Newcastle University

Biomedicine

Therapeutics PGDip; PGCert

12 months minimum part time

Fees

Fees per academic year 2012-13

UK/EU: part time £3,670 (PGDip); £2,965 (PGCert)
International: part time fees
Please contact us for details of fees.
Please refer to our Tuition Fees section for information about changes to fees and fee discounts.

Aims

This programme is designed to assist in the continuing professional development of health professionals by specialist postgraduate education in the field of therapeutics. Specifically, the programme develops the knowledge and skills, as applied to primary care, of therapeutics, rational prescribing, research methods relevant to therapeutics and information sharing and presentation skills.

Programme Description

For the PGDip, you take 100 credits of taught modules which cover: the scientific basis of therapeutics; evidence-based therapeutics and prescribing; cardiovascular and metabolic therapeutics; prescribing in the elderly, women and children; musculoskeletal and pain management; and prescribing for common conditions. These modules are delivered over 12 course days and can be completed over one to three years. You also complete a project in the form of an audit of, or piece of research into, therapeutics, which you write up as a 5,000-word dissertation (20 credits).

For the PGCert you need to achieve 60 credits within three years. Your module selection must include: the scientific basis of therapeutics (20 credits); evidence-based therapeutics and prescribing (20 credits); and optional modules (20 credits).

Find out more detailed information about the programme modules

Entrance Requirements

A degree in medicine, pharmacy, pharmacology, or biomedical sciences. We also welcome applications from health professionals, who have additional training, for independent or supplementary prescribing, and pharmacy technicians who have an NVQ level 3 in pharmacy services supported by a BTEC in applied pharmaceutical science, or equivalent qualifications relevant for registration with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Applicants whose first language is not English should have a minimum of IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100 (Internet-based).

Tier 4 Student Visas (International Applicants)

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has now revised its rules for Tier 4 student visa applications regarding English language ability. You are now required to hold a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) in all sub skills (listening, writing, reading and speaking) to be eligible to apply for a Tier 4 visa.

Please note that the University’s English language requirements are normally higher (see above).

Typical Funding

UK students - NHS health professionals may be eligible for funding through study leave or training budgets or from relevant NHS employers. 
International students - University scholarships.

How to Apply

There is no closing date for this programme. However, international students applying for September 2012 entry should apply by Friday 13 July 2012 to ensure that they have time to put appropriate arrangements in place.

For the quickest and easiest way to apply, visit our postgraduate online application site.

Further Information

Early application is advised as the programme is popular, although if places are available applications will be considered up until the end of August. Selection for the programme is made on the basis of the application and no interviews are held.

For further information please contact:
Anne Makepeace
Newcastle Biomedicine
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 222 8094
E-mail: anne.makepeace@ncl.ac.uk