This brand-new course will bridge the knowledge gap identified by practising pharmacy technicians, increasing your practice scope and contribution to the provision of patient centred pharmaceutical care and clinical pharmacy. This degree qualification will provide advanced knowledge across the four pillars of practice of the new post-registration pharmacy workforce development framework.
The course will have a comprehensive, professionally relevant and clinical oriented curriculum that will acknowledge the diverse clinical skill set required to be a successful and competent clinical pharmacy technician.  
Due to the expanded role of pharmacists that includes independent prescribing, some clinical aspects can be performed by another pharmacy professional with the appropriate clinical training and knowledge; pharmacy technicians are best suited to be upskilled to undertake clinical roles.
Please note this course is subject to validation.
This a top-up degree can be started in year 2 or year 3 following completion of other college courses.
For 2025-26, we are only accepting applications for stage 3 entry.
Year 2
The emphasis is on foundational pharmaceutical sciences relevant to clinical practice. This includes an understanding of pharmaceuticals that covers the drug journey from discovery to medicine design and use. The foundation modules will focus on the clinical practice pillar to collectively enhance students' understanding of drug formulation, human anatomy and physiology, pharmacological and toxicology principles, and clinical therapeutics, preparing one to effectively support pharmacists in patient care and medication management.
Year 3
The development of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics skills for patient safety, decision-making, and critical thinking as well as evidence-based therapeutics and patient centred clinical outcomes will be explored. Students will learn to interpret investigational data for chronic conditions, enhance their clinical information gathering skills and understand public health roles, with a focus on the three pillars of healthcare professional practice i.e. clinical practice, education and research to improve healthcare.
Year 4
An integration of clinical pharmacology and therapeutics to manage patients with complex needs through evidence-based treatment strategies will be taught. The development of leadership skills and the ability to manage advanced pharmacy services by embedding reflective practice will be explored. All four pillars of healthcare practice will be incorporated. Students will also learn how to conduct continuous quality improvement in pharmaceutical care and services.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Learning Methods
Teaching and learning activities include an appropriate mix of small and large group teaching, as well as problem-based approaches. Your individual clinical pharmacy practical skills will be developed as teaching design fosters your interpersonal and other professional clinical skills.
Our virtual learning environment, Moodle, will be used for delivery, directed and private study. The variety in approach means that the teaching and learning strategy provides you with a responsive environment to encompass your individual needs and learning style yet also encourage group interaction.
How long is a BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course?
The BSc (Hons) Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course can be successfully completed in 2 years based on stage 3 entry.
Activity Summary
Indicative group sizes and activity hours:
Year 3
- Online lectures - 20 hours per semester. Lectures are pre-recorded, delivered asynchronously online for you to complete in your own time
- Webinar - 30 hours per semester
- Facilitated discussion forums - 30 hours per semester
- Independent Study - 250-300 hours per semester
Independent Study
You will take responsibility for your own learning. You will complete the provided course content and read widely from the provided reading lists. You will attend tutorials and complete assignments and work on regular formative activities. Together with teaching activities and independent study this should equate to approximately 12-15 hours-per-week.
Staff Delivering on This Course
The BSc (Hons) CPPT course will be delivered by a team of highly qualified academic professionals who are experts in the various fields of Clinical and Professional Sciences, Pharmacy Practice, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and includes several GPhC Registered Pharmacists. Visiting Healthcare Professionals, including practising Pharmacists are involved in the delivery of specialist elements. E-tutors will provide online support and clinical expertise.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 2
- 2 written exams
- 3 written assignments, including essays and reports
Year 3
- 3 written exams
- 1 written assignment, including essays and reports
Year 4
- 2 written exams
- 1 written assignment, including essays and reports
- 1 eportfolio
- 1 oral assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Job Prospects
With the BSc qualification, Pharmacy technicians will be educated to the SCQF Level 9 (~Skills for Health level 5) and have the potential to competently undertake expanded clinical roles.
With the BSc (Hons) qualification, Pharmacy technicians will be educated to the SCQF Level 10 (~Skills for Health level 6) and have the potential to progress to specialist and leadership roles.
ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøflex
Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍøflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.
What is needed for a Clinical Practice for Pharmacy Technicians course?
For 2025-26, we are only accepting applications for stage 3 entry.
Year 3 Entry
- A qualification at SCQF level 8 such as the Scottish Vocational Qualification, SVQ, in Pharmacy Services at SCQF level 8 (GR2C 24) or equivalent
- Work experience is considered on a case-by-case basis by an Academic Team Member.
- The GPhC also has a work-based experience requirement of a minimum of 14 hours per week over a two-year period.
- Minimum 2-years post GPhC registration or equivalent.
- Applicants must be practising pharmacy technicians.
GPhC Fitness to Practise requirements
The GPhC has Fitness to Practise requirements for pharmacy technicians that will apply to GPhC registered candidates. Offers of a place on the Pharmacy Technician course are subject to compliance with these standards and a satisfactory Good Health and Good Character declaration.
Alternative Qualifications
Applications from students with non-standard qualifications or work experience will be considered on an individual basis.
The University's requirements in respect of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, though further specific information may be sought from the Course Leader.
There are a broad range of entry qualifications recognised for pharmacy technician registration by the GPhC or equivalent, which may also be accepted by ÑDz©ÌåÓý¹ÙÍø. If your qualification is not listed, email admissions@rgu.ac.uk with a list of your qualifications and we will review these on a case-by-case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 6.0, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025/2026
- Scottish Students - £1,820 per academic year
- Rest of UK Students - £7,220 per academic year
- International Students - £17,920 per academic year
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident, you may be eligible for funding and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.