LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy
Cancer remains one of the most complex and devastating health challenges of our time, requiring specialized knowledge and precision in treatment. Medicines used in oncology are powerful, life‑saving, and often carry significant risks if not managed correctly. This is where oncology pharmacy plays a critical role. It is not just about dispensing drugs—it is about ensuring therapies are tailored, monitored, and delivered safely to patients fighting cancer. Oncology pharmacy combines pharmaceutical science with compassionate care, making it a discipline that directly impacts survival rates and quality of life.
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy (PgD Oncology Pharmacy) highlights the importance of advanced expertise in this field. Oncology pharmacy professionals are essential for reducing medication errors, optimizing therapies, and supporting multidisciplinary cancer care teams. As cancer treatment evolves with targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and personalized medicine, the demand for specialists in oncology pharmacy continues to grow. For learners, engaging with oncology pharmacy is more than academic—it is an opportunity to contribute to life‑saving interventions, strengthen professional credibility, and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cancer care.
Program Outline
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy (PgD Oncology Pharmacy) is a structured qualification designed to provide learners with advanced expertise in cancer care and pharmaceutical practice. Comprising 6 specialized units and worth 120 credits, the program introduces learners to areas such as chemotherapy management, targeted therapies, patient safety frameworks, compliance with international standards, ethical considerations, and global best practices in oncology pharmacy.
This section explains how the course equips learners with the ability to understand oncology 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, cancer treatment centers, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions, making it a valuable credential for anyone aspiring to build a career in oncology pharmacy.
Unit Structure
| Qualification | Unit Title | Credits | GLH |
| LICQ2201231-1 | Advanced Principles of Oncology Pharmacotherapy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201231-2 | Clinical Assessment and Medication Management in Oncology | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201231-3 | Oncology Medication Safety and Risk Management | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201231-4 | Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Oncology Pharmacy | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201231-5 | Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations | 20 | 100 |
| LICQ2201231-6 | Advanced Therapeutic Interventions and Specialist Oncology Management | 20 | 100 |
Who Can Benefit
The LICQual Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma in Oncology Pharmacy is designed for individuals who want to specialize in cancer care, medication safety, and advanced pharmaceutical practice. This program is particularly valuable for those who aim to address challenges such as chemotherapy management, therapy optimization, and compliance with international standards. It helps learners strengthen their expertise, improve employability, and prepare for roles where oncology pharmacy is central to healthcare delivery.
Ideal Learners
- Students aspiring to enter pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on cancer treatment.
- Entry‑level professionals seeking structured training in oncology pharmacy.
- Pharmacy assistants wanting to expand knowledge of chemotherapy and patient monitoring.
- Community pharmacy staff preparing for responsibilities in cancer care support.
- Hospital pharmacy technicians aiming to strengthen skills in compliance and patient safety.
- Healthcare professionals transitioning into oncology pharmacy roles.
- Career changers interested in pharmaceutical innovation and oncology practice.
- Ambitious learners who want to develop practical skills for oncology pharmacy careers.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Oncology Pharmacotherapy
- Analyse cancer biology and pathophysiology relevant to drug therapy
- Evaluate pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in oncology patients
- Review evidence-based guidelines for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies
- Assess risks and benefits of polypharmacy in cancer care
Unit 2: Clinical Assessment and Medication Management in Oncology
- Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments of oncology patients
- Perform medication reviews to optimise therapy and minimise adverse effects
- Integrate comorbidities, renal/hepatic function, and patient factors into treatment decisions
- Apply personalised medicine principles in therapeutic planning
Unit 3: Oncology Medication Safety and Risk Management
- Identify and manage adverse drug reactions and toxicities
- Implement strategies for safe chemotherapy administration
- Apply pharmacovigilance principles in oncology practice
- Comply with regulatory and safety frameworks in cancer therapy
Unit 4: Evidence-Based Practice and Research in Oncology Pharmacy
- Critically appraise oncology research and clinical trials
- Apply research methods to improve clinical decision-making
- Develop interventions to enhance patient outcomes in oncology care
- Use data to support policy, protocol development, and evidence-based practice
Unit 5: Ethical, Legal, and Professional Considerations
- Examine ethical dilemmas in oncology pharmacy, including end-of-life care
- Understand legal responsibilities in prescribing and dispensing oncology medications
- Analyse patient consent, confidentiality, and capacity issues
- Promote professional standards and reflective practice in oncology care
Unit 6: Advanced Therapeutic Interventions and Specialist Oncology Management
- Design individualised treatment plans for complex oncology patients
- Evaluate specialist interventions for various cancer types
- Implement multidisciplinary approaches in oncology care
- Monitor, review, and optimise therapy to achieve the best patient outcomes
