LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy
The world’s population is aging at an unprecedented rate, and with this demographic shift comes a growing demand for specialized healthcare. Older adults often face complex medical needs, including multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, and heightened vulnerability to adverse drug reactions. This is where geriatric pharmacy plays a vital role. It is not simply about dispensing medicines—it is about ensuring that therapies are safe, effective, and tailored to the unique requirements of elderly patients.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (PgD Geriatric Pharmacy) emphasizes the importance of advanced knowledge in this critical discipline. Geriatric pharmacy ensures that healthcare professionals can manage medications responsibly, reduce risks, and improve quality of life for older populations. As healthcare systems worldwide adapt to the challenges of aging societies, professionals trained in geriatric pharmacy are essential for bridging pharmaceutical science with compassionate, patient‑centered care. For learners, engaging with geriatric pharmacy is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to healthier aging, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the wellbeing of one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Geriatric Pharmacy (PgD Geriatric Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in elderly care and pharmaceutical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as polypharmacy management, therapeutic monitoring, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, ethical considerations, and global best practices in geriatric pharmacy.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand geriatric 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, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in geriatric pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201230-1 | Advanced Principles of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201230-2 | Clinical Assessment and Medication Review in Older Adults | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201230-3 | Medication Safety and Risk Management in Geriatric Care | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201230-4 | Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Geriatric Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201230-5 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201230-6 | Advanced Therapeutic Management and Specialist Interventions | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
This postgraduate diploma is designed for individuals who want to specialize in elderly care, medication management, and patient safety. It is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as polypharmacy, therapy optimization, and compliance with international standards. The program helps learners strengthen their expertise, enhance employability, and prepare for roles where advanced pharmaceutical practice is central to supporting the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on elderly care.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in geriatric pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of polypharmacy and patient monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in senior healthcare.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into geriatric pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and elderly care.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for geriatric pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy
- Analyse age-related changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Evaluate the clinical impact of polypharmacy in older adults
- Apply evidence-based approaches to optimise medication therapy
- Develop strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes in geriatric patients
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Medication Review in Older Adults
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments for older patients
- Perform medication reviews to identify risks and optimise therapy
- Integrate patient history, comorbidities, and functional status into decision-making
- Utilise standardised tools to assess cognitive, renal, and hepatic function
Unit 3: Medication Safety and Risk Management in Geriatric Care
- Identify and manage medication-related risks and adverse drug reactions
- Apply principles of pharmacovigilance in geriatric populations
- Develop strategies to prevent medication errors
- Understand regulatory frameworks and patient safety standards in geriatric care
Unit 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Geriatric Pharmacy
- Critically appraise research and literature in geriatric pharmacotherapy
- Apply research methods to improve clinical practice and patient outcomes
- Develop and evaluate interventions to enhance medication management
- Use data to support clinical decision-making and policy development
Unit 5: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations
- Examine ethical issues and dilemmas in geriatric pharmacy practice
- Understand legal responsibilities in prescribing and dispensing for older adults
- Analyse patient consent, confidentiality, and capacity considerations
- Promote professional standards and reflective practice in geriatric care
Unit 6: Advanced Therapeutic Management and Specialist Interventions
- Design individualised treatment plans for complex geriatric patients
- Evaluate specialist interventions for chronic conditions and multi-morbidity
- Implement multidisciplinary approaches in medication management
- Monitor and review treatment outcomes to optimise therapy
