The Supplementary Prescribing Course for pharmacists began in 2003 and when legislation changed in 2006 to enable independent pharmacy prescribing, the course was revised and is now known as the Independent Prescribing Course. Students who successfully complete the course are qualified as supplementary and independent prescribers.
This Post Graduate Certificate is divided into four modules and runs over a eight-month period. It includes 90 hours learning in practice, the purpose of which is to enable the student to transfer their learning from the theory element of the course and to develop and practise clinical examination skills relevant to the condition(s) for which they intend to prescribe. The pharmacist may complete their learning in practice at any point during the course.
Prior to 2022, to be eligible for acceptance onto the course, pharmacists must have been practising for at least two years post registration and produce evidence of clinical and therapeutic experience in their intended prescribing area. However, from Cohort 17 (Aug/Sept 2023), applicants no longer need to adhere to these criteria. Instead, applicants must meet the following requirements:
All places on the Independent Prescribing Programme which starts Aug/Sept 2025 (Cohort 19) have now been allocated. The next Cohort (Cohort 20) will begin Aug/Sept 2026. The application process for the next cohort starting Aug/Sept 2026 (Cohort 20) will be online and the application form will be accessible from a button on the right-hand side of this page from December 2025. An animated video explaining how to use the portal is available below. There will be three forms to be completed and submitted on/before the closing date. The forms have not been updated yet but will be similar to below:
The number of places available in Cohort 20 is not yet confirmed but information will be posted here as soon as that is available.
Last updated: 30th July 2025