Best Pharmacy Degrees in Ireland

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Top Five Universities in Ireland for a Pharmacy Degree

Last updated: 24 January 2024 Pharmacology

Studying pharmacy in Ireland is a rewarding and challenging experience. During the course, students will learn about various aspects of pharmacy, such as pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical care. They will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience by completing internships in community and hospital pharmacies.

Why study pharmacy in Ireland?

Pharmacy is one of the most popular subjects with international students studying in Ireland. About 50 postgraduate and undergraduate pharmacy courses are offered at 19 institutions in Ireland—some of these fall under the world’s top 100 institutes to study pharmacy. The Irish pharmaceutical industry is big and has grown dynamically over the past 20 years.

In Ireland, pharmacy and pharmacology courses are regulated by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), which ensures that the course meets the required standards and prepares students for a career as pharmacists. After graduation, students must complete a one-year internship and pass a registration exam before practising as pharmacists in Ireland.

Ireland is a preferred destination for international students pursuing higher education in pharmacy and pharmacology. According to Payscale, the average salary for a pharmacist in Ireland is €58,747.

Study a pharmacy course in Ireland

Learn more about Ireland's best pharmacy and pharmacology courses below (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Pharmacy and Pharmacology) and book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to learn more about the application process and other relevant information.

pharmacy degree in ireland

Top Five Universities for Pharmacy in Ireland

1. Trinity College Dublin

TCD's School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research. The research space for pharmacy as a discipline is at the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, which develops the university's leadership position in neuroscience, immunology, and cancer research. The faculty offers undergraduate and graduate programmes in pharmacy and pharmacology, along with an integrated degree that is among the most popular among students as it allows them to earn a Master's in five years while enrolled in a single programme. 

2. University College Cork

The School of Pharmacy at University College Cork is one of the five schools within the College of Medicine and Health. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in pharmacy and pharmacology delivered through state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities. The undergraduate course leading to MPharm is students' most popular option. In this degree, students complete their first four years, earn a BPharm, and then progress to the main degree. Placements are also an integral part of the course at University College Cork, and usually, students can be placed in the community, hospitals, or industry settings. 

3. RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences at RCSI is Ireland's leading pharmacy education, research and innovation centre. The university professors and researchers focus on providing students with high-quality education and research guidance. The curriculum for training healthcare professionals has been created patient-centred, allowing them to learn the intricacies of their work during the study years. The university offers specialised education in the field through certifications, diplomas and degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels

4. University College Dublin

The UCD Faculty of Pharmacy offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and all pharmacology courses are accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and taught by experienced faculty members who are leaders in their fields. Research and placements are also essential parts of the curriculum. The university has strong ties with the pharmaceutical industry and major healthcare providers, giving students valuable networking opportunities and real-world experience, further enhancing their prospects.

5. University of Galway

The University of Galway offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in pharmacy through its Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the School of Medicine. Some popular courses include toxicology, neuropharmacology, and cheminformatics specialisations. The university is also actively involved in neuroscience, cancer biology, inflammation, endocrinology and cardiovascular development research initiatives. Students can expect to learn from leading educators and researchers to gain essential skills for a prosperous career.

How to become a pharmacist

To become a pharmacist in Ireland, students must complete their accredited degrees, including the Bachelor's and Master's levels integrated into one. After their education, students must also complete a one-year pre-registration training designed to enable them to practise the profession. Following the training period, they must register with PSI to practise as pharmacists in the country, for which they must also pass a registration examination with the PSI.

After taking all these steps, you will be registered in the country to work as a pharmacist. To continue and maintain the registration, you must also engage in continuous professional development activities throughout your career, as this is a field where new developments and innovations continue to take place.

study in Ireland

Universities featured in this article:

  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University College Cork
  • University College Dublin
  • Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
  • University of Galway

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