Background

In 1997, after several years of lobbying, the three year Bachelor of Pharmacy (or Science) programme was replaced by a new, four year Master of Pharmacy degree programme. Recently, "The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland" has been published by the Quality Assurance Agency¹ (QAA). It sets out generic descriptors for each level of qualification in higher education, to which individual qualifications are expected to conform. The descriptors for "Masters level" are distinct and are reflected in the Pharmacy Benchmark statement, currently being prepared for the QAA². Each School of Pharmacy will be expected to review its practice to ensure that the programme outcomes accord with the Masters descriptor. The first cohort of MPharm graduates have emerged, but have they experienced a Master's level programme?

Method

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews on a sample of Directors of Undergraduate Studies (DUGS) in UK Schools of pharmacy. Interview questions were constructed using the National Qualifications Framework 2001 as a template. A mix of objective (what is being provided) and subjective data (personal opinions of the DUGS) was used to determine the appropriateness of the degree title "Masters". Interviews were recorded and transcribed and all data were anonymised. Analysis proceeded through the development of a coding frame and further inductive coding. Steps were taken to assure credibility and reliability of the coding process.

Results

After pilot work to refine the interview schedule, 11 DUGS consented to interview. A further 3 expressed interest but declined. Two Schools failed to respond to successive requests. In general, the DUGS reported a shift away from "pure" sciences, towards a more clinical and practice based approach. The "final year project" has assumed a greater importance and there was a reported (although unsubstantiated) move away from didacticism in favour of a student-centred approach to learning. Few programmes came close to satisfying all the criteria for a Masters degree (as defined by the QAA) whereas others were only just beginning to contemplate what the provision of a Masters degree entails.

Conclusion

This exploratory work highlights the lack of national and academic debate around the new UK pharmacy degree programme, reporting a variety of views about what a Masters programme should require. It is clear, despite the first graduating cohort, that many degrees are not achieving the programme descriptors for Masters level. Do the current pre-registration cohort hold Masters degrees?

References

1. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2001). "The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland" Gloucester, QAA.[http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/nqf/nqf.htm Accessed December 2001].
2. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2001). "QAA Consultation: Benchmarking academic standards". Gloucester, QAA. [http://www.qaa.ac.uk/crntwork/benchmark/app2.htm Accessed December 2001].