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University of Gloucestershire
Professional

Independent & Supplementary Prescribing

CPS [Level 7]

Course options

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Study type
Part Time
Course length
5 Months
Campus
Distance Learning (UoG delivery)
UCAS Code
N/A

Course overview

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to become a safe prescriber – take your career to the next level through this NMC and HCPC-accredited course. The course aims to equip Advanced Paramedics, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Therapeutic Radiographers, Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors with the skills and competencies you need to prescribe medication safely, appropriately and cost effectively.

You’ll study clinical pharmacology, prescribing for different client groups, and structured consultation and therapy decisions process. You can study this module as a stand-alone Certificate in Professional Studies (Level 7, 30 CATS). Or if you’d like to continue postgraduate education, this module can contribute to either the Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice or the Master’s in Advanced Professional Practice.

Essential application guidance

All applicants must complete the application form and upload it to the course application portal. Please email the admissions team at [email protected] to request the form. You may be invited to interview with the course team if more information is required.

Study style

This is a part-time course which you’ll study one day per week over a period of 15 taught days, alongside 90 hours in a clinical placement and 112.5 hours of self-directed learning. You’ll be assessed by exams, online assessments, reflective case studies and a portfolio of evidence – demonstrating your clinical competency against the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s 2016 framework of competency for non-medical prescribers.

Lectures take place either online or in person and run from 9.15am until 4.15pm (please check cohort delivery method). The professional statutory bodies require 100% attendance for all clinical teaching activities – so we have to hold registers for teaching days – and we monitor and record all online student activity to ensure that these Professional Statutory Registering Bodies’ requirements are met.

The course consists of a minimum of 300 hours of study:

  • 15 clinical teaching/exam sessions each lasting 6 hours = 90 hours
  • 11 directed study days (dates to be negotiated with employer)
  • a minimum of 90 hours in clinical placement with support from the designated prescribing practitioners (DPPs)
  • 112.5 hours of self-directed learning, supported by workbooks, online lecture material and e-learning exercises.
  • 23 April
  • 30 April
  • 7 May
  • 14 May
  • 21 May
  • 4 June
  • 11 June
  • 18 June
  • 25 June
  • 2 July
  • 9 July
  • 16 July
  • 10 September
  • 17 September
  • 24 September
  • 28 January
  • 25 February
  • 11 March
  • 18 March
  • 15 April
  • 22 April

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Entry requirements

    • Before applying for this course, it is essential that students have:

      • Current professional Registration either in parts 1 of the NMC professional register or HCPC registration with legislative rights to prescribe
      • All applicants must have secured two Designated Prescribing Practitioners; a Practice Assessor (DPP) and a Practice Supervisor (DPS). DPP & DPS must have relevant experience and qualifications in the clinical specialist field you have chosen to study
      • You may be invited to interview with the Course team if more information is required about your application
      • Candidates should have undertaken an appropriate assessment and clinical reasoning module
      • Candidates should have evidence of level 7 study or equivalent
      • Candidates should have been in their role for 1 year minimum
      • Paramedics should have 5 years post-qualifying experience and demonstrate evidence of clinical need in their role
      • Aesthetic practitioners will need to meet the requirements listed in the Aesthetic Practitioner Framework for ISP and complete the application form included within the Framework. This is available from the admissions team at [email protected]

Course modules

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Fees and costs

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Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Total fee
Fee (international)
Total fee
Apr 2025 Distance Learning (UoG delivery) £1,700 £1,700

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Meet NMC Standards

This course is fully accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, ensuring you’ll meet NMC proficiency standards for prescribing.

Nursing student using an ear thermometer on a patient

Become a safe prescriber

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to become a safe non-medical prescriber and undertake the role of an Independent and Supplementary Non-Medical Prescriber.

Student paramedic talking on walkie talkie

Build your CPD portfolio

You’ll be able to link your learning in safe prescribing practices to your revalidation and online portfolio of continuing professional development.

Student presenting during lecture

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