Entry Year
Location
Duration
Course Code
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:
i. work placement in community pharmacy in N Ireland (funded by Apprenticeship NI scheme if student has secured a position as a pharmacy technician apprentice, with a minimum of 21 hours employment in community pharmacy plus arranged day release to College one day per week).
ii. work placement in hospital pharmacy (funded by the relevant Hospital Trust if student has secured a trainee pharmacy technician post in hospital pharmacy with a minimum of 28 hours employment in hospital pharmacy plus arranged day release to College one day per week).
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).
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
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.
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.
Interests
Science
Health
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