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
To enroll in the LICQual Level 3 Diploma in Specialty Pharmacy (Dip Specialty Pharmacy), applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
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:
- Define the scope and role of specialty pharmacy within healthcare systems.
- Identify therapeutic areas where specialty medicines are commonly applied.
- Explain the professional responsibilities of pharmacists in specialty care.
- 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:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmacology of key specialty medicines.
- Apply therapeutic approaches to managing complex conditions such as oncology, immunology, and rare diseases.
- Evaluate the safety, monitoring, and adverse effects of specialty drug therapies.
- 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:
- Demonstrate effective patient counselling and communication strategies.
- Support patients in managing long-term therapies and complex treatment regimens.
- Assess the psychosocial, ethical, and cultural aspects of patient care.
- 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:
- Describe the supply chain processes for sourcing, storing, and distributing specialty medicines.
- Analyse regulatory frameworks governing the handling and access of specialty medicines.
- Apply compliance standards to ensure safe and ethical distribution of pharmaceuticals.
- 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:
- Apply clinical reasoning to pharmacy-based decision-making in specialty care.
- Critically evaluate clinical guidelines and research evidence to support practice.
- Demonstrate the use of risk-benefit analysis in complex therapeutic decisions.
- 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:
- Demonstrate knowledge of research methods relevant to pharmacy practice.
- Critically appraise pharmacy-related literature and apply findings to practice.
- Develop and maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) plan.
- 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 specialize in advanced pharmacy practice, complex medication management, and patient‑centered care. This internationally accredited qualification is ideal for pharmacists, nurses, healthcare professionals, graduates, and policy makers who want to strengthen their expertise in specialty pharmacy and improve patient safety. Whether you are beginning your career or advancing into leadership roles, this diploma equips you with the skills, recognition, and confidence to succeed in the growing field of specialty pharmacy.
1. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians
- Pharmacists aiming to specialize in specialty pharmacy and advanced patient care
- Pharmacy technicians seeking accredited qualifications in complex medication management
- Professionals wanting to reduce risks in biologics, immunotherapies, and rare disease treatments
- Staff preparing for roles in hospital specialty clinics and community pharmacy services
- Learners interested in international standards for specialty medication safety
2. Nurses and Clinical Healthcare Staff
- Nurses aiming to improve patient safety in specialty care settings
- Clinical staff seeking practical skills in chronic and rare disease management
- Professionals wanting to strengthen knowledge of specialty drug interactions
- Learners preparing for supervisory or quality assurance roles in specialty clinics
- Staff aiming to contribute to safer healthcare delivery systems for complex patients
3. Healthcare Professionals Focused on Advanced Care
- Doctors and practitioners specializing in rare and complex conditions
- Professionals seeking accredited qualifications in specialty patient care
- Staff wanting to enhance evidence‑based practice in specialty pharmacy
- Individuals aiming to expand career opportunities in hospitals and specialty facilities
- Healthcare workers preparing for leadership roles in advanced pharmacy practice
4. Graduates in Life Sciences and Medicine
- Students with degrees in medicine, nursing, or pharmacy
- Fresh graduates seeking specialized training in specialty pharmacy
- Learners aiming to boost employability with accredited qualifications
- Individuals preparing for careers in advanced care and healthcare quality assurance
- Graduates interested in international healthcare and pharmaceutical specialty standards
5. Pharmaceutical Industry Professionals
- Employees working in drug manufacturing and development for specialty treatments
- Clinical trial coordinators seeking knowledge of specialty medication protocols
- Staff aiming to strengthen compliance with global specialty drug safety regulations
- Professionals preparing for leadership roles in pharmaceutical specialty research
- Individuals wanting to integrate specialty care into drug development processes
6. Policy Makers and Regulatory Authorities
- Professionals working in healthcare policy and regulation
- Staff involved in drug approval and compliance processes for specialty care
- Individuals aiming to strengthen expertise in international specialty pharmacy standards
- Learners preparing for advisory or consultancy roles in healthcare quality
- Policy makers seeking deeper knowledge of specialty medication safety frameworks
7. Career Changers Entering Specialty Pharmacy
- Professionals from other industries transitioning into healthcare and pharmacy
- Individuals seeking a structured pathway into specialty medication management
- Learners aiming to gain practical, job‑ready skills quickly
- Career changers motivated by opportunities in specialty care and pharmacy practice
- Those wanting internationally recognized qualifications to boost employability
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.
