NHS England funded independent prescribing courses 2025/26
NHS England has announced, that it has opened applications for pharmacists for funded independent prescribing courses.
Courses are available up to March 2026, with several universities offering multiple dates for cohort intakes. Start dates will depend on the university provider.
Community pharmacists (including locum pharmacists) considering an application, will need to demonstrate (as a minimum):
- The support of an identified designated prescribing practitioner;
- An appropriate practice-based learning environment in a prescribing setting that can offer appropriate clinical support;
- Evidence that they meet the course provider eligibility criteria (applicants will be subject to their chosen university’s enrolment processes); and
- Commitment to use the skill within your area of competence and expertise, for the delivery of NHS clinical services as they emerge.
Universities and funding
Eligible pharmacists may apply only to those universities as listed on the NHS England website. Course length and the number of face-to-face days required vary between universities. Interested pharmacists are advised to check the individual university webpages for further information on course format.
Please note: the available universities differ depending on the sector you work in.
NHS England fully funds tuition fees. Pharmacists that are successful in applying to one of the approved universities will be allocated a fully funded place directly by the university. There is no need to apply to NHS England for funding separately.
For any further enquiries, please contact england.pharmacyteam@nhs.net
