Newly Qualified Pharmacist training pathway (NQP)

Key Details

Registration deadline: Applications close 4 November 2025
Induction dates: Thursday 8 January 2026 (UEA) Tuesday 13 January 2026 (Harlow)
Portfolio Submission deadline: December 2027
Credit value & fees: 120
£59 per credit

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Overview

The NQP pathway has evolved from our acclaimed Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice, which has trained the East of England's Pharmacists for over a decade.

Underpinned by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Foundation Pharmacist Framework and curricula, students undertaking this course will submit to the national credentialing assessment by the RPS at the point of completion to prepare them for the conferment of Completed Post-registration Foundation Training Status (upon completion of IP) in addition to the PGDip. We are the only course available in England that works explicitly towards this dual recognition.

UEA’s training is rigorous and will challenge you to think differently about all aspects of the way you practice with a focus on achieving excellent patient outcomes through pharmaceutical care.

Our NQP course has been designed for practitioners new to or returning to the pharmacist workforce who are looking to establish a trajectory towards advanced practice from a very firm foundation.

This course works for pharmacists who are looking for a structured, aspirational postregistration experience that combines clinical, operational and academic attributes to create a rounded practitioner ready to move towards healthcare leadership and clinical specialism.

It’s also perfect for pharmacists looking for less pressured approaches to study who may wish to factor in career breaks, or those who envisage a highly mobile early career that requires flexibility in both timing and study topics.

This course blends research-informed theory with the practical knowledge and support of a team of highly experienced Clinical Pharmacists in a range of current practice to deliver challenging, relevant teaching and outcomes that are immediately applicable to practice.

Learning Outcomes

In addition to individual module-level outcomes, students will achieve all the descriptors of the RPS Postregistration Foundation Framework.

Students will also be able to undertake, with minimal supervision, the following Core Clinical Assessment skills:

Blood pressure (manual and automated)
Heart rate and rhythm (manual and automated)
Temperature
Respiratory rate
Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)
Peripheral O2 saturation
Urinalysis
Height, weight and BMI
Capillary blood glucose
Capillary refill time
NEWS2 scoring
Chest examination (Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation)
Ear, nose and throat examination
Mental and cognitive state examination
Depression and anxiety screening

Teaching

Informed by the four pillars of Advanced Practice and mapped to the RPS Foundation Framework, you will be exposed to theoretical and practice-based learning addressing themes of Clinical Practice, Research, Education and Leadership, ensuring you are equipped to pursue a variety of career opportunities. The course entails independent online learning, self-directed study, workplace learning, and assessment and contact days led by UEA’s specialist team of clinical educators.

The course will help pharmacists in all person-facing settings to develop high standards of person-centred care, and maximise your contribution to the multidisciplinary healthcare team, the training of your peers and the research that pushes the boundaries of Pharmacy Practice.

Teaching material is hosted on the Virtual Learning Environment Blackboard, from which students will access sophisticate eLearning designed to engage and challenge.

NQP students study a combination of Core and Optional modules, arranged as follows:

All of (core)

Portfolio of Professional Practice
Patient Core Clinical Skills (including Core Clinical Assessment skills)
Core Consultation Skills
Leadership in Healthcare
Clinical Education
Research

4 of (optional)

Care of the Older Patient
Care of the Surgical Patient
Infectious Disease and Antimicrobials
Therapeutics for Mental Health (non-specialist)
Cardiovascular Disease
Respiratory disease (Asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis)
Diabetes
Hepatology with Public health
Renal Therapeutics
Patient Safety

Awards & Workplace Support

Underpinned by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Post-Registration Foundation Pharmacist Curriculum, students undertaking this programme will have a funded opportunity to be assessed at a national credentialling panel while registered with UEA.

Successful candidates will be eligible for a broad award that recognises academic, professional and operational achievement. Upon successful completion the programme will confer:

Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmacy Practice
RPS post registration Foundation Pre-Credential (full credential to be awarded upon completion of independent prescribing training)

Workplace support

Students studying this pathway need the support of an Educational Supervisor to oversee the development of a professional portfolio.