NHS England-Funded Independent Prescribing Courses for 2025–2026
Applications are now open for NHS England-funded independent prescribing courses starting through to March 2026.
Multiple universities across England are offering course intakes on various dates, depending on the provider. Pharmacists who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to one of the participating institutions.
Who can apply:
- Community and locum pharmacists; those working in general practice who are not eligible for or enrolled on the Primary Care Pharmacy Education Pathway (PCPEP); pharmacists providing primary care services but not employed under ARRS; and those in Health and Justice settings.
- Pharmacists currently enrolled in CPPE’s PCPEP who meet the criteria to undertake an independent prescribing course.
- Pharmacists employed by NHS hospital trusts, mental health trusts, integrated care boards (ICBs), or previously clinical commissioning groups (CCGs).
To apply, pharmacists must:
- Have the support of a designated prescribing practitioner (DPP).
- Be based in a suitable clinical environment that supports prescribing practice.
- Meet the eligibility requirements of the chosen university provider.
- Be committed to applying prescribing skills within their scope of practice, in line with NHS clinical service delivery.
University options vary depending on your sector and are listed on the NHS England website. Course formats, including duration and in-person attendance requirements, differ by provider—please check individual university sites for details.
Funding Information
NHS England fully covers tuition fees for pharmacists accepted onto approved courses. There is no need for a separate funding application—places are funded directly via the university.
For further information or queries, please email: england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net
