What purpose does the MPharm research project serve?

Authors

  • Christopher A. Langley School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
  • Jill K. Jesson Aston Business School, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
  • Keith A. Wilson School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
  • Laura Clarke School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
  • Katie Hatfield School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK

Keywords:

Assessment, learning, MPharm, pharmacy education, research project, teaching

Abstract

In 2004, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) funded research on teaching, learning and assessment within the UK undergraduate pharmacy degree (MPharm), including the compulsory final year project. Documentary analysis showed that all schools met the project requirement, although there were wide variations in the relative contribution of the project to the final year mark and the degree classification. Interviews with staff revealed that organisation of research projects was complex and time consuming and exacerbated by increasing student numbers and the impact of research ethics. 61% of students, surveyed via a self-completion questionnaire (response rate 50.6%) perceived the research project to be very or fairly important. Whilst 47% considered that they had enough choice of topic and 37% said that their training in research methods provided a good foundation for their project, this suggests scope for improvement. In the UK, there are legislative changes impending which may provide an opportunity to review the future purpose and feasibility of a “significant” final year project within the MPharm.

References

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How to Cite

Langley, C. A., Jesson, J. K., Wilson, K. A., Clarke, L., & Hatfield, K. (2018). What purpose does the MPharm research project serve?. Pharmacy Education, 7(3). Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/158

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Section

Research Article