Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP),PgDip

Aston University

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Aston University

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Aston University,Birmingham

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 9 month(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP),PgDip

About

Course overview

The Postgraduate Diploma for Overseas Pharmacists provides key theoretical and practical training in topics essential for a career in pharmacy in the UK. You will learn the newest developments in key pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacy practice, together with the study of health service delivery, and UK pharmacy law and ethics.

With our roots stretching back to the establishment of the Birmingham Pharmaceutical Institution in 1847, being the only Pharmacy School in the UK to hold a prestigious Regius Chair in Pharmacy awarded by HM the Queen and our strong links with the NHS and industry, Aston Pharmacy School is the ideal place to further your career in the UK.

Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP)

The Overseas Pharmacists Assessment Programme (OSPAP) PgDip at Aston University will equip you with the skills, insights and confidence essential for a career in pharmacy in the UK.

What we will provide
First-class teaching in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by a diverse array of staff who will inspire and excite you, fantastic facilities that will bring your course to life through hands-on, practical experience; years of close industry collaboration that is harnessed to provide you with learning based on real-world needs.

What you will provide
It is important you learn how to adapt a growth mindset to your studies - understanding that intelligence and success comes from applying yourself. You must be able to demonstrate critical thinking and have ambition and drive to excel.

What skills we teach
You will learn the newest developments in key pharmaceutical sciences, clinical pharmacy, and pharmacy practice, together with the study of health service delivery, and UK pharmacy law and ethics.

Career prospects
There is an excellent track record of Aston OSPAP students obtaining and successfully completing Foundation training, with graduates going on to roles in community pharmacies, GP surgeries, NHS Primary Care Trusts and hospitals.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

You can apply for year 1 of a Bachelors degree with a two-year diploma/certificate. We normally look for average GPA of 3.0/5.0 as a minimum.

Some degree programmes, such as engineering, sciences and languages, require specific subject backgrounds.

If you have or you are on the path to study a different qualification, please contact us at international@aston.ac.uk for an evaluation.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

School/Programme	Reading	Writing	Listening	Speaking	Overall
Aston Medical School	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0	7.0
Aston Business School	Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above	Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above	-	-	6.5
Engineering and Physical Sciences	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6.0
Health and Life Sciences (except Aston Medical School)	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.0	6.5
Health and Life Sciences (Optometry)	6.5	6.5	6.5	6.5	7.0
School of Social Sciences and Humanities	5.5	5.5	5.5	5.5	6.0

* The above is applicable to students entering Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate programmes. Articulation into the Final year will vary depending on the degree programme and subject to the agreement with the partner.

** BSc Biochemistry, BSc Neuroscience, BSc Biology, and BSc Psychology programmes (all) will accept applications from candidates where one band is at 5.5 and the others at 6.0 and above.

Career

Career prospects

All individuals intending to join the OSPAP cohort must register and apply via ORIEL for a Foundation year training place. The deadlines set by ORIEL for applications are non-negotiable. Should an individual fail to submit an application on time, they will not be allocated a foundation year training place in the cycle immediately after completing their OSPAP and they would have to apply to ORIEL the following year.

This process falls within the national programme for pharmacist training and is beyond the University's control. To become a registered pharmacist in the UK, students must complete the OSPAP, undergo a one-year Foundation training placement, and pass the GPhC registration exam.

For comprehensive information about the ORIEL process, you are encouraged to visit their official webpages. It is essential to regularly check the ORIEL website for the most current updates on the Foundation year training registration, application procedures, and key dates.

There is an excellent track record of Aston OSPAP students obtaining and successfully completing Foundation training, with graduates going on to roles in community pharmacies, GP surgeries, NHS Primary Care Trusts and hospitals.