UK-OSPAP
Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (MSc/PgDip)
Why OSPAP?
Are you trained and registered as a pharmacist in a non-EEA country and want to register and work in Great Britain as a pharmacist? If so you will need to apply to the Overseas Pharmacists’ Assessment Programme (OSPAP). The training consists of one year at university, followed by 52 weeks of training prior to joining the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) register.
The OSPAP (MSc/PgDip) course is designed for qualified pharmacists outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or who hold an EEA pharmacist qualification which is not a relevant qualification (other than a UK-recognised pharmacist qualification) who are looking to become registered pharmacists in the UK. It’s one of a small number of courses that are accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
Completing the OSPAP postgraduate diploma allows for entry to the next stages of registering as a pharmacist in the UK, and in addition, you can also apply to undertake a master’s research project. The content of this course reflects the accreditation requirements of the GPhC.
You can choose to study this course as a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) or a master’s (MSc). If you choose to study the master’s level, you’ll also undertake a research project. This will be an original piece of work in which you’ll demonstrate both theoretical and practical knowledge.
You can apply with or without your GPhC adjudication, however, you’ll only be offered an interview once this has been received. Your application will be held pending until we have your GPhC Adjudication letter.
Visa requirements
If you are accepted into the OSPAP, you can apply for a student visa during the first year of your training. Once you have graduated, you will then need to switch to a work visa in order to complete your foundation training. You can find out more about applying for a student visa.
Will your degree be recognised
Your degree will need to be recognised as being equivalent to, or better than a UK bachelor’s degree. If you are unsure as to whether your degree will be recognized, you can contact UK ENIC for confirmation. UK ENIC is the only official source of information on international education and qualifications and skills attained outside the UK. Visit their website for a full list of services.
If your degree is not recognized as equivalent to a UK degree, you may have to provide additional information to the GPhC. Contact the GPhC directly for further advice on documentation needed.
English language skills requirements
As part of your application, the GPhC will check that you meet the English language requirements. You can choose from the following three options.
- A pass result of an acceptable English language test. The GPhC accepts a recent pass in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test with no score less than 7 in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, at one sitting of the test. The GPhC also accepts a recent pass of the Pharmacy Occupational English Language Test (OET) with a score of at least a B in each of the four areas of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, at one sitting of the test.
- A pharmacy qualification that has taken three or more years to complete, and has been taught and examined in English, in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country other than the UK. The qualification must be one that would allow you to practice as a pharmacist in the country where you completed it.
- Practice for at least two years as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician in a ‘majority English speaking country’.
The government website lists the countries defined as ‘majority English speaking’.
Download the GPhC guidance on evidence needed for English language skills here.
Free English Language Practice Tests
IELTS
The British council have a range of online practice tests that you can use to help you to prepare for the test. Doing practice tests will help to familiarise you with the IELTS computer system in advance of taking the test. Download free practice IELTS tests on the British Council website.
OET
OET has a Ready Study Guide. This guide includes courses, guides, videos, and sample tests. Request your free OET study guide here.
Applying for your foundation training placement using Oriel
Oriel is a portal used for the recruitment of a variety of healthcare professions. All pharmacy foundation placements will be advertised via Oriel. The GPhC will only approve your placement if it has been allocated through Oriel. You should make an application using Oriel before you begin your first year of the OSPAP so that you can begin your foundation training when you complete your course. Ask your university for regular updates about the Oriel recruitment programme opening dates.
Foundation training
Once you have completed your university course, you will be ready to begin your foundation training. Your foundation training placement consists of 52 weeks of supervised and assessed training at a GPhC-accredited training site. You will be paid whilst you are training. During your training year, you will need to have satisfactory progress reports at week 13, 26, 39, and 52.
At the end of your foundation training and subject to achieving satisfactory progress reports, you will be ready to sit the registration assessment exam. If you pass the exam, you will then be able to register with the GPhC. Download the GPhC foundation manual here.
Time constraints
If you are accepted into the OSPAP, you normally have two academic years in which to begin your training. You must join the register within four years of starting the OSPAP. If you need longer than this to complete your training, you will need to apply to the GPhC for an extension under the four-year rule.
Universities offering OSPAP course
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Resources
UK-OSPAP
Overseas Pharmacist Assessment Programme (MSc/PgDip) OSPAP – Guide for Application...
Learn MoreUK-OSPAP – Guide for Application
OSPAP – Guide for Application via Pharmscape OSPAP Curious about...
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