PgDip Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme Full-time

If you're a qualified pharmacist from outside the UK looking to register and practise as a pharmacist in the UK, the Pharmaceutical Sciences for the Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (OSPAP) is your essential first step. Designed for pharmacists who trained outside the European Economic Area (EEA), or who hold an EEA qualification that isn't recognised in the UK, the OSPAP is one of the few courses accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). You can choose to study the course as a standalone Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or progress to a full MSc by completing an additional research project. The MSc route gives you the opportunity to carry out an original piece of research, demonstrating both theoretical understanding and practical skills in the field. The course content is carefully aligned with GPhC requirements, ensuring you receive the knowledge and skills needed to practise safely and effectively in the UK. You’ll also benefit from studying in a country where qu

To apply for this course, you must first apply to the GPhC and pass their adjudication process. Please see the GPhC website(opens in new tab) for full details on how to apply. After adjudication, the University will be informed of successful candidates. You can then apply by completing our online application form and attaching several required documents.

As part of your application, we'll also need the following documentary evidence:

1. A copy of your GPhC-approved adjudication letter

2. Proof of English proficiency (please refer to the GPhC’s guidance(opens in new tab) on how they assess evidence of English language skills).

You'll only be offered an interview once we've received your GPhC adjudication letter. Interviews will take place from November. We have a limited number of interview slots available so you'll be allocated one as soon as possible once you're eligible. Please make all attempts to attend this, and if you can't, please notify us immediately.

Once you’ve been interviewed and if you're successful, you'll be sent an updated offer letter removing the condition for interview within 10 working days. If you have any outstanding additional conditions at that point, please send these to us as soon as possible to complete your application and secure your place.

IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component) — standard University of Sunderland requirement (source: sunderland.ac.uk/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements)

International students: £19,000 per year

UK students: £9,250 per year

UK/Home: £9,250 per year

International: £19,000 per year

OSPAP September 2026

No fixed deadline — apply at least 6 months before your start date via the University's direct application portal.

• On campus, United Kingdom