Diploma in Pharmaceutical Systems
Pharmaceutical systems can secure safe, affordable and effective medicines for all. But across the world, these systems face complex and evolving challenges—from regulation and supply to affordability and access.
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- Course type
- Professional diploma
- Director of Studies
- Rocio Villacorta Linaza
- Location
- Online
- Start date
- 14 September 2026
- Mode of study
- Part-time, online
- Duration
- 10 months
- Home fee
- £4,222
- International fee
- £4,222
Overview
Our online Diploma in Pharmaceutical Systems will help you understand, evaluate and strengthen pharmaceutical systems in different contexts. You’ll explore policy, procurement, quality assurance and system design, and build the practical skills to start making a difference right away.
Who is this course for?
Health professionals with 1-2 years of experience in pharmacy or pharmaceutical systems, including pharmacists, doctors, nurses and health managers.
Professionals with 1–2 years of experience working in ministries, NGOs, hospitals, industry or health programmes.
“Whether you’re working in public health, pharmacy, supply chain or policy, this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to drive change in your area and help create better systems for the future.”
Rocio Villacorta Linaza
Why study Pharmaceutical Systems at LSTM?
Learn online in a flexible format designed for working professionals.
Engage with real-world case studies and expert guest contributors.
Collaborate with a diverse global network to share experiences and knowledge.
Access your own personalised virtual leaning environment (VLE) with one-to-one tutor support.
Build practical tools for designing, managing and strengthening pharmaceutical systems.
“Now’s a great time to study this critical subject. Covid-19 exposed vulnerabilities in health systems across the world, so now we’re looking at innovative ways to address challenges and complexities, and create resilience across pharmaceutical systems.”
What will I learn?
You’ll complete three modules, assessed by practical assignments.
- Overview of pharmaceutical systems.
- Access, affordability and regulation.
- Quality of medicines and regulatory systems (in partnership with QUAMED).
- Selection, procurement, storage and pharmacovigilance .
- SOP development and quality control.
- Systems thinking, implementation and MEL.
- Design a systems strengthening project in your context.
You’ll study part-time, online, over 10 months using a personalised virtual learning environment (VLE).
You can access learning materials and exercises whenever you want. They include:
- Video lectures, podcasts and real-world case studies.
- Problem-based learning and collaborative group tasks.
- Guided readings, reflective activities and assessments.
Each module is assessed by a 2,000-word assignment.
- Understand pharmaceutical systems and key access challenges.
- Evaluate supply chains and develop quality-focused SOPs.
- Assess system gaps and design context-specific interventions.
- Communicate technical concepts clearly to a range of audiences.
- Strengthen pharmaceutical systems through practical leadership.
- National pharmaceutical and health programmes.
- Regulatory bodies, supply chain and procurement organisations.
- NGOs, UN agencies and donor-funded global health programmes.
You could work as a pharmaceutical systems specialist, technical adviser, programme manager or consultant—supporting access to medicines around the world.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Home fee
£4,222
International fee
£4,222
Financial support
We have scholarships, bursaries, discounts and loans available for UK and international students, established through generous donations from alumni, staff and friends and funding from within Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Postgraduate loans
Loans for eligible UK students studying a taught or research Master’s course are available from the Student Loans Company. These loans will be a contribution towards the costs associated with completing a Postgraduate Masters course
External funding
Scholarships, fellowships and grants are available from a range of funders and organisations. Any scholarship, studentship, fellowship or grant can be used as an alternative to, or part-funding of, an LSTM scholarship.
How to apply
Apply for this course online via MyLSTM.
Register for a MyLSTM account to:
- Apply for courses at LSTM.
- Upload supporting documentation.
- Save your draft application.
- Accept an offer to study.
- Keep your account information up-to-date.
If you can’t access our online application form, please get in touch. Paper application forms are available on request.