University of Leicester

CPD Pharmacist Independent Prescribing

University of LeicesterLeicester, Campus-based

Course overview

As part of its long term plan the NHS has been developing clinical pathways that widen the remit of pharmacists, which in turn have a major positive impact on patient care - from diagnosis to prescribing. Part of this initiative involves broadening pharmacists' skills through training to become Independent Prescribers. At Leicester, the School of Healthcare’s accessible Pharmacist Independent Prescribing course is designed to support the pharmacy integration programme and enables pharmacists to become confident and knowledgeable non-medical prescribers.

In fact, it is considered such an important part of the modern pharmacist's role that, as of 2026, all pharmacy graduates will be independent prescribers. This programme comprises one 30 credit module. It’s designed to provide pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to prescribe within their chosen scope of practice.

Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing and be eligible for annotation on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register or PSNI register as an independent prescriber. This programme is ideal if you have work and personal commitments. It has a flexible format and is delivered using predominantly distance learning approaches, which means it is open to registered pharmacists from across England.

The course comprises five virtual, interactive facilitated teaching sessions, and two face-to-face sessions delivered over a range of dates in locations across England. The course is entirely portfolio based with no OSCE style assessments. To complete the application you will need to provide the following information: The role and responsibilities of the DPP are outlined in the DPP course guide (PDF, 1MB). *If you are undertaking your 90 hours of learning in practice in an organisation that is different to your current employer (or if you are self employed) then you will need to confirm that there are appropriate clinical and information governance ar

Key highlights

  • Leads to annotation as an independent prescriber on GPhC or PSNI register
  • Awards a Practice Certificate in Independent Prescribing on completion
  • Single 30-credit module focused on prescribing within your scope of practice
  • Mainly distance learning with five virtual facilitated sessions
  • Two face-to-face sessions held at locations across England
  • Entirely portfolio-based assessment with no OSCE-style exams

Entry requirements

To complete the application you will need to provide the following information: Evidence of your registration with the GPhC or PSNI, this can be a screen shot of your GPhC payment records. Signed declarations that: you are currently in good standing with the GPhC or PSNI you and your organisation have appropriate indemnity insurance to cover your training as a prescriber* Confirmation of the clinical area in which you intend to practice as a prescriber and a personal reflective statement supporting your choice of prescribing area – see information below about what experience, both therapeutic and clinical, that you need to have completed in order to undertake the prescribing certificate course and the evidence you might need to upload. Details of the clinical setting in which you will complete the learning in practice A statement of competence to supervise your leaning in practice signed by your DPP which includes meeting requirements set out in the following documents: A Competency Framework for Designated Prescribing Practitioners (RPS, 2019) Standards for the Education and Training of Pharmacist Independent Prescribers (GPhC, 2019) Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Competency Framework for Prescribers (RPS, 2021) The role and responsibilities of the DPP are outlined in the DPP course guide (PDF, 1MB). *If you are undertaking your 90 hours of learning in practice in an organisation that is different to your current employer (or if you are self employed) then you will need to confirm that there are appropriate clinical and information governance arrangements in place to support your learning in practice.

Relevant experience to succeed as a trainee prescriber The Pharmacist Independent Prescriber programme is designed to enable you to undertake relevant clinical examination skills and to develop your consultation skills, your clinical decision making and your care planning skills to enable you to be a safe and effective prescriber. As part of the application form you

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    You are entitled to a discount of 20% of the new course fee.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Chancellor's International Postgraduate Taught Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Chancellor’s International Scholarship

    This scholarship, worth £3,000 per year, reflects the University’s commitment to attracting talented students from around the world.

    Up to £3,000

  • Chevening Scholarship

  • Chevening-Leicester Partner Scholarship

  • Choral Scholarships at Leicester Cathedral

    Leicester Cathedral offers three Choral Scholarships of £1,000 each year to University of Leicester students (undergraduates or postgraduates).

    Up to £1,000

  • Distance Learning (DL) Sanctuary Awards

  • Distance Learning Merit Scholarship

    The awards available are: MA: £800, PGDip: £500, PGCert: £300

  • Family Loyalty Discount

    10% discount on the tuition fee for each year of your course.

    Up to 10% of fees

  • International Citizens of Change Scholarship

    A £10,000 tuition fee discount will be awarded to 10 undergraduate international fee-paying students starting an undergraduate programme in September 2026 for each year of their course for up to three years.

    Up to £10,000

  • International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship

    International Merit Scholarship worth a tuition fee discount of £5,000.

  • International Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

    This merit-based scholarship, worth £5,000 per year, is offered to international-fee-paying students applying for an undergraduate degree at the University of Leicester who achieve or exceed the academic grades outlined.

  • International Undergraduate Tuition Fee Waiver

  • Leicester Postgraduate Partnership Scholarship

    Enjoy a 20% fee discount on a selection of postgraduate taught courses at either University of Leicester or De Montfort University.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Music Scholarship

    Music Scholarships of £500 are available for the academic year to cover the cost of music lessons for student musicians who are studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in any subject.

    Up to £500

  • Sanctuary Scholarships

    Each Sanctuary Scholarship consists of a tuition fee waiver, and a support package to be confirmed following assessment with our Welfare Service.

  • Sports Scholarships - The Talented Athlete Award

    Financial contribution on agreed items up to £500 (e.g., travel expenses, equipment, specialist coaching, nutritional advice).

Careers this course leads to

  • Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Primary Care Network Pharmacist
  • Community Pharmacist Prescriber
  • Hospital Pharmacist Prescriber

Cost of study

UK/Home: £2,000 | International: £4,000.

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Leicester, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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