PgDip Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme

If you're a qualified pharmacist from outside the UK looking to register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK, the Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is your essential first step. Designed for pharmacists who trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA), or who hold an EEA qualification that isn't recognised in the UK, the OSPAP is one of the few courses accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

You can choose to study the course as a standalone Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or progress to a full MSc by completing an additional research project. The MSc route gives you the opportunity to carry out an original piece of research, demonstrating both theoretical understanding and practical skills in the field.

The course content is carefully aligned with GPhC requirements, ensuring you receive the knowledge and skills needed to practise safely and effectively in the UK. You’ll also benefit from studying in a country where qualified pharmacists are in high demand and unemployment in the sector is virtually non-existent.

You can apply for the course with or without your GPhC adjudication letter, but you’ll only be offered an interview once your adjudication has been received. If it's not yet available, your application will be held until it is.

By completing the OSPAP PgDip, you’ll become eligible to move on to the next stage of the UK registration process, which is foundation training. This involves a 52-week placement and passing the GPhC registration assessment. Once complete, you can apply to join the register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK. It's also important to note that if you wish to apply for a foundation training position starting immediately after the OSPAP course, you must complete the application process before you begin your studies. Applications typically open in May or June, and late applications aren't accepted.

This course opens doors to a rewarding and respected profession in the UK, with excellent career prospects across the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.