MSc Clinical Pharmacy

The MSc Clinical Pharmacy programme at the University of Tartu, Estonia, is a postgraduate, part-time Master of Science programme offered through the Faculty of Medicine. The programme is designed primarily for pharmacists who want to advance their knowledge and professional skills in clinical pharmacy while continuing their professional work. It is an innovative, online-based programme that provides flexibility for pharmacists working in hospital or community pharmacy settings, regardless of their location.

The programme is delivered in block mode and has a nominal duration of 4 semesters, comprising 90 ECTS. The study language is English, and the programme leads to the award of MSc (Master of Science in Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy)). The programme places particular emphasis on clinical pharmacy, patient consultation, teamwork, problem-based learning, independent learning, and the development of professional networks.

Programme Highlights

The online format provides flexibility for working pharmacists, including professionals working in hospitals and community pharmacies. Students develop their clinical pharmacy and patient consultation skills while gaining experience in teamwork and building a network of professional colleagues.

A problem-based learning approach characterises the programme. The programme also places a strong emphasis on e-learning, making it suitable for pharmacists working outside Tartu or in another country. According to the programme information, there are no similar programmes in the region.

The University of Tartu is described in the programme information as being ranked among the top 400 universities worldwide in medicine according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 and in clinical and health according to the THE Global Subject Rankings 2025. It is also ranked among the top 350 in pharmacy and pharmacology according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Programme Structure

The MSc Clinical Pharmacy programme consists of 90 ECTS and is completed over 4 semesters. An overview of the programme structure and individual courses is available through the programme website.

The programme’s online-based format and emphasis on independent learning are intended to support pharmacists who are combining their studies with professional responsibilities.

Tuition Fees and Places

The tuition fee is €113 per ECTS, meaning that the programme fee is calculated according to the number of ECTS credits taken. For the 2026 intake, there are 20 fee-based student places available.

There are no tuition waivers available on this curriculum.

Applicants who are not citizens of the EU, EEA or Switzerland must pre-pay half of the first semester’s tuition fee after receiving an admission offer.

In addition to tuition fees, the application requires a €100 one-time, non-refundable application fee.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in pharmacy. The qualification must be obtained by the end of July.

Country-specific document requirements apply depending on the applicant’s country of education. Entry qualification documents are accepted in English or Estonian.

All applicants must also comply with the University of Tartu’s English language requirements. The specific accepted English language tests and exemption categories are provided by the university’s requirements information.

Motivation Letter

A motivation letter is a mandatory part of the application. The final version must be uploaded before the application is submitted because it cannot be edited after submission.

The motivation letter must be no more than 500 words and should include:

• Clear evidence of the applicant’s interest in clinical pharmacy
• Previous experience in pharmacy
• The expected impact of completing the degree on the applicant’s future professional practice and career plans
• The candidate’s current ideas regarding a potential research topic for the master’s programme

Any research topic mentioned in the motivation letter is not binding and may change during the programme.

Motivation Letter Evaluation

The motivation letter is assessed according to three main criteria:

• Fit between the applicant’s goals and the programme — 50 points
• Analytical and argumentation skills — 30 points
• Fluency and accuracy of written English — 20 points

Each member of the evaluation panel assesses the candidate according to these criteria. Each criterion can receive a maximum of 100 points, and the overall grade is calculated as the average of the panel’s scores.

Candidates must achieve at least 51 points from the motivation letter to be invited to the online entrance interview.

Entrance Interview

Admission also requires success in an online entrance interview conducted via Zoom. The interview is intended to assess the candidate’s motivation, independent-learning ability, critical thinking, teamwork readiness, self-expression, and English-language skills.

The interview assesses:

• Motivation to study clinical pharmacy and ability to self-analyse — 30 points
• Motivation to learn independently, including online learning and the master’s thesis — 30 points
• Critical thinking, reasoning and analytical skills — 10 points
• Understanding of teamwork and readiness for teamwork — 10 points
• Self-expression and English-language skills — 20 points

The maximum score for the interview is 100 points, with 51 points being the minimum positive score.

Final Admission Score

Admission to the programme depends on both the motivation letter and the entrance interview. Each component contributes 50% to the final admission assessment.

Only candidates who achieve at least 51 points from the motivation letter are invited to the online interview. After the interview, the final admission score is calculated.

An application is considered for admission when the candidate achieves a total score of at least 66 points.

Career Opportunities

The MSc Clinical Pharmacy programme provides professional development opportunities for pharmacists working in hospital or community pharmacies. It is particularly relevant for pharmacists who want to strengthen their clinical pharmacy knowledge and improve their patient consultation skills.

The programme’s flexibility and strong focus on e-learning make it suitable for professionals working outside Tartu or in another country.

According to the programme information, graduates are welcome to work as clinical pharmacists in hospital and primary care settings, where they can provide patients with a higher level of medical advice.

Intake

For the 2026 intake, the programme offers 20 fee-based student places. Studies are scheduled to commence on 31 August.

The source states that the application period has ended for this intake.

Overall, the MSc Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Tartu provides a flexible, English-taught, online-based postgraduate pathway for pharmacists seeking to develop advanced clinical pharmacy and patient consultation skills while maintaining their professional activities.