Independent and Supplementary Prescribing (V300) is designed for Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals, who are required to prescribe medicines from the British National Formulary, including controlled drugs, 'off-label' and unlicenced medication.
Professional regulatory body standards are incorporated into the programme to enable students to develop the appropriate knowledge and competencies to prescribe within their professional competence and according to local policy and national legislation.
What will I learn?
The content of the programme has been drawn from the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Standards for Prescribing Programmes (2018), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Standards for Prescribing (2019) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Competency Framework for Prescribing (2021). The standards are incorporated into the programme to enable students to develop the appropriate knowledge and competencies to practice within the current non-medical prescribing legislation and professional standards.
Course content will include pharmacology, principles of prescribing practice and clinical governance in relation to independent and supplementary prescribing.
The course can be undertaken as a stand-alone module or it can contribute towards a Masters degree.
Who will teach me?
You will be taught by an expert, supportive and multi-professional team from our School of Health and Social Care.
Entry criteria
We welcome applications from all nurses, midwives, paramedics, podiatrists, physiotherapists, radiographers and dietitians who meet the entry requirements.
All applicants must evidence the following requirements:
- Confirm you are a registered nurse (level 1), a registered midwife or a SCPHN and have a minimum of one year's post-registration experience prior to course entry, with no restrictions on practice.
- Confirm you are an HCPC registrant and have a minimum of one year's post registration experience prior to course entry with no restrictions on practice.
- Evidence of degree level study, or recognition of prior learning demonstrating your academic ability to study at this level.
- Proficient in appropriate clinical/health assessment, diagnostics/care management and the planning and evaluation of care in relation to current role.
- Have a Designated Prescribing Practitioner (DPP) and a nominated Practice Supervisor (for NMC registrants only), to support your learning in practice.
- Have the necessary governance structures in place including a current practice learning audit, practice learning time and supported study time for class attendance.
- Confirm an appropriate PVG/Disclosure in place.
Course dates and duration
The course is offered in January, May and September each year, and runs for 26 weeks.
The course is 40 credits at Masters level (SCQF level 11).
Delivery mode
It is delivered through a blend of in-person and online classes, and work-based learning.
There is no mandatory requirement to attend any classes in person; we do host 3-4 sessions on campus, for those who can attend, but all of the resources are available online.
You will undertake work-based learning, facilitated by your designated prescribing practitioners, and are required to log 90 hours of learning in your area of practice to achieve regulatory prescribing competencies.
Cost
Fee for this course is £1,660 (in January 2026).
For confirmation of applicable fees for entry dates in May 2026, September 2026 and beyond, please contact ENUprescribing@napier.ac.uk.
Payment by invoice
If you are being sponsored by your employer, you will need to provide a Purchase Order prior to starting the course. Please email this document to the Programme administrator: s.malone@napier.ac.uk.
How do I apply?
If you are self-employed, working within the independent sector or a non-NHS employee, please contact the Programme lead, Cher-Antonia Khedim, for application details: ENUprescribing@napier.ac.uk or prescribing@napier.ac.uk.
If you are an NHS employee, you must first agree with your line manager the suitability of a prescribing qualification within your area of practice and have written support from your local prescribing lead. NHS Lothian and NHS Borders staff must apply through their local prescribing lead before applying to Edinburgh Napier University.
Additional information
How will I be assessed?
Assessment consists of a numeracy test, pharmacology exam and a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of NMC/HCPC prescribing competencies, a systematic and detailed examination of practice as an assessment of consultation skills and a written case study of your prescribing practice.
What will I get after completion of the course?
Successful completion of the 'Independent and supplementary prescribing for healthcare professionals (non-medical prescribing)' course will allow you to prescribe, within your professional competence and according to local policy and national legislation. This permits nurses, midwives, paramedics, podiatrists and physiotherapists to become independent and supplementary prescribers and radiographers and dieticians to become supplementary prescribers.