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PgDip Pharmacy - Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)

Why choose Herts?

  • Industry Accreditations: Accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Graduates start pre-registration training then enter the national registration assessment, which leads to UK registration as a pharmacist.
  • Work-placement Opportunities: 100% of students in previous years have gained a pre-registration placement. This course includes a hospital visit and a community pharmacy placement.
  • Strong industry Connections: We have strong links with local NHS healthcare organisations who provide placement opportunities and specialist clinical teaching.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, examinations may be replaced by an alternative form of assessment during the academic year 2020/2021. Please refer to the Programme Specification on these pages for further details.

  • Entry requirements and key information

    In order to enter the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP), you must first successfully complete the adjudication process of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You can visit the GPhC website and check the details of how to apply, necessary documentation and evidence required. Before you start the qualifying process, it is your responsibility to check with the Home Office whether you will be able to get the necessary visas and work permits. There are limited visa options available to international students and as such there is no guarantee that you will be able to secure the necessary visa to undertake pre-registration training in the UK.

    Once you have been approved by the GPhC, you will be sent application details directly from the university. We will invite you to visit us (in person or via Skype) for an interview about your work experiences and interest in pharmacy. This will also give you the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have about the course, the University, the pre-registration year, and to view our facilities. It is beneficial to have some patient-facing experience.  

    The UK Government have confirmed that the graduate route will open for applications on 1 July 2021. While full details have not yet been confirmed, please find outlined key information that is currently available:

    • The graduate immigration route will be available to international students who have completed a degree at undergraduate level or above at a higher education provider with a track record of compliance, and who have a valid Tier 4 or Student Route visa at the time of application. The successful completion of your programme will need to be reported from the University to the UKVI before you can apply under this route
    • The graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required
    • The graduate route is not extendable and does not lead to settlement but graduates will be able to switch into the Skilled Worker route once they have found a suitable job.

    Please note that we do not yet have information on what the graduate route visa application looks like, or what questions it will include.

    Find out more information from the Home Office.

    Contact us

    Please contact Dr Eman Al-Saeed for more information.

    Institution code

    		 H36

    School of study

    		 School of Life and Medical Sciences

    Course length
  • Full Time, 1 Years

    • Location
  • University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield
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  • Employability

    Careers

    After completing the OSPAP Diploma and successfully passing the subsequent GPhC pre-registration pharmacist training year and GPhC registration assessment, you will be able to register and practice as a UK qualified pharmacist in various environments, (including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy industrial or academic establishments), undertaking a diverse array of challenging roles.

    You are strongly advised to check the latest visa details or changes on the Home Office website and UK Border Agency website regarding working in the UK. This is very important as you will need to work as a pre-registration Pharmacist for 52 weeks after successfully completing the OSPAP course. Whilst every effort will be made to guide you through the pre-registration application process, including assistance with interview skills and CV writing, please be aware that it is not the University's responsibility to secure you a pre-registration position.

    Work placement

    As part of the OSPAP you will have the opportunity to undertake a short, supervised, hospital visit and a community pharmacy placement as part of your study modules. This practical component will require a letter of good standing from the police authorities in your country of origin if you have not been in the UK for at least 6 months. If you have been in the UK for at least 6 months you will need to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) application form. In all cases students will be expected to attend our Occupational Health Department and receive any necessary vaccinations prior to attending placements.

Professional Accreditations

General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC)

About the course

This course is for overseas (non-EEA) pharmacists who wish to convert their existing qualifications so they can practice as a pharmacist in Great Britain.


The University of Hertfordshire OSPAP is accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).

The Overseas Pharmacy Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is a full-time postgraduate diploma starting during September and ending in May/June. The teaching is undertaken over a 3 day week during the academic year which is divided into two terms.  

The OSPAP will give you an insight into the way the National Health Service in the UK operates, inform you of the health regulatory laws and professional codes pharmacists must abide by, in addition to allowing you to integrate science based knowledge, such as pharmaceutics and microbiology, into clinical and patient focused settings.

The OSPAP aims to prepare you for UK practice and entry to pre-registration training. Whilst at the University you will be expected to act professionally and in agreement with the Standards for Pharmacy Professionals and GPhC Fitness to Practise standards. You can read these guidelines on the GPhC website.

Take a virtual tour of our facilities

Why choose this course?

  • Excellent facilities including a simulated pharmacy and refurbished labs
  • Placements and visits in hospital and community pharmacy
  • Interprofessional learning opportunities
  • Support for your pre-registration training year which follows on from the OSPAP
  • Friendly and supportive staff
  • Active Pharmacy Society
  • Encouraged attendance at local Pharmacy events such as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Local Practice Forum
  • University is well placed geographically and has strong links with local healthcare providers and pharmaceutical industries
  • Opportunity to apply for scholarships

How to apply

You cannot apply directly to the University for registration onto the OSPAP.

In order to enter the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP), you must first successfully complete the adjudication process of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You can visit the GPhC website and check the details of how to apply, necessary documentation and evidence required.

Once you have been approved by the GPhC you may apply to this University. The University admissions tutor will contact you on receipt of your paperwork from the GPhC.

We will invite applicants to visit us (in person or via Skype) for an interview during which we will discuss your work experiences and interest in pharmacy. This will also give you the opportunity to ask us any questions you may have about the course or the university and view our facilities. It is beneficial to have some patient facing experience.

Part of the admissions criteria is an IELTS score of 7 in all elements at a single sitting. The IELTS website provides information on how to prepare and register for this test.  If you don’t fully meet our admissions criteria, this can be discussed upon receipt of GPhC approval.

What will I study?

Teaching during the academic year is divided into two terms, with written assessment papers at the end of the academic year (May/June). During the programme, you will be taught and learn via a range of techniques, including formal lectures, laboratory based classes, on-line discussions, tutorials and simulation. You will develop a wide range of academic and practical skills such as written and verbal communication, team work and leadership capabilities, critical evaluation, clinical judgement and organisational skills. You will be expected to submit a variety of assignments regularly, as required by each module leader, in order to meet the specified learning outcomes of the programme.

  • Level 7
    Module Credits Compulsory/optional
    Pharmaceutical Sciences and Therapeutics 2 (OSPAP) 30 Credits Compulsory
    Medicines and Pharmacy Practice (OSPAP) 30 Credits Compulsory
    Preparation for Practice (OSPAP) 30 Credits Compulsory
    Study Skills and Practice Orientation (OSPAP) 0 Credits Compulsory
    Pharmaceutical Sciences and Therapeutics 1 (OSPAP) 30 Credits Compulsory

    • Further course information

    Course fact sheets
    PgDip Pharmacy (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme) Download
    PgDip Pharmacy (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme) Download
    Programme specifications
    PgDip Pharmacy (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme) Download
    PgDip Pharmacy (Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme) Download
    Additional information

    Sandwich placement or study abroad year

    n/a

    Applications open to international and EU students

    		 Yes

    Student experience

    At the University of Hertfordshire, we want to make sure your time studying with us is as stress-free and rewarding as possible. We offer a range of support services including; student wellbeing, academic support, accommodation and childcare to ensure that you make the most of your time at Herts and can focus on studying and having fun.

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