The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Research (Cert Pharmacy Practice Research) is a specialised qualification designed for learners who wish to develop advanced knowledge and practical skills in research methodologies, data analysis, and evidence-based pharmacy practice. This course equips learners with the tools to critically evaluate pharmaceutical studies, conduct research projects, and apply findings to improve patient care and professional practice.
This qualification is aimed at professionals who wish to enhance their career prospects, expand their knowledge, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Learners will explore key topics such as research design, ethical considerations, data collection and analysis, interpretation of results, and the application of evidence-based research to pharmacy practice. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical research skills, the course ensures learners are prepared to contribute effectively to clinical, academic, and professional pharmacy settings.
Centres delivering this qualification must ensure that competent and qualified staff, along with access to current learning materials, research resources, and technological tools, are available to provide a high-quality learning experience. Structured guidance, access to research databases, and practical support enable learners to successfully complete assignments, projects, and assessments.
Completing the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Research provides learners with a recognised qualification that enhances professional competence, supports evidence-based decision-making, and opens pathways for career progression in pharmacy practice, healthcare research, and academic roles. This course is ideal for learners committed to advancing their research expertise and contributing to the development of high-quality, patient-centred pharmacy services.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Research (Cert Pharmacy Practice Research)
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201148
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Ethics and Law (Cert Pharmacy Ethics and Law, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201148-1 |
Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Research |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201148-2 |
Research Design and Methodology |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201148-3 |
Data Collection and Analysis in Pharmacy Research |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201148-4 |
Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Compliance |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201148-5 |
Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Appraisal |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201148-6 |
Emerging Trends and Continuing Professional Development in Pharmacy Research |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Research
Learners will be able to:
- Understand the principles and purpose of pharmacy practice research.
- Describe the roles of research in improving patient care and pharmacy services.
- Identify key concepts, terminology, and approaches used in pharmacy research.
- Analyse the impact of research on healthcare policy and practice.
Unit 2: Research Design and Methodology
Learners will be able to:
- Explain different research designs and their applications in pharmacy practice.
- Develop appropriate research questions and hypotheses.
- Select suitable methodologies for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies.
- Evaluate the strengths and limitations of various research approaches.
Unit 3: Data Collection and Analysis in Pharmacy Research
Learners will be able to:
- Apply appropriate data collection techniques in pharmacy research.
- Analyse and interpret data using statistical and qualitative methods.
- Evaluate the reliability and validity of research findings.
- Present data in a clear and professional format suitable for pharmacy practice.
Unit 4: Ethical Considerations and Regulatory Compliance
Learners will be able to:
- Understand ethical principles in pharmacy research, including patient consent and confidentiality.
- Apply regulatory and legal requirements to ensure compliance in research activities.
- Assess potential ethical dilemmas and implement appropriate solutions.
- Demonstrate responsible and ethical conduct in research practice.
Unit 5: Evidence-Based Practice and Critical Appraisal
Learners will be able to:
- Critically appraise research studies for quality and relevance to pharmacy practice.
- Apply evidence-based findings to support clinical and professional decision-making.
- Evaluate the impact of research on patient outcomes and service improvement.
- Integrate research evidence into practice guidelines and policy development.
Unit 6: Emerging Trends and Continuing Professional Development in Pharmacy Research
Learners will be able to:
- Identify current trends, innovations, and challenges in pharmacy research.
- Understand the role of technology and digital tools in modern research.
- Develop strategies for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to enhance research competence.
The LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Research (Cert Pharmacy Practice Research) is designed for learners who wish to develop specialist research skills, enhance professional competence, and advance their careers in pharmacy and healthcare settings. This course is ideal for:
- Pharmacy professionals seeking to enhance research knowledge and apply evidence-based practice.
- Healthcare practitioners involved in patient care who require skills in clinical and pharmaceutical research.
- Pharmacy technicians and assistants aiming to participate in research projects and support evidence-based initiatives.
- Learners committed to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and seeking a recognised qualification to support career progression.
- Graduates in pharmacy, healthcare, or related science fields looking to specialise in research and data analysis.
- Academic and clinical researchers who wish to develop skills in study design, data interpretation, and ethical research conduct.
- Individuals aspiring to roles in pharmacy consultancy, healthcare policy, or research management.
This qualification equips learners with the knowledge, analytical skills, and professional competence to confidently conduct and apply pharmacy research, supporting improved patient care, service delivery, and evidence-based decision-making.
Centres delivering the LICQual Level 3 Certificate in Pharmacy Practice Research (Cert Pharmacy Practice Research) must adhere to high standards to ensure learners receive quality training, effective support, and compliance with international best practices. Key requirements include:
- Qualified and Experienced Staff: Trainers and assessors must hold relevant qualifications and professional experience in pharmacy, healthcare, or research methodology.
- Comprehensive Learning Resources: Centres must provide access to up-to-date textbooks, research journals, case studies, statistical software, and digital resources relevant to pharmacy practice research.
- Facilities and Equipment: Centres should ensure classrooms, IT infrastructure, laboratory or simulation facilities (where applicable), and access to online learning platforms are adequately equipped to support effective learning delivery.
- Assessment and Quality Assurance: Centres must implement robust assessment procedures, internal verification, and quality assurance systems to maintain high academic and professional standards.
- Learner Support Services: Academic guidance, mentoring, and career development support must be available to help learners achieve successful outcomes.
- Access to Technology: Learners must have access to computers, reliable internet connectivity, and online databases to support research, assignments, and project work.
- Compliance with Standards: Centres must adhere to LICQual policies, ensuring ethical training practices, learner safety, and regulatory compliance.
Meeting these requirements enables centres to deliver a high-quality learning experience, ensuring learners gain the knowledge, practical skills, and professional competence required to excel in pharmacy practice, clinical research, and evidence-based healthcare services.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
