Keele University Prospectus Undergraduate | 2016 | Page 191

Each stage of the course will contain a balanced
mix of assessments, both coursework and
examinations. Examinations may include multiple
choice questions (MCQ), short answer questions
(SAQ) and long-answer questions (LAQ). The
elements of continuous assessment in Stage 1 and
2 will include the submission of laboratory reports,
both pro-forma and full reports, essays, poster
presentations and oral presentations, a portfolio
containing elements of continuing professional
development and ethical case studies, practical
tasks in dispensing and laboratory skills, analysis
of spectroscopy data and the completion of
exercises administered online via the virtual
learning environment.
Stages 3 and 4 will continue to use some of the
preceding methods of assessment but will also
contain further variety such as a critical appraisal,
TRIPSE (tri-partite problem solving exercise),
production of a travel health wiki, leading a
workshop for your student peers and a blog based
on current issues in pharmacy and healthcare.
All stages of the course will include competency
based assessments, the Values Exchange programme
and a synoptic assessment. The Values Exchange
programme is a unique web-based system used to
facilitate debate about topics of concern such as
abortion and euthanasia. It allows you to share ideas
about issues in pharmacy and healthcare and forms
a very important part of your preparation to deal
with the ethical challenges you will come across in
practice. The synoptic assessment focuses on your
ability to understand the interdependency of
material taught in each stage of the course. You will
need to demonstrate your ability to form linkages
between the different elements of each cycle or
block of learning.

The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) is the
regulator for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians
and registered pharmacy premises. To work as
a pharmacist and to call yourself a pharmacist,
you must register with the GPhC. Part of the
registration requirements of the GPhC are education
requirements and the GPhC has agreed that there
should be completion time limits for anyone entering
pre-registration. This applies to anyone studying
currently for an accredited MPharm. The reason for
the time limit is to ensure the link between your
course and pre-registration training is preserved and
that your knowledge and skills are current when you
apply to register.

WWW.KEELE.AC.UK/UNDERGRADUATE

Placements form an important learning experience
throughout all years of the course giving students the
opportunity to place their learning in context within
different working environments.

Placement opportunities

The course includes a rich programme of scheduled
visits and placements in hospital, community and
industrial settings. A placement allows you to review
the course material in context and develop valuable
employability and research skills. Placements will
begin during the first year of teaching and will
continue regularly throughout the remainder of
the course.
All students will have the opportunity to experience
all of the above placement types. You will also
participate in running your own health campaign and
the final year will include sessions that prepare you
for your pre-registration placement. We also provide
support for students wishing to arrange extended
work placements during vacations to maximise the
benefit of this additional learning opportunity.

How to apply

All applications must be made through the
Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)
by the middle of January in order to be given full
consideration. Applications received between late
January and the end of June will only be considered
if we wish to make additional offers. Applications
received from the beginning of July will be entered
into the UCAS Clearing system.

Skills and careers

MPharm graduates need to complete a statutory one
year pre-registration period to qualify to practice.
There are many employment opportunities for
registered pharmacists. Graduates from this course
will have a portfolio of skills that are attractive to
potential employers in health authorities, hospitals,
community pharmacies and in the pharmaceutical
industry both in the United Kingdom and globally.
The School of Pharmacy has close links with all these
sectors. Throughout the course, you will be able to
assess which areas of pharmacy are of most interest
to you and practising pharmacists will be available to
provide advice.

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