MPharm Pharmacy

The teaching and learning philosophy for the MPharm places an emphasis on learner-centred rather than teacher-centred approaches. Learning is therefore structured to maximise guided self-directed learning, with enquiry driven project work and EBL workshops provided to support greater conceptual understanding of the material and deep, rather than superficial learning. This helps students prepare for their future careers by helping them to develop independence, confidence and resilience. A wide range of teaching and learning activity is included to meet the learning needs of a diverse range of students:

Online learning: A small amount of guided self-directed learning to support the research project in year 4 is provided via the VLE Blackboard. This consists of links to external resources, factsheets and directed reading (which can be downloaded). In year 4, students are expected to supplement guided self-directed learning with extensive use of high-quality resources that they have identified themselves

Research skills bootcamp workshops: During semester 1, a series of optional bootcamp workshops are offered on a range of research skills e.g. literature searching, referencing, specific methodologies as well as “shut up and write” sessions. Students agree with their supervisor which sessions they will attend.

Student research conference: During semester 2, all students present their work in a full day conference with multiple themed parallel sessions. The conference is attended by academic staff and students from all years of the MPharm. This gives students experience of presenting to a mixed audience.

Project supervision meetings: Students meet with their named project supervisor on at least 5 occasions in formal timetabled meetings. Project supervisors support students with their enquiry from project design to presentation of the final research paper output.

• Select and justify relevant methods to investigate a research question (e.g. design appropriate experiments).
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and awareness of contemporary development trends in clinical, pharmaceutical and practice subject areas relevant to their chosen project. 

• Conduct a literature search (which may include searching a public database) in order to address a research question
• Use the evidence base to review current practice
• Formulate appropriate research questions to address an area where there is a need for research
• Discuss what ethical issues apply to a chosen research project or question and undertake a risk-assessment
• Critically analyse, interpret and evaluate the results of their enquiry, thus contributing to research and development activities to improve health outcomes
• Convey research findings to a mixed audience (including members of the public) in plain English with scientifically accurate language, using an appropriate method for the audience
• Articulate the significance of their work, identifying the impact or contribution their work has made to what is already known.

• Use qualitative or quantitative methods to collect data in an appropriate manner to address a research question
• Use qualitative or quantitative data analysis methods to identify and to understand the key findings of their enquiry
• Demonstrate creativity and initiative in organising an event to address the aims of their project (HPPE or CAC projects). 
   

• Through working as part of a wider research group, appreciate the multidisciplinary nature of the pharmacy profession
• Demonstrate an awareness of research paradigms and how multiple perspectives on a single research question can be valid
• Provide feedback to another student on their work
• Demonstrate confidence in taking responsibility for decisions and judgments they make as part of the research process
• Convey research findings in a succinct and easily understandable written format for an academic audience
• Demonstrate advanced presentation skills in explaining their findings to a mixed audience
• For HPPE projects, work with a range of stakeholders, the public and external organisations in order to organise and deliver an engagement event
• For group projects, demonstrate effective team working skills including negotiation, communication, listening and collaboration.