Pharmacy
Research Degrees
Research topics broadly relating to pharmacy, from compound synthesis to in vitro and in vivo evaluation through drug delivery to clinical and other professional practice form the basis for Higher Degree by Research proposals considered by the School for study on a full or part-time basis. The School has state-of-the-art research facilities, as expected in a research intensive institution. These include facilities for cell and molecular pharmaceutical biology and unrivalled mass spectrometry and postgenomic research instrumentation, housed in the newly constructed BioCentre, and access to the Centre for Advanced Microscopy.
Research interests of current School staff cover a wide span of pharmacy interests and include:
- Pharmaceutical polymers and dendrimers
- Prodrugs for cancer therapy
- Molecular endocrinology
- Gene transfer to cardiovascular cells
- Targeting cell cycle control mechanisms for the treatment of cardiovascular disease
- G protein coupled receptors
- Antimicrobial and anti-viral agents
- Carbohydrate chemistry
- Transdermal and topical drug delivery
- Nanoparticulate delivery of peptides, proteins and genes
- Nutrition and health
- Professional/client inter-relationships
- The developing role of the pharmacist
- The training needs of pharmacy support staff
The School of Pharmacy
The School, part of the growing area of Health Care Studies at Reading, has opportunities for research degrees and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in clinical pharmacy, medicines management, supplementary prescribing, pharmaceutical sciences and many other topics relevant to practising and research pharmacists. The University is recognised internationally for its excellence in health and biomedical-related areas and many such research groups are associated with the School of Pharmacy. Top class research facilities and opportunities for practice- and research-based postgraduate pharmacy courses exist.
The School of Pharmacy responds positively to the developing needs of Pharmacy practitioners both in the region and nationally and welcomes expressions of interest about taught Masters and CPD Courses. The School is also extending its broad ranging research provision and welcomes enquiries from pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide about Higher Degrees by Research.
Postgraduate taught programmes
We are developing short and modular courses for registered pharmacists who wish to develop their practice and/or take on new roles that meet government priorities for the NHS. The course on Supplementary Prescribing for Pharmacists started in 2005 as an inter- professional course with nurses while, in partnership with the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPA), pharmacists are supported in gaining accreditation for Medicines Use Review/Prescription Intervention.
The School works with professional bodies to identify the learning needs of local pharmacists in relation to emerging roles in pharmacy. Courses to meet these requirements will be of multi-professional interest and will enhance collaboration between health professional groups.
Taught and research Masters degrees are also offered, e.g. Masters programmes related to Advanced Pharmacy Practice, while Masters research courses of relevance to pharmacists also are being developed, particularly those that involve elements of inter-professional collaboration and learning. Credit transfers from other HEIs and activities undertaken by College of Pharmacy Practice members will be considered.
Finally, delivery of pharmacy pre-registration training courses is also being considered, as part of a package that seeks to enhance the qualifications and career progression of pharmacy support staff.