Globally, the role of pharmacists is changing towards a more patien centred, and biotechnology-oriented role, which is not covered by most current curricula; there is a need for specialisation , especially in Latin America countries (LA). This project aims to develop and pilot the implementation of a Master's Degree in Pharmacy so that by increasing specialisation and research in hospital, community and industrial pharmacy, it will foster the development of pharmacy in Latin American countries in close cooperation with the EU. 

The short-term impact will be the production of pharmacy specialists adapted to the modern LA situation and the development of new learning tools and procedures. The long-term impact will be a global improvement of LA healthcare with more efficient pharmaceutical care and the evolution of the LA pharmaceutical industry. The impact for the EU will be improvement in collaboration with LA in the fields of pharmacy education, healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry. The tools and teaching material developed will be used to promote continuing professional development for EU pharmacists.

What is new ?

The MOOC methodology that allows massive participation at a low cost, not limited by time or geographical location:

• The flexibility in the design of the M.Sc. that allows self-directed learning to fulfill different professional demands and personal expectations.
• The education based in competences and in the European quality assurance techniques for easy international recognition.
• The COPHELA Consortium as the first pharmacy group of experts in pharmacy education and development in EU and LA.
• A key element in the COPHELA is the production of Open Educational Resources in English, Spanish and Portuguese through the development of IT-based tools