What do we need to teach undergraduate MPharm students in dermatology and how does the current provision fulfil this need?

We encourage expressions of interest by 1st March.

Background

Skin care is a key role for community pharmacy teams, with the accessibility and convenience of community pharmacies making them the ideal site for consultations (1) (2). This demand is likely to increase in line with increasing demands on the health service. Little research exists about this role including training needs and how well the MPharm programme fulfils these requirements (3) (4). Recent research identified the need to change the curriculum and strengthen undergraduate training in dermatology to reflect these increasing demands (4).

The ultimate aim of this PhD is to develop an outline curriculum for the MPharm and compare this with the current delivery to identify deficits. From this, recommendations will be made to the Pharmacy Schools and General Pharmaceutical Councils (GPhC).

Aim

To identify and disseminate a practice-facing dermatology curriculum.

Objectives

To identify the key areas of dermatology for the MPharm (work package 1 [WP1]).

To understand the current provision and, compare and contrast with the key areas from WP1 (WP 2 and 3).

To finalise and disseminate an “ideal” evidence-based MPharm curriculum in dermatology (WP 3).

Proposed Methods

Work Package 1: Identify key areas of dermatology by interviewing experts and recently qualified community pharmacists.

Work Package 2: Scope current provision from Schools of Pharmacy. 

Work Package 3: Develop/disseminate an outline curriculum with recommendations to the Schools Council/GPhC.

NB: Professor Tracey Thornley, Nottingham University/Boots is also providing supervision for this PhD.

Estimated yearly cost of consumables

Up to £3,000 available to support dissemination (e.g., conferences and publication).

Person Specification

A Masters degree in a relevant subject with a 60% or higher weighted average, and/or a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree (or an equivalent qualification from an overseas institution)

Submitting an application

As part of the application, you will need to supply:

·        A copy of your current CV

·        Copies of your academic qualifications for your Bachelor degree, and Masters degree (if studied); this should include both certificates and transcripts, and must be translated in to English

·        A research proposal statement*

·        Two academic references

·        Proof of your English Language proficiency

Details of how to submit your application can be found here. 

*The application must be accompanied by a “research proposal” statement. An original proposal is not required as the initial scope of the project has been defined, candidates should take this opportunity to detail how their knowledge and experience will benefit the project and should also be accompanied by a brief review of relevant research literature.

Please include the supervisor’s name and project title in your Personal Statement.

If you require further information about the application process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions team at pgr_admisssions@aston.ac.uk