Working as a pharmacist is one of the best job opportunities in the UK. Overseas pharmacists from non-EU countries like Australia, India, etc., have to finish their registration training through the OSPAP Course In UK to work in the country’s pharmacies.
The Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is a postgraduate program accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), the regulatory body for pharmacists in the UK. It’s designed for pharmacists from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who hold qualifications that aren’t recognized for direct registration in the UK.
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| Target Audience | Pharmacists from non-EU countries with qualifications not directly recognised for UK registration. |
| Accredited By | General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) |
| Program Goal | To equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to practice pharmacy in the UK. |
| Program Structure | A combination of coursework, exams, and practical assessments. |
This article will look into some of the best OSPAP universities In UK, the entry requirement, tuition, etc.
Why Opt for OSPAP Course in UK?
The OSPAP program in the UK offers international pharmacists a streamlined and recognized route to becoming registered practitioners in the country.
This program acts as a bridge, enabling you to leverage your existing qualifications and qualifications while equipping you with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in the UK pharmacy landscape.
Here’s why pursuing OSPAP in UK is benefitial:
- UK Registration: OSPAP leads to registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), allowing legal practice as a pharmacist in the UK.
- Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: The program fills gaps in qualifications, covering areas like pharmaceutics and clinical pharmacy.
- Career Advancement: Registered pharmacists in the UK have good job prospects and growth opportunities in the NHS and private sector.
- Global Recognition: Completing OSPAP boosts employability in countries that recognize UK pharmacy standards.
- Exposure to UK Practices: Gain insights into UK pharmacy regulations, drug distribution, and patient care, preparing you for success in the UK pharmacy.
OSPAP is a program designed for international pharmacists like you to get registered to work in the UK. It helps you improve your skills to meet UK standards.
Completing OSPAP will make you eligible to work in the UK as well as makes you more valuable worldwide. It’s a great way to boost your career and explore new opportunities at home and abroad.
OSPAP Course in UK: Top Universities
There are various top colleges and universities that offer essential OSPAP course in UK. These universities are well equipped with the latest knowledge and experienced pharmacists with the knowledge and skills to meet GPhC standards.
And that’s how attending these universities will not only give you a standard knowledge, certification and global exposure.
The following are some of the best universities that offer OSPAP course in UK:
| University | QS Ranking 2024 |
| Aston University | 446 |
| Kingston University | 601-610 |
| University of Brighton | 771 – 780 |
| University of Hertfordshire | 851 – 900 |
| University Of Sunderland | – |
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Aston University – Birmingham
Aston University ranks 446 in the QS World University Ranking 2024 and between 401 to 500 in the Times Higher Education University Ranking 2024. The university has two types of OSPAP programmes for graduates of pharmaceutical sciences: PGDip and MSc programmes.
The programs aim to train pharmacists in new developments in the UK in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, pharmacy law, etc. The postgraduate diploma program is for a period of 9 months, and the MSc program is for a duration of 12 months.
The university accepts entries during September each year. The tuition fee for the PGDip programme is £12,000, and for the MSc programme is £21,000.
Kingston University – London, England
Kingston University ranks 601 to 610 in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and 801 to 1000 in the Times Higher Education University Ranking 2024.
It offers a one-year OSPAP course in UK. The program consists of lectures, workshops, and practical learning methods. The university has tie-ups with many hospitals, pharmacies, community pharmacies, etc., including the NHS Foundation Trust.
The university offers a 12-month PGDip and 12-month MSc Top-up programme. Graduates of this program can apply for a pre-registration position, and international students may require different types of visas.
You should check the UK Borders Agency and Home Office for further information on the visa necessary for the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme.
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University of Brighton – Brighton
Brighton University ranks 771 and 780 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university offers the OSPAP course in UK for two semesters in a year. The programme is for any non-EEA (European Economic Area) registered pharmacist.
The course consists of seven diploma modules taught using tutorials, workshops, laboratory, and studio sessions. The tuition fees are around £14,000 – £20,000 per year.
After completion of the PGDip module, the research project for the MSc award will occur from June to September.
University of Hertfordshire – Hatfield
The University of Hertfordshire ranks between 851 to 900 in the QS World University Rankings 20224and 601 to 800 in the Times Higher Education Ranking 2024.
The university’s School of Life and Medical Sciences offers an OSPAP course in UKfor one year. The course begins in September and ends in June.
International students’ tuition fees are around £14,000 – £18,000 for an academic year.
University Of Sunderland
The University of Sunderland ranks 101-150 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2023.
It is the only university in North England that offers the OSPAP program. The university offers a 9-month postgraduate diploma and a 12-month master’s in Science program.
OSPAP Course in UK: Eligibility Criteria
The Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) opens doors for international pharmacists from non-EU countries to practice pharmacy in the UK. Completing OSPAP equips you with the knowledge and skills to meet UK pharmacy standards and register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), enabling legal and ethical practice within the UK healthcare system.
Before starting this rewarding career path, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria of the OSPAP course in UK:
Qualification: You need a pharmacy degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s. The National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) evaluates foreign qualifications.
Registration: You must be registered, or eligible to register, as a pharmacist in your home country.
English Proficiency: You should demonstrate strong English skills for effective communication with patients and colleagues. The OSPAP IELTS requirement is a minimum score of 6.0 in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
Experience: While not always required, some programs may expect around 6 months of full-time patient-facing pharmacy work.
Medical Check: You must be medically fit to handle the program’s requirements, including potential work placements.
Different universities offering OSPAP might have varying entry requirements, so it’s important to review their specific program information. You might have to provide certified translations of your academic records and other papers.
English Language Qualification
If you want to join the OSPAP course in UK, you need to prove you’re good at English. This shows how important it is for you to understand and talk with people in UK healthcare.
Here are some English tests you can take for OSPAP course in UK:
- IELTS: You need at least 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
- TOEFL (paper test): You need at least 101 overall.
- PTE: You need at least 76 overall.
Being good at English isn’t just for passing OSPAP. It’s about making sure you can talk well with patients and colleagues in the UK. OSPAP wants to make sure you have the right skills to do your job and help people in healthcare.
OSPAP Admission 2024: Application Process
The Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP) course in UK opens up exciting career opportunities for international pharmacists. Understanding the application process is crucial as the program prepares you with the needed skills.
Here’s a breakdown of the key steps of the application process for OSPAP course in UK:
Applying Through The University Website
- Some universities require the applicants to register themselves on the website portal.
- After the registration is complete, applicants can fill in the application form for the OSPAP course in UK.
Applying Through the General Pharmaceutical Council
- Certain universities do not allow applicants to register with them directly.
- Such universities require the applicants to apply for the OSPAP program through the GPhC
- The council checks the application form and sends the approval directly to your desired university
- After getting the approval, you can fill in the application form provided by the university
- Once the application has been processed and reviewed, the faculty may reject or accept your application
- Accepted applications may call you in for an interview regarding your practical experience in the field and interest in Pharmacy.
- You will receive an email once the interview is done if you are selected for the programme.
- After you receive an offer, you will be subjected to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if you have stayed for more than 3 months in the UK, or you will be asked to submit a letter of good standing from the police of your home country.
- Once all the procedures are done, you can pay the tuition fee and scholarships.
- Once the payment has been processed, you will receive your acceptance letter.
- You can then proceed to apply for a visa using the acceptance letter. The type of visa needed depends on the work programme’s necessity.
Conclusion
Pursuing an Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Program is a great choice if you want to work in the UK after completing your Pharmacy degree in another country. With the advanced training and research projects done during the course training, the course equips the candidates with the right skills to work in different pharmaceutical settings, including a laboratory.
Get in touch with Leapscholar for all the details about getting a UK visa and begin your journey to the next level of career advancement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is completion of an OSPAP Course In UK enough to work as a registered pharmacist?
A. After completing the Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme, Qualified pharmacists need to take up foundation training for 52 weeks in England, Scotland, or Wales. A tutor must sign off your work as satisfactory in the registration year. After that, you need to get a pass on the GPhC registration assessment.
Q. What steps must applicants take if the pharmacy qualification is not assessed as equal to a UK bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy?
A. Suppose your bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy is not equivalent to the Pharmacy degree in the UK. In that case, you must fill in the form for the international comparative assessment framework on the General Pharmacy Council website.
Use the form to assess the syllabus of the degree you have studied. Submit the form and the assessment to the GPhC. The GPhC will check the information provided in the form and send it to the university where you want to study the OSPAP course in UK. The university will then decide whether to admit you into the programme or may ask for further documents.
Q. What is the average salary for graduates of OSPAP course in UK?
A. According to salary experts, the average salary for pharmacists in the UK is around £71,949 per year. An entry-level pharmacist earns around £28,000. Pharmaceutical consultants, team managers in pharmaceutical services, and advanced pharmacists earn around £99,000. Community pharmacists earn around £21,000 to £35,000. The salary varies depending on the job position, years of experience, location, and condition of employment.
Q. What is the average OSPAP course fees in UK?
A. The cost of OSPAP programs in the UK can vary depending on the university, but you can usually expect to pay between £6,000 and £12,000 for the whole program. This is just an estimate, so be sure to check the exact fees for each university to plan your budget accurately.
Q. What specific topics are covered in a typical OSPAP course syllabus offered by universities in the UK?
A. The OSPAP syllabus is different for different institutions. But there key areas like UK pharmacy law and ethics, pharmaceutical calculations, drug classification, and clinical pharmacy practice, which is a part of every course curriculum.
Q. How much does OSPAP cost?
A. OSPAP costs in the UK vary by university, usually ranging from £6,000 to £12,000 for the entire program. This is just an estimate, so be sure to check with your chosen university for the exact fees and any extra costs. Knowing these fees will help you to plan your funds accordingly for admission. You can also think about taking scholarships too.
Q. Who is eligible for OSPAP exam?
A. To be eligible for OSPAP in the UK, you generally need a pharmacy degree that’s equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, registration as a pharmacist in your home country, good English skills (like an IELTS score of 7.0 or higher), and maybe some pharmacy experience. It’s a good idea to check with each university for their specific requirements, as they can vary.
Q. Can I do OSPAP online?
A. In the UK, OSPAP programs typically don’t happen entirely online. They involve face-to-face learning, workshops, and hands-on experience in real pharmacies. While online resources can be useful, being there in person lets you learn directly from experts and gain practical skills crucial for your pharmacy career.
Q. How to become a licensed pharmacist in the UK?
A. The OSPAP route enables you, as an aspiring international pharmacist (outside EU), to become a licensed pharmacist in the UK. This program provides you with the necessary knowledge and skills through coursework, exams, and practical components. Upon successful completion, you can take the GPhC registration assessment, a separate licensing exam. Passing both exams ensures that you are qualified to practice pharmacy in the UK.
Q. How much is Ospap fees in Aston University?
A. The fees for OSPAP at Aston University range from £ 12,000 to £ 18,000 as of May, 2024. This fee might change in the coming time as the University keep changing it from time to time. But by and large, they will fall within the above given range only.
Q. Is it easy to become a pharmacist in the UK?
A. Achieving your goal of becoming a pharmacist in the UK as an international applicant (outside EU) may present challenges, but it is within reach. The OSPAP program provides a structured pathway, although it requires dedicated effort. You will need to demonstrate proficient English skills, possess relevant qualifications, and show commitment to coursework, exams, and potential placements. Nevertheless, successful completion promises a fulfilling career in UK pharmacy.
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