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PCert, PDip, MSc

Medicines Optimisation

The Medway School of Pharmacy’s innovative postgraduate distance-learning programme in Medicines Optimisation equips you with the skills and knowledge to contribute effectively to medicines management services and to individual drug therapy decisions.

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Key information

Start
Flexible
Location
Medway
Study mode
1 to 6 years part-time, flexible learning
Typical offer
2.2 or above
All entry requirements

Overview

Learn how Medicines Optimisation is used to determine how medicines are used by patients and the NHS. Effective medicines optimisation places the patient as the primary focus of interventions by healthcare professionals and is a key driver for NHS modernisation in the UK. Become proficient in planning clinical and cost-effective medicines use in the context of the holistic consideration of patient needs.

One pathway to the MSc includes the chance for you to qualify as an independent/supplementary prescriber. Have a look at the Independent / Supplementary Prescribing programme for more details.

About Medway School of Pharmacy

Medway School of Pharmacy is one of the few regional schools of pharmacy in the UK, a collaboration between the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich.

The impetus for the formation of the Medway School of Pharmacy came from the local community, who recognised the shortage of qualified pharmacists in all branches of the pharmacy profession in Kent.

The School is now recognised as an established school with accreditation from the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Graduates are employed in health disciplines in Kent and the south-east and more broadly across the UK.

Fees

For fee information, please email MSOPPGTAdmin@greenwich.ac.uk

The course

What you'll study

There are two main types of delivery. We have modules delivered, taught and assessed online. We also have modules that are delivered online and consist of downloadable study material.

You can link your learning to the workplace by participating in the Portfolio Activities. The Learning Activities are sections of material which invite you to formulate your own response to the situation under study (e.g. a patient case study). We then provide the responses provided by an expert in the field.

All courses are written by experts in the field of study and are revised at regular intervals.

You can register for the full MSc programme or undertake standalone modules by registering for our Short Courses.

  • Certificate level (60 credits): Two 10 credit core courses plus 40 credits from the list of options

  • Diploma level (60 credits): Two 10 credit core courses plus 40 credits from the list of options

  • MSc level (60 credits): Research project related to your practice, thesis and abstract, poster presentation.

How you'll study

Postgraduate taught modules are designed to give you advanced study skills, a deeper knowledge of the subject, and the confidence to achieve your ambitions.

Entry requirements

2.2 or above

A first degree in a relevant subject from an EU university; equivalent qualifications from a non-EU university may be acceptable, but their comparability will be assessed on an individual basis; or at least five years of working experience in health care after obtaining a relevant professional qualification. Students must also be registered with the relevant UK professional body and practising in the UK, preferably within the National Health Service.

All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.

Fees and funding

For fee information please see the Medway School of Pharmacy website for Postgraduate Fees or email MSOPPGTAdmin@greenwich.ac.uk.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

The 2026/27 annual tuition fees for UK postgraduate research courses have not yet been set by the Research Councils UK. This is ordinarily announced in March. As a guide only, the full-time tuition fee for new and returning UK postgraduate research courses for 2025/26 is £5,006.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

You'll need regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. We've listed some guidelines for the technology and software you'll need for your studies.

General additional costs

Find out more about student accommodation and living costs, as well as general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Search our scholarships finder for possible funding opportunities. You may find it helpful to look at both:

Research

Kent is a leading research university, meaning that you will be informed about new discussions and developments by the people making them. This means your work will have real potential to make a difference.

Staff research interests

Full details of staff research interests can be found on the School's website.

Your future

Graduates who obtain their PhD from Kent or Greenwich are highly sought after by prospective employers, both within the UK and overseas. Destinations for doctoral graduates include university academic departments, research institutes and leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.

The taught postgraduate programmes are designed to promote the continuing professional development by providing sought-after skills. The programmes are beneficial for those who wish to develop their skills and/or to take the next step in their career.

Postgraduates earn

£6,000
more per year than graduates (Graduate Labour Market Statistics, 2021).

A degree can boost average lifetime earnings by over

£300,000
Graduate employment outcomes - Universities UK

Ready to apply?

Applications are administered by the University of Greenwich. Please see their application pages:

https://www.gre.ac.uk/postgraduate-courses/engsci/medopt