Master of Pharmacy

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is also to produce graduates with expertise in research, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of pharmacy specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the graduate is in an educational setting usually as a component of Work-Integrated Learning.

Rationale

South Africa is faced with human resource problems in terms of healthcare service delivery. There is a shortage of skilled personnel in key areas of the health sector, and the shortage of clinical pharmacists has been acknowledged. There is also an uneven distribution of pharmacists between rationale the public and private sector, with the public sector struggling to attract and retain pharmacists, despite the introduction of various incentives. Training pharmacists with specialised clinical skills might address some of the problem areas in health care.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning is implemented through the University policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into this Masters Degree studies are

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB).

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 540 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9

• Clinical Pharmacokinetics, 90 Credits.
• Clinical Pharmacy, 90 Credits.
• Industrial Pharmacy, 90 Credits.
• Public Health and Medicines Management, 90 Credits.
• Radio pharmacy, 90 Credits.
• Mini-Dissertation, 90 Credits.

• Apply the principles of the research process, interpret data and write a research report or technical project or a series of smaller projects demonstrating innovation or professional expertise
• To demonstrate the ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts within choice of specialisation:

> Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice.

> Advanced Radio-pharmacy Practice.

> Public Health and Medicines Management.

> Pharmacokinetic and pharma-codynamic applications.

> Pharmaceutical science practice.

> Industrial pharmacy practice.

• Develop his/her own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes

• Perform research leading to the submission, assessment and acceptance of a research component comprising a mini dissertation or another form or research that is commensurate with the nature of the discipline or field and the specific area of enquiry.
• Integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts in pharmacy
• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to solve problems.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with patients and other health care workers as a team.
• Demonstrate competence and responsibility in the use of instruments and equipment necessary for this practice.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
• Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture and way of life.
• Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
• Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist pharmacist and as a responsible citizen.
• Acknowledge responsibility for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment takes place across all learning outcomes. Integration of exit level outcomes is assessed in the form of theory papers/Case presentations/Assignments/Pharmaceutical case reports and a Mini-Dissertation.