October University of Galway expands healthcare education

Government confirms more than 120 new student places with new programmes for Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D. has today announced plans for the expansion of healthcare programmes at University of Galway.

The development involves two new degree programmes which will ultimately provide 123 places for students.

Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said:  "The Government investment in healthcare education at University of Galway is transformative and enables us to take a significant step towards fulfilling our strategic objectives of providing excellent education and training, founded on high-impact research, which will go a long way to addressing the healthcare workforce needs of our country.

“We look forward to welcoming students to these exciting new programmes and continuing to make a substantial contribution to the improvement of healthcare at local and regional, national and global levels."

Minister O'Donovan said: “I am excited to see the impact these new projects will have on the health sector and those who avail of their services. They truly have the potential to revolutionise our higher education landscape and provide more opportunities for students to follow their passions in healthcare and medicine.”

University of Galway’s expanded healthcare education is a key element of efforts by the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences to address critical healthcare workforce shortages in Ireland, in line with the College's Strategic Plan 2022-25.

Both programmes align with the University’s mission to promote health and well-being through education, research, and innovation.

Graduate Entry Medicine – A four-year programme offering an accelerated pathway into Medicine for graduates, allowing them to build on their prior academic achievements to become qualified medical professionals. There will be 48 places on offer.

The programme will also have a focus on preparing students for careers in rural and remote medicine, ensuring that all communities, including those in under-served areas, have access to skilled healthcare professionals.

Pharmacy (MPharm) – A five-year Masters programme, with education in pharmacy, combining theoretical learning with practical training. Following confirming of accreditation, it is intended that there will be 45 places for students in the first year of entry and 75 places thereafter.

Dates for the first intake of students to both programmes are to be confirmed.

Professor Martin O'Donnell, Dean of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: "These new programmes in Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine will make a major contribution to training the next generation of healthcare professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to tackle the challenges of modern and future healthcare. The University’s College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences is committed to advancing innovative approaches to training a healthcare workforce for all members of our communities."

Dr Martina Ní Chúlain, Director of Strategic Development at the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences at University of Galway, said: “Our College Strategy is driven by a commitment to meet the needs of our region, our nation, our clinical partners, and most importantly, our students. We are dedicated to ensuring that students from the West and North West have access to cutting-edge education and world-class learning environments. Our programmes are designed to shape the future of healthcare, with initiatives like the MPharm leading the way by training pharmacist prescribers to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare landscape. It’s an exciting time of transformation, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this change.”

Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer in HSE West and North West, said: “These courses will make a significant contribution to the future delivery of healthcare across the West and Northwest. They will support the Sláintecare model of delivering a safe, quality health service that meets the needs of our growing population, providing the right care in the right place at the right time.”

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