Pharmacy Technician | P00703-AA | Course

Entry Year

14/09/2026

Location

Titanic Quarter

Duration

2 Years (Full-Time)

Course Code

P00703-AA

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Overview

Level 3 Pharmacy Technician

Titanic Quarter

Full-Time

Further Education

Start Date: 14/09/2026

End Date: 04/06/2028

Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice for Pharmacy Technicians (603/5160/3)

Overview

There are two pathways for this qualification, both with the same entry requirements but with different work placement arrangements and different funding:

Level 3 Apprenticeship NI – Pharmacy Technician (Community Pharmacy)

Earn while you learn in a paid pharmacy role in community pharmacy, combining workplace training with college study.
You must be currently working in Northern Ireland in a community pharmacy as a trainee pharmacy technician, contracted for a minimum of 21 hours, or be due to start in such a position by the course start date.
Your employer must support your training.

Level 3 Diploma – Pharmacy Technician (Hospital Pharmacy)

Earn while you learn in a paid pharmacy role in hospital pharmacy, combining workplace training with college study.
You must be currently employed in a trainee pharmacy technician role in hospital pharmacy or be due to start in such a position by the course start date.
Your employer must support your training.

In both pathways, prospective students must have secured a work placement preferably prior to commencement of the course or at the very least, by the course start date.

The course is two-year full-time (see entry requirements).

This programme will develop the fundamental technical skills and underpinning knowledge and understanding required to become competent in the job role of Pharmacy Technician. You will be supported in college and in the workplace to develop appropriate professional pharmaceutical knowledge and skills that will aid your personal development in the pharmacy profession. If you would like to know more about what it’s like working as a Pharmacy Technician, click here for a short video.

You will also develop a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills to support progression to, and success in, further study and career advancement.

Successful completion of the BTEC Course and work placement will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and professional registration as a Pharmacy Technician with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) of GB. (Registration for pharmacy technicians is mandatory in GB). It is intended that registration of those students who successfully complete the course will be implemented with the Pharmaceutical Society of N. Ireland by 2017 (relevant legislation pending).

Advice

Pre-Entry Advice

Click here to download presentation

Requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade C or above including English, Maths and Science.

Be able to an provide an acceptable reference for good character and an acceptable self-declaration for health.

Applicants with alternative qualifications (e.g. Leaving Certificate) or who wish to be considered under the Accreditation of Prior Experience & Learning framework should contact the College to discuss your suitability.

Non-academic course entry requirements

Important: All applicants must also meet the following conditions:

· be 16 years old by 1 July 2026.

· Provide proof of:

o Right to Study in the UK. For courses with work placement, proof of your right to work in the UK is also required.

o Photographic proof of identity

· Provide translated copies of and/or demonstrate equivalency of non-UK qualifications.

Further information on non-academic course entry requirements can be found at https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/full-time/further-education/entry-criteria-further-education

Assessment

This course is assessed by a combination of knowledge-based written assignments, practical skills assessments, witness statements, professional discussions and observations in the workplace and completion of an e portfolio as evidence of pharmaceutical skills.

Made for More

Careers

Successful completion of the qualification will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the dispensing pharmaceutical industry.

There are also a range of employment opportunities in the life sciences sector, such as the Higher Level Apprenticeship with Almac, Norbrook or Randox Laboratories and in the NHS where you could progress to becomes a senior pharmacy technician, responsible for the work of other pharmacy technicians and pharmacy assistants, progress into management and leadership roles, or you could specialise, in areas such as mental health, oncology (cancer treatment) or paediatrics.