LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy)

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) is a professionally designed qualification created for learners who wish to broaden their expertise, strengthen their career opportunities, and advance their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This diploma focuses on the specialized knowledge and skills required to deliver pharmaceutical care across diverse therapeutic areas, preparing learners to meet the evolving demands of modern healthcare systems.

Through this qualification, learners will gain a deeper understanding of specialty medicines, advanced pharmacotherapy, patient safety, and evidence-based practice. The programme places a strong emphasis on the pharmacist’s role in managing complex conditions, improving treatment outcomes, and contributing to multidisciplinary healthcare teams. By completing this diploma, learners will be better equipped to take on specialist roles, provide high-quality care, and make a significant impact in pharmacy practice.

Centres offering the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy must ensure that delivery meets the highest professional standards. This includes employing qualified and competent staff with both academic expertise and practical experience in pharmacy. In addition, centres must provide access to all essential learning resources, study materials, and support systems, ensuring that every learner is able to achieve success and meet the rigorous standards of the programme.

With its strong focus on practical application, professional growth, and CPD, this diploma serves as a valuable pathway for learners who are committed to advancing their careers in specialty pharmacy while contributing positively to patient care and healthcare excellence.

Course Overview

Qualification Title

LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy)

Total Units

6

Total Credits

60

GLH

240

Qualification #

LICQ2201171

Qualification Specification

Download Qualification Specification

To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy), applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirements: A foundation in pharmacy, healthcare, life sciences, or a related discipline is recommended to support understanding of the course content.
  • Experience: Previous experience in pharmacy or healthcare practice is beneficial but not compulsory. Learners with relevant experience may find it easier to apply knowledge in practical settings.
  • English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good command of the English language. Non-native English speakers should demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or CEFR Level B1 to ensure effective participation and comprehension.
  • Commitment to CPD: Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest in professional growth, as the qualification is designed to support Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and long-term career advancement.
  • Access to Required Resources: Learners must have access to appropriate study resources, including course materials and, where applicable, professional environments that support applied learning.

Qualification#

Unit Title

Credits

GLH

LICQ2201171-1

Introduction to Specialty Pharmacy Practice

10

40

LICQ2201171-2

Advanced Pharmacotherapy in Specialty Medicines

10

40

LICQ2201171-3

Patient-Centered Care in Specialty Pharmacy

10

40

LICQ2201171-4

Supply Chain, Access, and Regulation of Specialty Medicines

10

40

LICQ2201171-5

Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice

10

40

LICQ2201171-6

Professional Development and Research Skills

10

40

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

Unit 1: Introduction to Specialty Pharmacy Practice

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Define the scope and role of specialty pharmacy within healthcare systems.
  2. Identify therapeutic areas where specialty medicines are commonly applied.
  3. Explain the professional responsibilities of pharmacists in specialty care.
  4. Evaluate the challenges and opportunities of delivering specialty pharmacy services.

Unit 2: Advanced Pharmacotherapy in Specialty Medicines (10 Credits, 40 GLH)

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmacology of key specialty medicines.
  2. Apply therapeutic approaches to managing complex conditions such as oncology, immunology, and rare diseases.
  3. Evaluate the safety, monitoring, and adverse effects of specialty drug therapies.
  4. Integrate pharmacotherapy principles into patient-centred treatment plans.

Unit 3: Patient-Centred Care in Specialty Pharmacy

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate effective patient counselling and communication strategies.
  2. Support patients in managing long-term therapies and complex treatment regimens.
  3. Assess the psychosocial, ethical, and cultural aspects of patient care.
  4. Apply patient-centred approaches to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.

Unit 4: Supply Chain, Access, and Regulation of Specialty Medicines (

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Describe the supply chain processes for sourcing, storing, and distributing specialty medicines.
  2. Analyse regulatory frameworks governing the handling and access of specialty medicines.
  3. Apply compliance standards to ensure safe and ethical distribution of pharmaceuticals.
  4. Evaluate global challenges related to affordability, access, and equity in specialty medicine supply.

Unit 5: Clinical Decision-Making and Evidence-Based Practice

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Apply clinical reasoning to pharmacy-based decision-making in specialty care.
  2. Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and research evidence to support practice.
  3. Demonstrate the use of risk-benefit analysis in complex therapeutic decisions.
  4. Integrate patient data and evidence-based resources into clinical recommendations.

Unit 6: Professional Development and Research Skills

By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of research methods relevant to pharmacy practice.
  2. Critically appraise pharmacy-related literature and apply findings to practice.
  3. Develop and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan.
  4. Reflect on ethical practice, professional responsibilities, and lifelong learning in pharmacy.

The LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) is designed for learners who want to expand their expertise, enhance their career opportunities, and strengthen their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This qualification is suitable for:

  • Pharmacy professionals who wish to specialise in the management and delivery of specialty medicines.
  • Healthcare practitioners aiming to improve their understanding of advanced pharmacotherapy and patient-centred care.
  • Recent graduates in pharmacy, life sciences, or related disciplines who want to build a career in specialty pharmacy.
  • Clinical pharmacists looking to expand their role in managing complex therapies such as oncology, immunology, and rare diseases.
  • Healthcare support staff involved in the handling, supply, or monitoring of specialty medicines.
  • Researchers and academic professionals interested in exploring advanced areas of pharmacotherapy and specialty medicine management.
  • Learners committed to CPD who wish to keep their skills updated with international standards and best practices.

Centres wishing to deliver the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy) must ensure they meet high standards of quality, professionalism, and learner support. The following requirements are essential for successful delivery:

  • Qualified and Experienced Staff
    • Centres must employ tutors, trainers, and assessors with recognised qualifications and professional experience in pharmacy and healthcare.
    • Staff should have expertise in specialty pharmacy and demonstrate the ability to deliver both theoretical and practical training.
  • Access to Learning Resources
    • Centres must provide learners with updated study materials, reference texts, and digital learning resources.
    • Case studies, clinical examples, and research-based materials should be available to support applied learning.
  • Assessment and Internal Quality Assurance
    • Robust assessment systems must be in place to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency.
    • Qualified internal verifiers should oversee assessment standards to maintain compliance with LICQual requirements.
  • Learner Support and Guidance
    • Centres must provide learners with academic support, mentoring, and structured guidance throughout the qualification.
    • Policies on equality, diversity, and inclusion must be implemented to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
  • Commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
    • Teaching staff must engage in regular CPD to maintain subject expertise and teaching quality.
    • Delivery should reflect current international practices and standards in specialty pharmacy.
  • Facilities and Infrastructure
    • Centres must provide safe, accessible, and well-equipped facilities for effective teaching and assessment.
    • Reliable IT systems and online platforms should be available to support blended or distance learning delivery where applicable.

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.

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