will be able to
- Integrate evidence from research studies into clinical and professional pharmacy practice
- Critically appraise clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses to inform practice decisions
- Develop strategies to improve patient care using evidence-based interventions
- Demonstrate the ability to apply research evidence to support policy and practice improvements
Unit 3: Statistical Analysis and Data Interpretation
Learners will be able to
- Apply advanced statistical techniques to analyse research data effectively
- Interpret complex datasets to draw valid and reliable conclusions
- Utilise statistical software to support data analysis and reporting
- Critically evaluate statistical outcomes in research papers and studies relevant to pharmacy
Unit 4: Clinical and Applied Pharmacy Research
Learners will be able to
- Design and implement clinical trials and applied research projects in pharmacy practice
- Apply regulatory and ethical standards to ensure compliance in research activities
- Evaluate and monitor research processes to maintain quality and reliability of findings
- Translate research outcomes into practical strategies for enhancing patient care and professional practice
Unit 5: Healthcare Policy, Ethics, and Governance in Pharmacy Research
Learners will be able to
- Critically assess healthcare policies and their impact on pharmacy research and practice
- Apply ethical principles and governance frameworks to ensure responsible research conduct
- Demonstrate understanding of legal responsibilities, patient consent, and confidentiality requirements
- Promote best practices in research ethics and professional standards within healthcare environments
Unit 6: Advanced Project Management and Research Dissemination
Learners will be able to
- Plan, manage, and execute pharmacy research projects efficiently, meeting deadlines and objectives
- Prepare high-quality research reports, manuscripts, and presentations for professional dissemination
- Communicate research findings effectively to a variety of audiences, including peers and stakeholders
- Demonstrate skills in project evaluation, reflection, and continuous professional improvement
