DPharm Pharmacy at University of Strathclyde

Research opportunities

This degree responds to an identified need for more NHS pharmacists to engage in research linked to their professional and practice role in areas where a PhD research programme may not be the most appropriate qualification.

The DPharm fits with all areas of the practice of pharmacy including hospital clinical pharmacy, technical services and community pharmacy practice. The programme aims to develop, strengthen and enhance pharmacy research and help to build the credibility of pharmacy as a research focussed profession.

This course is suitable for pharmacists who already have some research experience and wish to enhance their research skills and experience.

Course structure

The course duration is a minimum of three years full-time or four years of part-time study.

One-third of the course is taught and two-thirds is research-based. The taught classes are:

• Clinical skills
• Research skills including health service skills & protocol design
• Literature review

For full-time students the taught classes will take place in the first year of the course. For part-time students, this will take 18 months. You'll need to successfully complete the taught classes in order to proceed to the research element.

Research

Project proposal

On application, you'll be asked to submit your research idea which can then be discussed with a potential supervisor. Alternatively, you can discuss research ideas informally with a potential supervisor before applying.

The DPharm is linked to your professional practice so it's expected that when you apply you'll have a suitable project idea. Staff at the University may have ideas to help you develop your practice.

You'll normally undertake the research at your place of work and it should be related to the role you have as a pharmacist. Areas of research that may be suitable include clinical practice in hospital or community pharmacy, technical services or a combination of both. This is not an exhaustive list and if you are interested in studying for a DPharm and have an idea for research then you should contact Dr Boyter (anne.boyter@strath.ac.uk) for further information.

Your research must be original and at the doctoral level that is suitable for publication in a quality research journal.

As the DPharm is a professional doctorate which is linked to your professional practice any change in job may affect the duration of your studies. If this happens, it should be discussed with your supervisor at the earliest opportunity.

Our research

The Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences is a major research centre in Scotland and is among the UK's top Schools of Pharmacy. We have a wide range of state-of-the-art research facilities and recently benefited from the opening of a new £36m building.

We have strong links with industry. Our researchers work with businesses of all sizes, government, charities, the health sector and the rest of the public sector.