Masters Degrees (Forensic Nursing)

We offer post graduate pre-registration nursing in two fields of nursing (adult and mental health) and have excellent links with the NHS and other care providers. Nursing skills are taught and assessed in four laboratories. Learning clinical skills in the laboratories ensures that students develop competence in a safe, protected environment. In order to develop multi-professional and collaborative working, there is shared learning between nursing and midwifery students in areas such as biological and social sciences, informatics, research, ethics, health policy and management.

This programme offers both practice and theoretical learning in a variety of institutional and community settings. For adult nursing, placements are in hospitals and the local community, such as GP practices and with community nurses and health visitors. Mental health nursing placements are much more community-focused, in clinics, forensic services and health centres.

Applications for these programmes should be made via UCAS. Please note that this programme is not available to international students.

The aims of the programme are:

- To develop the personal and professional skills needed to competently undertake the role and responsibilities of a registered nurse

- To promote higher order thinking and the potential ability to undertake a leadership role in professional practice

- To work collaboratively with other professionals, service users and carers.

Visit the website http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/courses/pg/hsc/nursing

Health and Social Care

With over 20 years’ experience as a trusted provider of health and social care training and education, we are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills to become valued members of the community and to the continuing professional development of qualified professionals.

We are at the forefront of research and innovation in the field of health and social care and our teaching staff have both practical know-how and academic expertise.

Content (Adult Nursing)

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Patient Pathways of Care in Adult Nursing 1 (Level 7) (30 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

National and International Perspectives on Healthcare (15 credits)
Patient Pathways of Care in Adult Nursing 1 (Level 7) (30 credits)
Patient Pathways of Care in Adult Nursing 2 (Level 7) (30 credits)
Care of the Acutely Ill Adult (Level 7) (30 credits)

Content (Children's Nursing)

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Nursing Children and Young People with Minor Illness/Injury (Level 7) (30 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

National and International Perspectives on Healthcare (15 credits)
Nursing Children and Young People with Minor Illness/Injury (Level 7) (30 credits)
Meeting the Specific Healthcare Needs of Young People (Level 7) (30 credits)
Nursing the Acutely Ill or Injured Child (Level 7) (30 credits)

Content (Mental Health Nursing)

Full time
- Year 1:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

Psychosis and Anxiety: Developing Mental Health Nursing Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)

- Year 2:
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.

National and International Perspectives on Healthcare (15 credits)
Psychosis and Anxiety: Developing Mental Health Nursing Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)
Affective and Organic Disorders: Developing Mental Health Nursing Practice (Level 7) (30 credits)
Complex Needs: Advancing Mental Health Nursing (Level 7) (30 credits)

Fees and finance

Your time at university should be enjoyable and rewarding, and it is important that it is not spoilt by unnecessary financial worries. We recommend that you spend time planning your finances, both before coming to university and while you are here. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Find out more about our fees and the support available to you at our:
- Postgraduate finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/pg)
- International students' finance pages (http://www.gre.ac.uk/finance/international)

Assessment

Practice, portfolio, skills, essays, examinations, reports, case studies, oral presentations, and simulations.

Career options

Graduates have opportunities in the National Health Service in acute hospitals and Primary Care Trusts, and the independent health sector.

Find out how to apply here - http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/apply

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This form must be completed to support your application: Preceptor Declaration, and an original copy MUST be submitted to the Faculty by post or handed into the Faculty office. Postal Address: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Blackheath Lane, Stafford, ST18 0AD.

This course has been judged to have met the United Kingdom Association of Forensic Nurses (UKAFN) as meeting their Advanced Standards in Education and Training in Forensic Practice (ASET) and as such successful students of the PgCert will receive an ASET Certificate from UKAFN.

The Postgraduate Certificate is the first stage of the MSc in Advanced Forensic Practice (Custody Health Professionals).

One of the distinctive factors of this course is in the title ‘Advanced Forensic Practice’. The term ‘Advanced’ in the title has not been used lightly. The Department of Health (DH) published a Position Statement on Advanced Level Nursing (DH, 2010), which describes the benchmark of Advanced Level Nursing as; a level of practice well beyond that of first registration, rather than a speciality or role description

Particularly unique is the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences Crime Scene House, which displays crime scenes, with cameras to record every aspect of the students forensic practice in collecting and assessing evidence, along with the state of art Science Block, which houses the most up-to-date science laboratories. Live models will be used for students to assess and map wounds, undertake forensic sampling and body-mapping exercises. The Law School has a full sized Court Room, again with cameras to allow formative feedback for students giving oral evidence. Providing students with these rare insights into real life situations, within safe learning environments, will provide the best possible preparation for the reality of practising in forensic environments.

Course content

This course will underpin the legal, forensic and clinical knowledge to ensure practitioners work in an evidenced based manner and will fulfil the requirements to be a competent witness in court. The course will embrace the principles set by the FFLM, UKAFN, NPIA, along with other regulatory and professional bodies.

This course will encompass the following modules:
-Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice(Custody Health Professional) 60 Level 7 Credits
-Introduction to Forensic Practice Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7
-Professional Legal Skills for Non- Lawyers Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7
-Advanced Clinical Forensic Practice in Custody Core Module - 30 Credits at Level 7

Employment opportunities

To work as an Advanced Practitioner in Temporary Detention\Custody Settings.

Other admission requirements

It is expected that you will have a minimum academic qualification of a First Degree or equivalent. If you do not have a first degree you will need to demonstrate you have evidence of recent study at this level.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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This two year, fast-track degree prepares you to provide holistic, compassionate care and support for people with mental health problems.

Students starting PG Dip courses in September 2017 will receive a NHS Tuition Fee Bursary to cover the full tuition fees for the duration of their course.

Who is it for?

The Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is designed for well motivated individuals looking for a rewarding and challenging career.

As a Mental Health Nurse, you should be patient and compassionate in order to recognise individual needs and the appropriate interventions for them. It is all about helping people make positive changes to their lives and supporting them on their journey of recovery.

Objectives

City’s Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing offers you the opportunity to train in one of London’s leading and most well-established departments for nursing education. Our priority is to ensure that you graduate with the skills and knowledge to enter the mental health nursing profession, which can often be a stressful and challenging environment, with confidence.

As a student at City, you will combine theoretical study with clinical experience, working with London's diverse population in leading hospitals and community settings. We will prepare you for all aspects of the profession including supporting people working towards recovery, dealing with crisis and emergency situations, improving the effect of patients’ physical health, detecting deterioration and how to approach, assess and provide the most appropriate care and treatment in differing situations.

Placements

Half of your time as a student will be spent gaining practice experience through clinical placements and simulated practice. Placements are a vital factor in promoting understanding and development of professional skills. They help you become fit for practice, fit for purpose and fit for award by the time you complete your programme.

Each placement provides you with educational opportunities to develop your professional skills and allows students to explore the journeys of service users including older people, the severely ill, those in recovery and those detained in secure (forensic) settings. The majority of placements are with the East London NHS Foundation Trust which includes the boroughs of Newham, City & Hackney and Tower Hamlets. There are also opportunities for a 2 week elective placement outside the Trust.

Support in Practice

Students are supported in practice by practice experience staff who liaise between the Institution and the Trust, Mentors and Link Lecturers. At City we also use an innovative method of group work to support students and help them to develop the ability to understand and process the emotional impact of working in mental health.

Academic facilities

Our specialist Clinical Skills Centre at City’s Northampton Square campus has been specially designed for teaching and reflects clinical environments and working wards, so you can familiarise yourself with equipment and practices before commencing your placement. Simulated practice enables you to practise your skills in a safe environment, in preparation for transferring these skills to a 'real life' setting.

Teaching and learning

The teaching on the Mental Health Nursing course includes lecture sessions, workshops, small group activities and discussions and whole class discussion.

We are also using an innovative method of group work to support students and help them to develop the ability to understand and process the emotional impact of working in mental health.

Assessment

Assessments are varied to meet the practice and academic challenges of the Postgraduate Diploma, while recognising the need for motivating, realistic and relevant activity. The practice element is assessed by the development of a record of achievement in practice and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations. Modules are also assessed through essays or seminars.

Modules

Your learning will draw on areas including nursing, psychology, sociology and biology in order for you to develop your communication and evidence based clinical skills.

Our curriculum focuses on relationship centred care and will support you to develop effective working relationships with patients, service users, families and professional colleagues.

The programme is organised into three parts and you must successfully complete each part to move into the next part of the programme. Each part includes theory modules, simulated practice and clinical placements. For more details, see the website: http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/mental-health-nursing

Career prospects

On successful graduation you will gain registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which provides an internationally-recognised professional qualification enabling you to practice in the UK and overseas. Some countries require additional local registration.

Nursing is a life-long career where you can develop your skills and interests within a range of specialisms and career paths. As well as a career as a mental health nurse, you can move into areas within the health and social care sector including advising on policy and quality of care and academic teaching and research. You will also be able to go onto further study at MSc level, including an MSc Advanced Practice degree at City.

You will receive careers support from your personal tutor during the course and are encouraged to explore your personal career aspirations.

Other admission requirements

Two references are required. At least one reference for recent graduates must be academic; other references could include a current employer). You will need to provide the referees’ work contact details for us to contact the referee separately after we have received your application. Applicants will also be required to complete a DBS and Occupational Health check before commencing the course.

As well as meeting the academic entry criteria for this course, applicants will also be required to attend a Selection Day, where they will be required to demonstrate match those of the NHS Constitution. For further information and example tests, please visit our Selection Day page: http://www.city.ac.uk/health/selection-day

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One of the distinctive factors of this course is in the title ‘Advanced Forensic Practice’. The term ‘Advanced’ in the title has not been used lightly. The Department of Health (DH) published a Position Statement on Advanced Level Nursing (DH, 2010), which describes the benchmark of Advanced Level Nursing as; a level of practice well beyond that of first registration, rather than a speciality or role description.

Particularly unique is the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences Crime Scene House, which displays crime scenes, with cameras to record every aspect of the students forensic practice in collecting and assessing evidence, along with the state of art Science Block, which houses the most up-to-date science laboratories. Live models will be used for students to assess and map wounds, undertake forensic sampling and body-mapping exercises. The Law School has a full sized Court Room, again with cameras to allow formative feedback for students giving oral evidence. Providing students with these rare insights into real life situations, within safe learning environments, will provide the best possible preparation for the reality of practising in forensic environments.

Employment opportunities

To work as an Advanced Practitioner in a Sexual Assault Settings.

Other admission requirements

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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This award is the following stage of the Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Forensic Practice (Sexual Assault Health Professionals). However, there is the option to complete with a Postgraduate Diploma. The option modules of this stage allow you to undertake modules which will meet your individual learning needs to support you in your role within a Sexual Assault Setting.

This award is made up of 60 Credits of one Core Module of Principles of Physical Assessment (15 Credits at Level 7)
For students intending to continue onto the Masters Stage they will have to undertake the Research Methods and methodology Module (15 Credits at Level7)

The remaining modules are option Modules which can be undertaken at Staffordshire University or other Universities as appropriate. However, it should be noted that the Learning Outcomes of these modules must match the learning Outcomes of the Award and agreed with the Award Leader prior to enrolment.

-Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Forensic Practice (Sexual Assault) 60 Level 7 Credits (Masters Level)
-Physical Assessment (DL or F - F) Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7
-Optional Module15 Credits at Level 6 or 7
-Optional Module15 Credits at Level 6 or 7
-Research Methods and Methodologies(DL or F-F)Core Module - 15 Credits at Level 7

Course content

Core Module; Principles of Physical Assessment which can be undertaken either via Distance Learning or Face to Face Attendance (1 Afternoon a week for 12 weeks).

Research Methods and Methodology Module is a Pre-Requisite for Project Based Change and Research Dissertation Modules and therefore mandatory if you intend to continue onto the Masters Stage of the Award. Attendance is either 3 days Face to Face or via Distance Learning).

30 Credits of this stage can be utilised in a number of different ways:
-Level 6 or 7 Credits from Staffordshire University or other Universities modules which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).
-Level 6 or 7 Credits previously gained from Staffordshire University or other Universities within the previous 5 years which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).

APEL via the APEL procedure, Level 7 Credits previously gained from Staffordshire University or other Universities over 5 years old which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).

Other admission requirements

It is expected that you will have a minimum academic qualification of a First Degree or equivalent. If you do not have a first degree you will need to demonstrate you have evidence of recent study at this level.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

The MSc is delivered on a part time basis with the option of exiting with a Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma. You will normally enrol onto the Postgraduate Certificate in the first instance. On successful completion of the Postgraduate Certificate you may then proceed onto the Diploma stage; on successful completion of the Diploma you may then proceed onto the Masters stage.

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This award is made up of 60 Credits of one Core Module of Principles of Physical Assessment (15 Credits at Level 7)
For students intending to continue onto the Masters Stage they will have to undertake the Research Methods and methodology Module (15 Credits at Level 7)

When the alternative clinical module from the PgCert is undertaken; a dual qualification of both Custody and Sexual Assault can be gained.
-Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Forensic Practice (Sexual Assault Custody and) 60 Level 7 Credits (Masters Level)
-Physical Assessment (DL or F - F) Core 15 Credits at Level
-Research Methods and Methodologies (DL or F-F) Core 15 Credits at Level 7
-Clinical Competencies in Forensic Examination (Custody or Sexual Assault) Core Module - 30 Level 7 Credits

Other admission requirements

It is expected that you will have a minimum academic qualification of a First Degree or equivalent. If you do not have a first degree you will need to demonstrate you have evidence of recent study at this level.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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This award is made up of 60 Credits of one Core Module of Principles of Physical Assessment (15 Credits at Level 7). For students intending to continue onto the Masters Stage they will have to undertake the Research Methods and methodology Module (15 Credits at Level 7).

The remaining modules are option Modules which can be undertaken at Staffordshire University or other Universities as appropriate. However, it should be noted that the Learning Outcomes of these modules must match the learning Outcomes of the Award and agreed with the Award Leader prior to enrolment.

Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Forensic Practice(Custody Health) 60 Level 7 Credits (Masters Level).
-Physical Assessment (DL or F-F) 15 Credits at Level 7
-Optional Module 15 Credits at Level 6 or 7
-Optional Module 15 Credits at Level 6 or 7
-Research Methods and Methodologies (DL or F-F) 15 Credits at Level 7

Course content

Core Module; Principles of Physical Assessment which can be undertaken either via Distance Learning or Face to Face Attendance (1 Afternoon a week for 12 weeks)

Research Methods and Methodology Module is a Pre-Requisite for Project Based Change and Research Dissertation Modules and therefore mandatory if you intend to continue onto the Masters Stage of the Award. Attendance is either 3 days Face to Face or via Distance Learning) 30 Credits of this stage can be utilised in a number of different ways:
-Level 6 or 7 Credits from Staffordshire University or other Universities modules which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).
-Level 6 or 7 Credits previously gained from Staffordshire University or other Universities within the previous 5 years which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).

APEL via the APEL procedure, Level 7 Credits previously gained from Staffordshire University or other Universities over 5 years old which match the Award Learning Outcomes (to be agreed by Award Leader).

Other admission requirements

It is expected that you will have a minimum academic qualification of a First Degree or equivalent. If you do not have a first degree you will need to demonstrate you have evidence of recent study at this level.

For those whose first language is not English you need to demonstrate a minimum of:
-A minimum score of 7.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as administered by the British Council in most countries.
-A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or 213 in the computer-based test. [TOEFL results must include a minimum score of 4.5 for the TWE (Test of Written English) or Cambridge Proficiency Grade C.

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Develop your personal and professional practice in an innovative and flexible teaching style.

Course overview

This part-time Clinical Pharmacy course allows patient-facing pharmacists in all sectors to build upon current knowledge and experience and extend their professional development.

Gain core skills and knowledge required to become a highly competent pharmacist, and benefit from research-based teaching and learning strategies.

This is the only part-time MSc Clinical Pharmacy course in the North East of England. It runs on a distance learning basis and allows you to combine study with work and family commitments. Access all learning materials through the University VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) and attend two weekend conference-style events in December and June of the course. Learn from key and expert speakers within their respective fields and participate in workshop-based sessions.

The University of Sunderland has an excellent reputation in pharmacy. The Sunderland Pharmacy School is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council, and our research in pharmacy has been classed as ‘world leading’ in the latest Research Excellence Framework.

Please note that part-time courses are not available to international students who require a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK.

Course content

The content of this Clinical Pharmacy course has been developed by healthcare professionals and academics to reflect the most relevant areas to a pharmacist’s practice.

Modules on this course include:
Year 1
-Clinical Decision Making and Stages of Care (20 Credits)
-Patient Safety (20 Credits)

Year 1 or 2
-The Acute Patient (20 Credits)
-The Chronic Patient (20 Credits)
-Clinical Skills 1 (10 Credits)
-Evidence-based Medicine (10 Credits)
-Clinical Investigation and Diagnostics (10 Credits)
-Healthcare Systems and Service Provisions (10 Credits)
-Personalised Healthcare (10 Credits)
-Population Healthcare (10 Credits)
-Social Pharmacy and Primary Care (10 Credits)

Year 2
-Clinical Skills 2 (10 Credits)
-Independent Prescribing (45 credits)
-Clinical Audit (15 credits)

Year 3
-Independent Prescribing (45 credits)
-MSc Research Module (15 credits)
-Research Methods (30 Credits)
-Research Project (30 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods include online lectures, expert interviews, directed reading, case-based scenarios, research, tutorials and online tutor support. The conferences will involve master classes delivered by experts in their field, supported by workshop based sessions.

Assessment on the course includes:
-Examinations (written and OSCE-style)
-Work-based portfolio mapped to competencies outlined in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Foundation Pharmacy Framework (you will require a mentor* in practice to facilitate this)
-Case-based coursework tasks

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working.

Facilities & location

This course is based primarily in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts multi-disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Simulation technology
Each of our £57,000 SimMan mannequins has blood pressure, a pulse and other realistic physiological behaviour. The models can be pre-programmed with various medical scenarios, so you can demonstrate your pharmacological expertise in a realistic yet safe setting. Our academic team is also actively working with the SimMan manufacturers to develop new pharmacy simulations.

Pharmacy Practice
One of the most important skills of pharmacists is to communicate their expertise in a manner that the public can understand and accept. The University has invested in a purpose-built model pharmacy complete with consultation suite. This allows you to develop skills in helping patients take the correct medicine in the right way, with optional video recording of your interaction with patients for the purposes of analysis and improvement. In addition, we can accurately simulate hospital-based scenarios in a fully equipped ward environment where medical, nursing and pharmacy students can share learning.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical science, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles. Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
PsycINF, which includes information about the psychological aspects of medicine, psychiatry, nursing, sociology, pharmacology and physiology
PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Learning Environment
Sunderland Pharmacy School has a rich heritage in scientific studies and our degree courses are extremely well respected in the industry. We are fully plugged into relevant medical and pharmaceutical industry bodies, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people. Our vibrant learning environment helps ensure a steady stream of well-trained pharmacists whose most important concern is patient-centred pharmaceutical care.

Employment & careers

Postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy will help you take on additional responsibility. We encourage you to plan your future contributions to your employer and how your career will progress.

On completing this course you will be equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge specifically needed for promotion in roles such as:
-Specialist clinical pharmacist
-Pharmacist with a special interest
-Senior clinical pharmacist

A promotion to a higher band of pay can quickly ensure a good return on your investment in the course. Within the NHS, salaries for specialist clinical pharmacist are rated as Band 7 (up to around £40,000).

A Masters in Clinical Pharmacy can also lead to teaching opportunities, research roles or further study.

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The programme provides a focused qualification in working with people who have a diagnosis of personality disorder.

About the programme

There has been a significant shift in the current and future provision of care and support for people with personality disorder and those who work with them. This programme will give you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge about the needs of people with personality disorder in a variety of settings. You will extend your knowledge, understanding and skills to support and meet the needs of the challenging experiences faced by people who are often stigmatised, isolated and rejected by society. You will be taught by lecturers with a wide range of knowledge about personality disorder from diverse perspectives. In addition, an important contribution will be made from clinical experts in the School of Forensic Mental Health (SoFMH) and the health sector across Scotland.

Your learning

You will study three modules at SCQF Level 9: Theory of Personality Disorder; Risk Assessment and Risk Management; and Interventions and Strategies for dealing with people who have personality disorder. The first two modules can be taken as stand-alone modules. If you wish to complete the Graduate Certificate you will need to complete all three modules.

Further study

On successful completion, further study options could include the Postgraduate Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or the MSc Vulnerability.

Our Careers Adviser says

Graduates of this programme will have broadened their knowledge of personality disorder and enhanced their professional credentials particularly for those in the community or forensic mental health settings, as well as criminal justice social workers and mental health practitioners working in the Scottish Prison Service or police custody settings.

State-of-the-art facilities

Our campuses are equipped with artificial simulated environments with contemporary healthcare technology, where you’ll learn in a realistic context, to put your knowledge into practice. The unpredictability of patient symptoms are mimicked using sophisticated software in a clinical ward setting, ranging from low to high dependency beds.

Investment in the Domus Initiative – an older adult artificial home environment – provides you with experience in caring for older people and dementia care. In a first for the Scottish university sector, we have established A Community Orientated Resource for Nursing (ACORN) where students can practice within a simulated primary care environment.

Lanarkshire and Paisley campuses also provide midwifery students with excellent learning and teaching environments with facilities and equipment that includes a birthing room with maternal simulator and a birthing pool for simulated water births.

Life-changing research

We work jointly with a range of partners, both nationally and internationally, on our research interests, and this directly informs teaching at UWS – which means that you’ll learn from the experts.

Our programmes are informed by practice and all of our academic staff are members of the School’s Institute of Healthcare Policy and
Practice. Some of our most recent initiatives include –

• the launch of a new resource, ‘Jenny’s Diary’, which will provide an invaluable tool for families and practitioners to help people with a learning disability understand their diagnosis of dementia

• the development of a new ‘Philosophy of Care’ in partnership with Broomfield Court Care Home in Glasgow, which will look at ways of enhancing the culture and care within a care setting

• we have collaborated with Ayrshire Hospice to launch the first University Hospice in Scotland to help improve the lives of people with life-limiting illness, their families, partners and carers across Ayrshire & Arran; and Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock, with it becoming a University Teaching Hospice and launching a two-year research project with the University aimed at revolutionising the way palliative
care is delivered to improve the patient journey

• the launch of Dumfries & Galloway Recovery College – the first of its kind in Scotland – which offers short courses designed to enhance self-belief, identify ambitions and encourage learning

• in partnership with Edinburgh Napier University and the University of Edinburgh, the mental health team lead research into the relationship between emotional intelligence and clinical and academic performance in student nurses

• we are working with the Glasgow Improving Cancer Journey Programme to evaluate this groundbreaking intervention in cancer care in Scotland

• we have launched a new state-of-the-art microbiology lab which will form a research base in the fight against Healthcare Associated Infection

• a collaboration with a number of European partners to develop shared academic and practicebased programmes to prepare family health nurses in Europe

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Develop a deep insight into crime and criminal behaviour by studying this uniquely practical and applied course in criminology and forensic psychology.

Studying applied criminology and forensic psychology at postgraduate level will allow you to develop a range of analytical and practical skills benefitting you as a practitioner or researcher.

You’ll have the opportunity of a work placement alongside specialised modules covering mediation, international criminology, assessment of offenders, child protection and advanced quantitative and qualitative research methods. These modules will give you a valuable set of skills for both employment and further research.

Your tutors will be research-active staff who are experts in their field. You’ll also benefit from external practitioners who bring their practical skills and experience to the course.

See the website http://www.napier.ac.uk/en/Courses/MSc-Applied-Criminology-and-Forensic-Psychology-Postgraduate-FullTime

What you'll learn

You’ll develop a critical awareness of topics at the forefront of criminology and forensic psychology, and the contexts and theories that influence practice in these areas.

The applied focus of this course provides an excellent foundation in risk assessment of offenders, methods of rehabilitation, use of forensic interviewing strategies, mediation skills and facial composite construction.

Alongside these skills you’ll also learn directly from leading experts about current research and debates in criminology and forensic psychology which directly affect people at all points in the legal system.

Additionally you'll acquire excellent transferable research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods which will enable you to carry out high quality research in a variety of contexts and with ethical integrity.

This is a one year full-time course delivered over three trimesters. You’ll learn by a variety of teaching methods including lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and independent study.

Modules

• Practical Forensic Psychology (assessing offenders and working with witnesses)
• Advanced Forensic Psychology (therapeutic jurisprudence and neuroethics)
• Criminal Justice in Practice
• Current Topics in Crime
• Comparative and International Criminology
• Advanced Research Skills
• Community Safety and Mediation
• Investigative Journalism
• Work Placement
• Dissertation

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Careers

With a mix of subject specific knowledge, practical skills and technical abilities graduates will have the opportunity to develop a career in a range of occupations including:

• HM Prisons and secure units
• Probation service
• Police services
• Social work
• Court services
• Legal services
• Voluntary sector
• Community development
• Adult guidance
• Local and central government
• Academia and research
• Health services
• Forensic services
• Private practice

How to apply

http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/how-to-apply

SAAS Funding

Nothing should get in the way of furthering your education. Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) awards funding for postgraduate courses, and could provide the help you need to continue your studies. Find out more: http://www.napier.ac.uk/study-with-us/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/saas-funded-courses

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This course is for people already working in a healthcare setting (in areas including psychiatry, clinical and forensic psychology, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, general medical practitioners) who are interested in delivering Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) in clinical settings. It will provide sufficient theoretical and skills training and can develop your career as a therapist and the service you provide.

CBT is the model of psychotherapy most tested by research trials for a range of mental and even physical disorders, ranging from depression, anxiety and phobias to eating disorders, schizophrenia and chronic pain. Healthcare professionals are increasingly required to demonstrate a flexible, multidisciplinary approach to make the best use of skills and resources. The NHS actively promotes provision of evidence-based management. CBT is the evidence-based psychotherapy par excellence. It can be effective as a stand-alone treatment and can also be used in conjunction with other medical or psychological treatments. The model is versatile and creative and its techniques can be used selectively in general medical, psychological and nursing practice, as well as informing whole courses of integrated treatment.

This course will help you refine your CBT skills, empower you to use the model in a range of clinical situations, and focus on the development of a respectful and pro-active relationship with patients. The therapeutic alliance is central to the delivery of CBT and the course will teach you to forge a positive collaborative relationship with patients as a means of improving and maintaining the patient’s mental health. The course is delivered by staff of NHS Lothian and Greater Glasgow.

Teaching, learning and assessment

The teaching and learning methods used will encourage participative and independent learning and you will arrange to see patients one day per week. Assessment methods will include essays, audio recordings of therapy sessions, case studies and supervisor assessments. Class sizes are usually around 30 for the PgCert and 15 for the PgDip.

Teaching hours and attendance

You will attend lectures one day per fortnight during the course and in the weeks between lectures will see patients and receive supervision. You will be required to carry out a significant amount of independent work each week (see NHS website for more details).
The course is delivered at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh and Gartnavel Royal Hospital, Glasgow

Links with industry/professional bodies

On completion, you can apply to be accredited by the BABCP (British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies) in due course.

Modules

15 credits: CBT for Anxiety and Depression/ Principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy/ Research Skills in CBT/ Advanced CBT for Anxiety Disorders/ Introduction to Complex Adaptation of CBT

30 credits: Application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

If studying for the MSc, you will also complete a dissertation of a research project within a chosen specialist area of CBT. The components of the dissertation will include: a research proposal; a literature review; and a paper for publication.

Careers

There is a growing demand for therapists specifically trained in this field. This course will enable you to develop your career and the service you provide.

Quick Facts

Learn the theory and practice of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – the best evidenced psychotherapy in mental health.

Core CBT competencies are developed through multiple methods, including lectures, workshops, role play, academic evaluation and close clinical supervision.

As trainee therapists, students benefit from the vast experience of expert CBT practitioners from throughout the UK delivering on our specialist PG teaching course

For start date, see NHS website.

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The MSc in Clinical Applications of Psychology provides modules in aspects of psychology relevant to clinical practice, for students who are intending to apply to doctoral programmes in clinical psychology. Whilst there is no guarantee that students will ultimately be successful in gaining entry to doctoral programmes, this course is intended to strengthen your CV and enable you to get the most out of your relevant experience.

It is expected that most students accepted onto the MSc will be currently working in clinically relevant posts, such as psychology assistants, nursing assistants or therapy aides.

Module Information
There are six taught modules, taught sequentially over two years:
• Research Methods in Clinical Psychology
• Adult Psychopathology
• Neuropsychological Assessment
• Professional Issues, Ethics and Diversity
• Clinical Forensic Psychopathology
• Childhood Psychopathology.

The dissertation can be studied in three ways:
• In year 1, with study across 2 years alongside taught modules
• In year 2, with study alongside the remaining taught modules
• In year 3, after completing the taught modules.

After completing three modules, you will be eligible to receive a Postgraduate Certificate, and after six modules a Postgraduate
Diploma. Successful completion of the dissertation leads to the award of the MSc.

The research methods module will further develop your knowledge of the breadth of methods used in psychological research,
and the legal and ethical implications of conducting research.

The adult psychopathology aspects of the programme will enable you to conceptualise, describe and differentiate between the various psychological disorders, and develop your awareness and critical understanding of empirically derived treatment systems.

Within the neuropsychological assessment module you will gain experience and knowledge of key neuropsychological tests, and how cognition is affected by neurological conditions. This is informed by studying the principles of neuropsychological assessment and disorders of memory, attention, executive function and language.

The MSc will also improve your understanding of professional issues, ethics and diversity, considering the current and developing structure of clinical psychology in the UK. You will engage with current debates in ethics and diversity and learn how to competently apply ethical principles to real and hypothetical case examples. You will also relate these experiences to your own professional development.

In the clinical forensic psychopathology module consideration will be given to perspectives on offending behaviour, approaches to assessment and treatment, particularly examining these issues with specific offender types.

The area of childhood psychopathology will be explored, and you will be expected to apply psychological theories, research and case studies to a range of childhood psychopathologies. You will examine behavioural disorders, emotional disorders and, developmental and learning disorders in childhood and adolescence including assessment, diagnosis and treatment.

Finally, the dissertation will provide you with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest relevant to the field of clinical psychology and to design, plan and execute an in-depth research project.

Attendance
This programme is delivered predominantly on-line, with some Newman-based workshops held at weekends.

Assessment
Throughout the course you will develop the skills to successfully disseminate information to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will be assessed using a range of techniques such as on-line quizzes, essays, journal article presentations and
examinations.

Research Areas
Research in this area is fundamental to the mission of Newman University. The subject area welcomes applications from suitably qualified students who wish to pursue postgraduate research degrees (MPhil and PhD awarded by the University of Leicester).

“This course occupies a niche in higher education in psychology that does not seem to be filled elsewhere: a grounding in clinical psychology theory and research that can support and provide an additional dimension to the experience of psychology
graduates who are aiming to go on in the future to train in clinical or other related areas of applied psychology. The syllabus has been carefully designed to meet the course aims. The outcomes can be demonstrated in the level of performance of the students (and also in their reported success in gaining places on Doctorate courses).”
External Examiner

For MSc please contact [email protected]

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Pharmacy at Sunderland is ranked sixth in the country, according to The Guardian University Guide 2013.

Course overview

Do you want to contribute to the discovery and development of drugs that could potentially improve the health and well-being of millions of people? The UK has long been a leader in this complex technical area, in which each new drug requires around $1 billion of development work.

Our research-led teaching and state-of-the-art facilities make the University of Sunderland one of the UK's top locations for pharmaceutical science. Our strong links with the pharmaceutical industry ensure a flow of guest speakers and good contacts for your chosen Masters project/dissertation. Previous projects have involved collaborations with companies such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Helena Biosciences.

The course covers advanced pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, drug design, pharmacology, proteomics and pharmacogenomics. You will also cover regulatory processes for medicines, in line with ICH guidelines. The course is a direct response to employers’ search for postgraduates who have a mix of theoretical and practical skills and who will push boundaries in drug development.

With a Masters course, it’s important to consider the relevance of the research interests of tutors who will supervise your dissertation. At Sunderland, our interests include pharmaceutical analysis, process chemistry, various drug discovery programmes, and drug delivery systems, including those for large biological pharmaceuticals. Our academic team have produced some ‘world-leading’ research, according to the latest Research Excellence Framework (2014).

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with self-directed research. The topic of the project / dissertation is negotiated to fit both your personal interests and the expertise of Sunderland's supportive tutors. Modules on this course include:
Core modules
-Essential Research and Study Skills (20 Credits)
-Fundamentals for Pharmaceutical Science (20 Credits)
-The Pharmaceutical R&D Cycle and its Regulation (20 Credits)

Choose four out of the five following modules
-Advanced Pharmacology (15 Credits)
-Pharmacogenomics and Proteomics (15 Credits)
-Advanced Pharmaceutical Analysis (15 Credits)
-Advanced Drug Design (15 Credits)
-Advanced Pharmaceutics (15 Credits)

Choose one Masters option
-Double Project (60 Credits)
Or
-Double Dissertation (60 Credits)
Or
-Single Project (30 Credits) and Single Dissertation (30 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, open learning, laboratory work and group work.

The Masters project may involve collaboration with a pharmaceutical company. Previous projects have involved collaborations with companies such as AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Helena Biosciences.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working and problem solving. Assessment methods include laboratory reports, oral presentations, case studies, critical reviews, examinations and the Masters project.

Facilities & location

This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts multi-disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Facilities for Pharmaceutics
We have pharmaceutical-related equipment for wet granulation, spray drying, capsule filling, tablet making, mixing inhalation, film coating and freeze drying. As well as standard pharmacopoeial test methods, such as dissolution testing, friability and disintegration, we also offer highly sophisticated test methods. These include rheometry, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy), tests for powder flow, laser diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, image analysis and laser confocal microscopy.

Facilities for Medicinal Chemistry
Our state-of-the-art spectroscopic facility allows us to confirm the structures of new molecules that could be potential pharmaceutical products and to investigate the structures of potential medicinal substances that have been isolated from plants. We are equipped with Liquid Chromatography-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy (LC-NMR/MS) platforms; this is an exceptional facility for a university. We also have low and high resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis equipment. Our facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and infra-red spectroscopy, which are of great importance in determining both ionic/metal content of pharmaceuticals and simple chemical structures respectively. You will also gain experience of revolutionary protein and DNA separation techniques, as well as Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (x8) and Gas Chromatography for separating all kinds of samples of pharmaceutical or biomedical interest.

Facilities for Pharmacology
Our highly technical apparatus will give you first-hand experience of the principles of drug action and the effects of drugs on pharmacological and cellular models. As a result, you gain a better understanding of the effects of drugs on specific receptors located throughout the human body and related physiological effects.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical science, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles. Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
-Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
-PsycINF, which includes information about the psychological aspects of medicine, psychiatry, nursing, sociology, pharmacology and physiology
-PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Learning Environment
Sunderland Pharmacy School has a rich heritage in scientific studies and our degree courses are extremely well respected in the industry. We are fully plugged into relevant medical and pharmaceutical industry bodies, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people. Your Masters project may involve collaboration with a pharmaceutical company, including working at their sites.

Employment & careers

Graduates from this course can pursue a variety of careers in the following areas; Drug Design, Pharmaceutical Analysis and Research, Pre-clinical Research in Experimental and Biological Studies, Formulation and Product Development, Pharmacogenomics and Proteomics, Clinical Research, Product Registration, Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Previous Sunderland graduates have been employed in companies such as GSK, Eisai, Reckitt Benckiser, Merck, Sharp & Dohme and Norbrook Laboratories.

Some students may apply for a PhD programme or those who already hold a Pharmacy degree can pursue MSc/PG Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) and go through one-year pre-registration training.

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Sunderland is the only university in the north of England to offer an Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) that is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Course overview

Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is designed for those who are qualified pharmacists outside the European Economic Area and who are now looking to become registered pharmacists in the UK.

Our course is one of a small number of courses that are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council. Their accreditation is based on quality reviews that ensure Sunderland is meeting the required standards.

Completing the OSPAP postgraduate diploma allows for entry to the next stages of registering as a pharmacist in the UK: firstly, 52 weeks of supervised training in employment; secondly, a registration assessment.

Once all these stages are successfully completed, and assuming you have the necessary visa and work permit, you would be in a position to apply for roles as a practising pharmacist in the UK. There is virtually no unemployment of registered pharmacists in the UK.

You can also apply to undertake a Masters research project in addition to your postgraduate diploma. Pharmacy is a particular area of strength at the University of Sunderland and our Department has been teaching the subject since 1921.

Course content

The content of this course reflects the accreditation requirements of the General Pharmaceutical Council.

Modules on the course include:
-Pharmacy, Law, Ethics and Practice (60 Credits)
-Clinical Therapeutics (60 Credits)
-Research Methods for Pharmaceutical Practice and Masters Research Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, debate sessions, online learning packages, tutorials and seminars.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. Assessment methods include end-of-year examinations, practical assessments as well as assignments throughout the year.

Facilities & location

This course is based in the Sciences Complex at our City Campus, which boasts multi-disciplinary laboratories and cutting-edge equipment thanks to multi-million pound investments.

Facilities for Pharmaceutics
We have pharmaceutical-related equipment for wet granulation, spray drying, capsule filling, tablet making, mixing inhalation, film coating and freeze drying.

As well as standard pharmacopoeial test methods, such as dissolution testing, friability and disintegration, we also offer highly sophisticated test methods. These include rheometry, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy), tests for powder flow, laser diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, image analysis and laser confocal microscopy.

Facilities for Medicinal Chemistry
Our state-of-the-art spectroscopic facility allows us to confirm the structures of new molecules that could be potential pharmaceutical products and to investigate the structures of potential medicinal substances that have been isolated from plants.

We are equipped with Liquid Chromatography-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy (LCNMR/MS) platforms; this is an exceptional facility for a university. We also have low and high resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis equipment.

Our facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and infra-red spectroscopy, which are of great importance in determining both ionic/metal content of pharmaceuticals and simple chemical structures.

You will also gain experience of revolutionary protein and DNA separation techniques, as well as Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography for separating unknown chemical mixtures.

Facilities for Pharmacology
Our highly technical apparatus will give you first-hand experience of the principles of drug action and the effects of drugs on pharmacological and cellular models. As a result, you gain a better understanding of the effects of drugs on specific receptors located throughout the human body and related physiological effects.

Simulation technology
You’ll have the opportunity to apply your training in a realistic setting with our two advanced simulation technology ‘SimMan’ models.
Each of our £57,000 SimMan mannequins has blood pressure, a pulse and other realistic physiological behaviour. The models can be pre-programmed with various medical scenarios, so you can demonstrate your pharmacological expertise in a realistic yet safe setting. Our academic team is also actively working with the SimMan manufacturers to develop new pharmacy simulations.

Pharmacy Practice
One of the most important skills of pharmacists is to communicate their expertise in a manner that the public can understand and accept.

The University has invested in a purpose-built model pharmacy complete with consultation suite. This allows you to develop skills in helping patients take the correct medicine in the right way, with optional video recording of your interaction with patients for the purposes of analysis and improvement.

In addition, we can accurately simulate hospital-based scenarios in a fully equipped ward environment where medical, nursing and pharmacy students can share learning.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical science, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles.

Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
-Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
-PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Learning Environment
Sunderland Pharmacy School has a rich heritage in scientific studies and our degree courses are extremely well respected in the industry. We are fully plugged into relevant medical and pharmaceutical industry bodies, with strong links and an exchange of ideas and people. Our vibrant learning environment helps ensure a steady stream of well-trained pharmacists whose most important concern is patient-centred pharmaceutical care.

Employment & careers

On completing this course you can register and practise in the UK as a qualified pharmacist. An entry-level pharmacist usually starts within Band 5 of the NHS pay rates (up to around £28,000). Advanced pharmacists, consultants, team managers and managers of pharmaceutical services are rated as Bands 8-9 and can earn up to £99,000. Currently there is virtually no unemployment of qualified pharmacists. Typical starting salaries for community pharmacists range from £21,000 to £35,000 depending on location, conditions of employment and experience.

Most pharmacists work in the following areas:
Community pharmacy: this involves working in pharmacies on high streets or in large stores. You will dispense prescriptions, deal with minor ailments, advise on the use of medicines and liaise with other health professionals.

Hospital pharmacy: this involves the purchasing, dispensing, quality testing and supply of medicines used in hospitals.

Primary care: this involves working in General Practice surgeries, either as an employee of the Practice or the Primary Care Trust. Roles include Medicines Management Pharmacists, who are responsible for prescribing budgets and the development of prescribing directives.

Secondary care: this involves working in hospitals to supply medicines, manage clinics, provide drug information and prescribe medicines.

Industrial pharmacists are involved in areas such as Research & Development, Quality Assurance and product registration.
Research degrees can be undertaken in many aspects of pharmacy. Sunderland Pharmacy School offers excellent facilities and a wide range of research expertise.

You can also work in areas of the pharmaceutical industry, medical writing and in education. By completing a Masters project in addition to your OSPAP postgraduate diploma it will enhance opportunities in academic roles or further study towards a PhD.

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Sunderland is ranked sixth in the UK for pharmacy and pharmacology, according to The Guardian University Guide 2013.

Course overview

This Masters is one of the few in the UK that covers biopharmaceuticals as well as pharmaceuticals. The course covers drug delivery systems for large molecules such as proteins, genes and anticancer drugs that offer innovative ways to improve the health and wellbeing of our society.

The course also covers advanced formulations and delivery of small drug molecules. There is a focus on nanotechnology, dosage forms, pharmacokinetics and statistical methods used in data analysis.

Our supportive tutors will guide the development of rigorous approaches to research including sound methodologies, good manufacturing practice, high laboratory standards and effective communication of results.

Your Masters research project will be supervised by an expert in the relevant field, possibly in collaboration with a pharmaceutical company or research institution.

This course is particularly relevant if you plan to undertake a PhD in the area of pharmaceutical sciences, biopharmaceuticals or drug delivery. It is also suitable if you are considering, or already involved in, a career in pharmaceutical-related industries, hospitals or research institutions.

Pharmacy is a particular area of strength at the University of Sunderland. We have worked with GlaxoSmithKline for over 20 years and Pfizer has funded research projects at Sunderland for over 10 years.

Course content

The course mixes taught elements with independent research and self-directed study. There is flexibility to pursue personal interests in considerable depth, with guidance and inspiration from Sunderland's supportive tutors. Modules on this course include:
-Dosage Forms and Pharmacokinetics (20 Credits)
-Delivering Gene and Therapeutic Proteins (20 Credits)
-Essential Research and Study Skills (20 Credits)
-Research Manipulation (20 Credits)
-Nanotechnology (20 Credits)
-Bioinformatics (20 Credits)
-Research Project (60 Credits)

Teaching and assessment

We use a wide variety of teaching and learning methods which include lectures, seminars, problem-based learning, laboratory work, group work and visits to relevant companies. We also welcome guest speakers from the pharmaceutical industry who deliver guest lectures and seminars.

Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters requires a higher level of independent working. Assessment methods include written examinations, online tests and coursework, which includes oral and poster presentations.

Facilities & location

Sunderland's exceptional facilities include state-of-the-art equipment for pharmaceutics, synthetic, analytical and medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.

Facilities for Chemistry
We’ve recently spent £1 million on our new state-of-the-art analytical equipment. The analytical suite contains equipment which is industry-standard for modern clinical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Our state-of-the-art spectroscopic facility allows us to investigate the structures of new molecules and potential medicinal substances. We are equipped with Liquid Chromatography-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectroscopy (LCNMR/MS) platforms; this is an exceptional facility for a university. We also have low and high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance and elemental analysis equipment.

Our facilities allow you to gain hands-on experience of a wide range of analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and infra-red spectroscopy, which are of great importance in determining both ionic/metal content of pharmaceuticals and simple chemical structures. You will also gain experience of revolutionary protein and DNA separation techniques, as well as Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography for separating unknown chemical mixtures.

Facilities for Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology
Our highly technical apparatus will help you gain a better understanding of the effects of drugs on specific receptors located throughout the human body and related physiological effects. In addition to equipment for standard pharmacopoeial tests, such as dissolution testing, friability and disintegration, we also have highly sophisticated test methods. These include rheometry, thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and hot stage microscopy), tests for powder flow, laser diffraction, photon correlation spectroscopy, image analysis and laser confocal microscopy.

We also have equipment for wet granulation, spray drying, capsule filling, tablet making, powder mixing inhalation, film coating and freeze drying.

University Library Services
We’ve got thousands of books and e-books on pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, with many more titles available through the inter-library loan service. We also subscribe to a comprehensive range of print and electronic journals so you can access the most reliable and up-to-date academic and industry articles. Some of the most important sources for your studies include:
-Embase, which is a complex database covering drug research, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, clinical and experimental human medicine, health policy and management, public health, occupational health, environmental health, drug dependence and abuse, psychiatry, forensic medicine and biomedical engineering/instrumentation
-PsycINF, which includes information about the psychological aspects of medicine, psychiatry, nursing, sociology, pharmacology and physiology
-PubMed, which contains life science journals, online books and abstracts that cover fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine and health care
-Science Direct, which offers more than 18,000 full-text journals published by Elsevier
-Web of Science, which covers a broad range of science areas

Employment & careers

On completing this course you will be equipped with the skills and understanding needed for Research & Development roles with employers such as:
-Pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies
-Medical research institutes
-Hospitals

Salaries for senior pharmacologists range from £35,000 to around £80,000. Clinical laboratory scientists earn an average of £36,000. A Masters degree will also enhance opportunities in academic roles or further study towards a PhD.

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