Case Study: Designing Program-Wide Assessment

Creating Coherent Student Development Through Assessment Themes

Abstract

This case study demonstrates how a carefully structured programmatic assessment approach in a pharmacy degree program uses detailed rubrics and consistent assessment types to create coherent student development across all four years. By implementing three core coursework themes that repeat annually (research, formulary, and person-centred care), supported by comprehensive rubrics and strategic staff allocation, the program ensures consistent assessment standards while managing workload across a large teaching team. The success of this approach is evidenced by external examiner praise and improved student engagement with professional-standard reference sources.