LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy
Mental health is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with millions of people worldwide relying on safe and effective treatments to manage psychiatric conditions. Medicines used in this field are powerful tools, but they require careful monitoring, individualized dosing, and a deep understanding of both pharmacology and patient psychology. This is where psychiatric pharmacy becomes essential. It is not simply about dispensing medication—it is about ensuring that therapies are optimized, risks are minimized, and patients receive compassionate, evidence‑based care.
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy) highlights the growing importance of this discipline in modern healthcare. Psychiatric pharmacy plays a vital role in bridging pharmaceutical science with mental health practice, supporting psychiatrists, psychologists, and healthcare teams in delivering safe and effective treatment. As mental health awareness continues to rise globally, professionals trained in this area are crucial for advancing patient outcomes, reducing stigma, and strengthening healthcare systems. For learners, engaging with this subject is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change, enhance professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of psychiatric care.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced knowledge of pharmaceutical care in mental health. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as psychopharmacology, patient safety frameworks, compliance standards, ethical considerations, drug interactions, and international healthcare policies 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 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, mental health facilities, 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 |
| LICQ2201200-1 | Advanced Psychopharmacology | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201200-2 | Assessment and Management of Psychiatric Conditions | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201200-3 | Patient-Centred Psychiatric Care | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201200-4 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Psychiatric Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201200-5 | Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Pharmacy | 20 | 80 |
| LICQ2201200-6 | Leadership and Quality Assurance in Psychiatric Services | 20 | 80 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 6 Diploma in Psychiatric Pharmacy (D Psychiatric Pharmacy) is designed for individuals who want to specialize in pharmaceutical care for mental health patients. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as medication safety, treatment adherence, and compliance with international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where psychiatric pharmacy is central to 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 safety.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in mental health support.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in psychiatric medication management.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into psychiatric pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in mental health and pharmaceutical practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for psychiatric pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Psychopharmacology
Learners will be able to:
- Analyse the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychiatric medications.
- Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilisers, and anxiolytics.
- Identify potential drug-drug and drug-disease interactions in psychiatric patients.
- Apply principles of personalised medicine in psychiatric pharmacotherapy.
- Critically appraise emerging research in psychopharmacology to inform clinical practice.
Unit 2: Assessment and Management of Psychiatric Conditions
Learners will be able to:
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments of patients with mental health disorders.
- Develop evidence-based treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
- Monitor patient responses to therapy and adjust treatment strategies appropriately.
- Apply clinical guidelines to optimise psychiatric care and outcomes.
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches in the management of psychiatric conditions.
Unit 3: Patient-Centred Psychiatric Care
Learners will be able to:
- Implement holistic, patient-centred approaches in psychiatric care.
- Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
- Provide counselling and education to improve medication adherence and engagement.
- Address the psychosocial, emotional, and functional needs of mental health patients.
- Support recovery-oriented care and enhance overall patient wellbeing.
Unit 4: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Standards in Psychiatric Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Apply ethical principles to decision-making in psychiatric pharmacy practice.
- Demonstrate understanding of legal frameworks governing mental health care and pharmacy practice.
- Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and informed consent.
- Identify and manage ethical dilemmas in psychiatric treatment and care.
- Evaluate organisational policies to ensure compliance with professional regulations.
Unit 5: Research and Evidence-Based Practice in Psychiatric Pharmacy
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise psychiatric research and clinical literature.
- Apply evidence-based guidelines to optimise psychiatric care.
- Design and conduct audits or small-scale research projects in psychiatric pharmacy.
- Analyse and interpret clinical data to improve patient outcomes.
- Integrate research findings into professional decision-making and practice.
Unit 6: Leadership and Quality Assurance in Psychiatric Services
Learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate leadership and management skills within psychiatric pharmacy teams.
- Implement quality assurance and audit processes to enhance service delivery.
- Develop strategies to improve patient safety and treatment effectiveness.
- Evaluate organisational performance and recommend improvements in psychiatric services.
- Promote a culture of continuous professional development and best practice in psychiatric pharmacy.
