Language skills
Programme length
3 years, 30 ECTS per year.
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Do you want to enhance your professional growth?
- Would you like to improve your specialist knowledge?
- Would you like to improve your administrative skills?
- Would you like to concentrate on nursing research?
- Do you want a diverse and flexible programme?
This is a vocational programme offered jointly by UI and Landspítali University Hospital. Teaching mainly takes place in the Landspítali pharmacy and departments. The first part of the programme is designed to train the student in the basic principles of hospital pharmacy, while the second part is designed to expand the student's knowledge of specialist clinical fields or a specialist field within the pharmacy.
This is a three-year paid vocational programme to be completed alongside a 100% FTE position as a pharmacist at Landspítali University Hospital.
NB. Only two students are admitted each year.
Programme structure
This is a three-year 90 ECTS programme, organised as 50% vocational studies alongside a full-time position at Landspítali University Hospital.
The programme is made up of:
- Mandatory courses
- Vocational training placements
- Research project, 30 ECTS
Organisation of teaching
This programme is taught in Icelandic and most textbooks are in English. Students have the option of taking part of the programme at a UK hospital.
- The programme is taught by clinical pharmacists and doctors.
- Students are assigned a mentor for the duration of the programme.
- Practical training in each department is led by a clinical pharmacist from that department.
- Students attend weekly joint classes with specialist doctors.
Main objectives
The programme is designed to train pharmacists with the skills and knowledge they need to promote safe, effective and cost-efficient drug treatments.
Other
Students who complete the programme with a first class grade may apply for doctoral studies.
To be eligible for the MS in Clinical Pharmacy an applicant must have completed an MS in Pharmacy from the University of Iceland or an equivalent qualification from another recognised university. In order to be admitted to the MS in Clinical Pharmacy an applicant must have attained a minimum average grade of 6.5 in the aforementioned studies. Furthermore, access to the programme is subject to special rules on enrolment restrictions, as approved by the University Council.
If there are more applicants who meet the admission requirements than it is possible to admit, selection of students will be based on the following considerations:
a) A collocation of course grades and/or main grade for the MS in Pharmacy.
b) Further study after completion of a BS in Pharmacy.
c) Publications in peer-reviewed journals.
d) Employment experience.
e) Letters of recommendation.
f) Interviews if considered necessary.
g) An entrance examination if considered necessary.
A special admissions committee for the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences shall oversee the selection of students.
MS-studies in nursing comprise 120 ECTS. With normal progress of studies, MS-studies are presumed to take one and a half years, and the studies are normally not expected to take longer than four years. Upon graduation, it shall be demonstrated that the student has been registered and paid his/her registration fee throughout the study period.
Students can get up to 30 ECTS recognised from their BS studies from the University of Iceland or equivalent study. Students can also get courses from other MS studies recognised if they relate to his/her chosen field of study.
The studies entail training in scientific methods, and much of this consists of the student's own work on his/her own research project, the research report and a paper for publication in a periodical. The size of the research project is determined in the study plan, and it shall be a minimum of 30 ECTS, and a maximum of 60 ECTS. Other credits are earned through participation in compulsory and elective courses.
An MS-student may take a maximum of 15 ECTS on reading courses with a tutor, supervised by the supervisor. Reading courses shall be in a research field related to the student's research project, but not part of the principal project. A reading course is completed with an essay.
The following documents must accompany an application for this programme:
- CV
- Statement of purpose
- Reference 1, Name and email
- Reference 2, Name and email
- Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
- Supporting documents for an online application(Icelandic only)
- Statement on interests and goals(Icelandic only)
Further information on supporting documents can be found here
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- First year
- Whole year courses
- Core training in clinical pharmacy
First year | Whole year courses
Core training in clinical pharmacy (LYF127F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
30 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
- Second year
- Fall
- Basic training in clinical pharmacy II
- Spring 1
- Clinical and professional practice I
- Using research in clinical practice
- Clinical toxicology
Second year | Fall
Basic training in clinical pharmacy II (LYF323F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
15 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Learning outcome guides:
- Clinical learning outcome guide
- Patient services learning outcome guide
- Medicines Information learning outcome guide
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Second year | Spring 1
Clinical and professional practice I (LYF408F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
5 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Second year | Spring 1
Using research in clinical practice (LYF407F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aims of module the Using research in clinical practice are:
- To allow practitioners to critically evaluate the literature relating to a specific therapeutic ir pharmacy practice or service provision dilemma
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to develop clinical decision making and critical reasoning skills
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Second year | Spring 1
Clinical toxicology (LÆK613F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
1 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course is designed to give the students an overview of common poisonings presenting to hospitals and health care institutes and their treatment.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
- Third year
- Whole year courses
- Clinical and professional practice II
- Fall
- Audit/service Evaluation
- Spring 1
- Quality improvement
Third year | Whole year courses
Clinical and professional practice II (LYF504F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Third year | Fall
Audit/service Evaluation (LYF503F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be actively engaged in the audit/service evaluation process in their Hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Third year | Spring 1
Quality improvement (LYF604F)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be innovative in developing service improvement proposals in their hospital.
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to be actively engaged in the change management process in their hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations.
Language of instruction: Icelandic
Face-to-face learning
First year
- Whole year courses
- LYF127FCore training in clinical pharmacyMandatory (required) course30A mandatory (required) course for the programme30 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
- Fall
- LYF323FBasic training in clinical pharmacy IIMandatory (required) course15A mandatory (required) course for the programme15 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Learning outcome guides:
- Clinical learning outcome guide
- Patient services learning outcome guide
- Medicines Information learning outcome guide
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF408FClinical and professional practice IMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLYF407FUsing research in clinical practiceMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of module the Using research in clinical practice are:
- To allow practitioners to critically evaluate the literature relating to a specific therapeutic ir pharmacy practice or service provision dilemma
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to develop clinical decision making and critical reasoning skills
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLÆK613FClinical toxicologyMandatory (required) course1A mandatory (required) course for the programme1 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course is designed to give the students an overview of common poisonings presenting to hospitals and health care institutes and their treatment.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Whole year courses
- LYF504FClinical and professional practice IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
LYF503FAudit/service EvaluationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be actively engaged in the audit/service evaluation process in their Hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF604FQuality improvementMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be innovative in developing service improvement proposals in their hospital.
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to be actively engaged in the change management process in their hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesSecond year- Whole year courses
- LYF127FCore training in clinical pharmacyMandatory (required) course30A mandatory (required) course for the programme30 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
- Fall
- LYF323FBasic training in clinical pharmacy IIMandatory (required) course15A mandatory (required) course for the programme15 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Learning outcome guides:
- Clinical learning outcome guide
- Patient services learning outcome guide
- Medicines Information learning outcome guide
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF408FClinical and professional practice IMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLYF407FUsing research in clinical practiceMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of module the Using research in clinical practice are:
- To allow practitioners to critically evaluate the literature relating to a specific therapeutic ir pharmacy practice or service provision dilemma
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to develop clinical decision making and critical reasoning skills
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLÆK613FClinical toxicologyMandatory (required) course1A mandatory (required) course for the programme1 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course is designed to give the students an overview of common poisonings presenting to hospitals and health care institutes and their treatment.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Whole year courses
- LYF504FClinical and professional practice IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
LYF503FAudit/service EvaluationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be actively engaged in the audit/service evaluation process in their Hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF604FQuality improvementMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be innovative in developing service improvement proposals in their hospital.
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to be actively engaged in the change management process in their hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesThird year- Whole year courses
- LYF127FCore training in clinical pharmacyMandatory (required) course30A mandatory (required) course for the programme30 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
- Fall
- LYF323FBasic training in clinical pharmacy IIMandatory (required) course15A mandatory (required) course for the programme15 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
The aim of the module is to equip practitioners with the knowledge, skills, behaviors and competence they require to provide pharmaceutical care / medicines optimisation in any patient-orientated role. In order to develop these skills the practitioner will use their clinical and academic knowledge to identify, solve and prevent drug related problems. The learning outcome guides supports the practitioners to develop knowledge, skills, behaviours which will underpin advanced practice development later during the programme.
Learning outcome guides:
- Clinical learning outcome guide
- Patient services learning outcome guide
- Medicines Information learning outcome guide
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF408FClinical and professional practice IMandatory (required) course5A mandatory (required) course for the programme5 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLYF407FUsing research in clinical practiceMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of module the Using research in clinical practice are:
- To allow practitioners to critically evaluate the literature relating to a specific therapeutic ir pharmacy practice or service provision dilemma
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to develop clinical decision making and critical reasoning skills
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesLÆK613FClinical toxicologyMandatory (required) course1A mandatory (required) course for the programme1 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course is designed to give the students an overview of common poisonings presenting to hospitals and health care institutes and their treatment.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Whole year courses
- LYF504FClinical and professional practice IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This module enables the trainee to consolidate and further develop their knowledge, competence, behaviours required to practice clinical pharmacy of higher levels. To be able to review patient´s medication therapy and guidelines with critical scholarly understanding of medicines optimisation. Facilitate an understanding and awareness of the ‘big picture’ of healthcare infrastructures and key professional competencies such as clinical leadership and teaching.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Fall
LYF503FAudit/service EvaluationMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be actively engaged in the audit/service evaluation process in their Hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
LYF604FQuality improvementMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe aims of the Audit/Service Evaluation task are:
- To allow practitioners to be innovative in developing service improvement proposals in their hospital.
- To provide an opportunity for practitioners to be actively engaged in the change management process in their hospital.
- To provide practitioners with a range of opportunities to communicate their findings and recommendations.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites
Additional information The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
- Hospitals and pharmacies
- Health clinics
- Drug design and production
- Quality control and records
- Marketing, import and export of drugs
- Consulting, monitoring, management
- Drug dispensing
- Advising other healthcare professionals
- Organisation and supervision of medication
- Manufacturing of drugs and dietary supplements
- Marketing
This list is not exhaustive.
Tinktúra, the society for pharmacy students, organises a busy social calendar and advocates for student interests.
Tinktúra is a member of international organisations for pharmacy students, IPSF and EPSA, which share information between all students on academic and professional developments and innovation in pharmacy. Tinktúra is also a member of IAESTE, an international organisation for students studying the physical and health sciences.
Students' comments 
I chose clinical pharmacy to work closely with people and improve their medication treatments. The programme at Landspítalinn University Hospeita is rewarding, educational, and enjoyable, with a focus on interdisciplinary teamwork. There's a high demand for clinical pharmacists in healthcare, making this programme beneficial for my career.
I pursued an MS in clinical pharmacy to specialise in hospital pharmacotherapy. The programme is diverse, challenging, and professionally rewarding.Helpful content 
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Faculty of Pharmaceutical SciencesWeekdays: 10-12 am and 1-3 pmGeneral serviceStudents can use the Service Desk as the point of access for all services. Students can drop in at the University Centre or use the WebChat on this page.
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