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Courses
Courses
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University Life
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About University of Galway
About University of Galway
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Research & Innovation
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Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
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Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Pharmacy
Course Overview
Pharmacists are medicines experts, who care for patients in the community, in hospitals and through a variety of roles in the pharmaceutical industry. This new, future-focused Pharmacy programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills to work as part of the healthcare team, alongside doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. A Pharmacist’s expert knowledge on medicines can be applied in a wide range of settings, making Pharmacy an exciting, enjoyable and rewarding career. A Pharmacy degree (completion of the five years and qualification with an MPharm, followed by registration with the Pharmacy regulator) means you can work in any role, including the following:
Community Pharmacy: Community Pharmacists work closely with the Pharmacy team, the local GP and other members of the healthcare team to care for their patients. Community Pharmacists provide healthcare advice and help patients to treat minor illnesses. Community Pharmacists may also provide vaccinations and other services such as blood pressure testing. Community Pharmacists monitor medicines prescribed for patients and ensure they are suitable for the person and won’t cause any unsafe effects. Community Pharmacists are one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, making them the first port of call for many people who need healthcare advice.
Hospital Pharmacy: In hospitals, Pharmacists review patient medicines, identifying medicines that may need to be stopped and ensuring new medicines are safe for patients. Pharmacists provide advice to other healthcare professionals on the most appropriate medicines to prescribe and other advice such as appropriate formulations for people with swallowing difficulties. Pharmacists in the hospital may also assist with running clinical trials for new medicines and sometimes manufacture medicines in a sterile environment.
Pharmaceutical Industry: As medicines experts, Pharmacists have a unique insight into how to make a drug into a medicine that can safely and easily be taken by patients. This includes everything from how to manufacture tablets and other forms of medicines, to the quality assurance, packaging, licensing and distribution of these medicines.
Regulatory Affairs: Any new medicines coming on to the market must be assessed to make sure they are safe and work as they are supposed to. All medicines are continuously monitored to identify if they are causing harm to people or are not working as they should. Pharmacists have expertise in all aspects of medicines development and therefore are well-placed to work in the regulation of medicines.
Research: Pharmacists can perform research on any topic related to Pharmacy including drug development, formulation development, clinical Pharmacy or other areas related to medicines or healthcare.
In all of these areas, Pharmacists work with multidisciplinary teams, using their knowledge of medicines and healthcare to optimise patient care and outcomes.
This new Pharmacy programme is designed to support you to develop personally and professionally and to equip you to work in all of these roles. The location of the University, just across the road from the hospital, means you will have opportunities to visit the hospital Pharmacy and see what Pharmacists do there. The University has many other healthcare degree programmes including medicine, podiatric medicine, nursing, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Pharmacy students will get to learn alongside students in these courses.
To register as a Pharmacist you must hold an MPharm qualification (Four years Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BSc Pharm) and one-year Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm)). This will allow you to sit the exams required to be a Pharmacist.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
This course is taught by experts in a range of areas. Pharmacists teach content on the practice of Pharmacy, professionalism, clinical Pharmacy and the formulation of medicines. These Pharmacists have experience working in many different roles and may also have performed academic research in specific areas of the science or practice of Pharmacy, meaning they are at the cutting-edge of new developments in Pharmacy. In the early years of the programme teaching of chemistry, physiology, biochemistry, bacteriology and pharmacology is performed by experts in these subject areas.
Dr Joanne O'Dwyer, BSc Pharm, MPharm, MPSI (Programme Director of Pharmacy)
Joanne is a Pharmacist with experience working in hospital and community Pharmacy. She is passionate about teaching, guiding students to develop the skills they need to excel in their chosen career paths. Joanne has previously worked in the School of Pharmacy in RCSI and has been involved in the development of this exciting new Pharmacy degree in the University of Galway from the beginning. Joanne is also involved in academic research on improving drug delivery for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetic eye disease. This research is motivated by her desire to improve quality of life for people with chronic conditions, a value that will be reflected in this Pharmacy curriculum. Joanne’s involvement in academic research informs her teaching of drug delivery and formulation in this Pharmacy degree.
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate including Irish, English and three other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
English
Irish (unless exempt)
H4 in any Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science)
H7/O6 in Mathematics
Third Language is not required
Garda Vetting: Required: Garda Vetting - University of Galway
Vaccination and Screening: Required: Pre-Placement Health Assessment, Screening & Certification - University of Galway
Fitness to Practice: This programme is subject to the University of Galway Fitness to Practice Policy for Pharmacy Students.
Accreditation: This programme has been reviewed for accreditation by the PSI
For September 2025, only entry via CAO from Leaving Certificate is permitted. We plan to expand entry routes from September 2026. For more information place email pharmacy@universityofgalway.ie
Additional Requirements
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Duration
5 years (4 years BSc Pharm, 1 year MPharm)
Next start date
September 2025 (course commencing – First student intake)
A Level Grades (2025)
universityofgalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
2025- 40 students
2026 - 75 students
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
CAO
GY505
Course code
Course Outline
To register as a Pharmacist in Ireland, you must hold a Masters degree in Pharmacy (MPharm). To obtain this Masters degree, you must first register for the four-year Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (GY505), once you have successfully completed this, you will progress to the fifth year (MPharm). Please note that an additional fee is payable in respect of this fifth year. Once you have successfully completed year 5, and subject to sign-off by your tutor Pharmacist and an absence of Fitness to Practice issues, you will be eligible to sit the Professional Registration Exam for Pharmacy. Evidence of successful attainment of an MPharm degree and successful completion of the Professional Registration Exam, must be provided to the Irish Pharmacy regulator, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), when applying to be added to the register of Pharmacists. More information on this process can be found on the PSI website.
Year 1 provides an in-depth introduction to relevant sciences underpinning Pharmacy including chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, formulation science, biochemistry and anatomy. These subjects will be taught in a Pharmacy-relevant context and provide the fundamental knowledge required for later years of the programme. Students will begin to learn about the role of Pharmacists in society, in particular in protecting and advocating for patients. Students will work in simulated Pharmacy settings and will begin their journey of personal and professional development and reflective practice. Students will learn to make simple pharmaceutical formulations including mouthwashes and other liquid preparations. Students will learn about the legislation and ethical principles governing Pharmacy and will begin to discuss and debate issues of relevance to Pharmacy as well as undertaking one day of placement.
Year 2 begins to integrate core scientific knowledge with clinical Pharmacy and patient care. Case-based learning using real and simulated patients, will enhance students problem-solving, decision-making and teamwork skills. Students will begin to work with their peers from other healthcare courses on simulated clinical activities focused on patient care. Students will complete two weeks of work placement in a patient-facing setting, to apply their learning to real-life scenarios. Modules on pharmaceutical microbiology and toxicology will expand scientific knowledge. The formulation and manufacture of sterile pharmaceutical products will also be introduced, with a site visit to a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant. A module on applied data analysis will introduce research methods and give practical experience of analysing data using specific data analytics packages.
Year 3 has an emphasis on students seeking out answers for themselves and applying their knowledge to scenarios relevant to Pharmacy. This year encourages students to move from passive learning to problem-solving, in preparation for their transition to practice placements in Year 4. This year builds on knowledge of pharmaceutical science, the formulation, manufacture and regulation of medicines and includes training on the commercialisation process and visits to pharmaceutical companies. Simulated clinical activities throughout the year focus on clinical decision-making in preparation for clinical practice.
Year 4 begins with a four-month placement activity which can be in a patient-facing setting or in the pharmaceutical industry, university research, the Pharmacy or the medicines regulator. Exciting new opportunities for Pharmacists emerge constantly, meaning the diversity of placement settings increases year-on-year. In semester 2, students will have the opportunity to complete a research project giving an insight into academic research, working in multidisciplinary teams, making evidence-based decisions and presenting research results. Students will focus on medicines optimisation for complex patients and learning to work within multi-professional teams in practice.
Year 5 is future-focused, building on knowledge and skills learned in the course to apply these to potential future developments in Pharmacy. The activities in this year are largely student-led working on real-life scenarios from Pharmacy practice and industrial Pharmacy to solve-problems. This year includes an emphasis on advanced clinical skills and students developing their leadership skills. Students will complete an 8-month placement in a patient-facing setting and a placement research project.
Further Education
All Pharmacists are required to complete continuing professional development and to document this. This may take the form of learning from practice, or more structured pieces of education or training. Pharmacists may go on to complete a PhD in Pharmacy practice, formulation science or any other associated subject if they wish to work in academic research or for some industry roles. Masters courses related to Pharmacy (separate from the MPharm) are often undertaken by Pharmacists working in the hospital to progress towards specialisation. Masters courses specific to industry and health economics are also commonly undertaken by Pharmacists.Some Pharmacists may wish to become a “Qualified Person”. This is an industry role related to quality assurance and sign-off of batches of medicinal products. Pharmacy satisfies the educational requirements for the role, but industry experience is also required for this role. Further information is available from the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
Pharmacy is an exciting career with a diverse range of career opportunities ranging from roles in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory affairs to practising in a community or hospital Pharmacy. The commonality between all of these roles is the requirement for a thorough understanding of medicines and their development and placing patient safety and wellbeing at the centre of all decisions.
This course in the University of Galwayhas been designed with consideration of the future of Pharmacy and ensuring graduates are prepared to adapt to and lead future changes inhealthcare. With the expansion of the role of the Pharmacist, specialisation of Pharmacists in hospitals and an increasing range of roles available in industry, there are strong employment prospects for Pharmacists. We have sought input from Pharmacists working in all settings and from patients in developing this Pharmacy course, to ensure it meets the needs of students and the future healthcare system.
Recognising that the role of the community Pharmacist may change to include prescribing, we have included specific content on Pharmacistprescribing and the key skills required in this course. This will be strengthened by interprofessional learning with students studying medicineand nursing.The proximity of the campus to University Hospital Galway means students will have enhanced opportunities to visit the hospital and see the work of hospital Pharmacists. Students will also get to use the state-of-the art simulation facilities adjacent to the hospital.
The University of Galway has a strong programme of academic and commercial research related to Pharmacy, meaning opportunities for student research projects and placements throughout the region will be available to Pharmacy students.
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Placement opportunities throughout the programme give you the opportunity to use what you have learned in a real-world setting. There are three main placements during the five years of the degree:
Year 2: Two weeks placement in a patient-facing setting. This will allow you to use some of the skills you have learned and get used to working with a team in a Pharmacy setting.
Year 4: This four-month placement occurs from September to December of Year 4. This can occur in a patient-facing setting or in any other setting where Pharmacists may work, including industry, regulation or academic research. Regardless of the setting, you will have a tutor Pharmacist who will ensure you get excellent experience and who will monitor your progress during the placement. Some students may have the opportunity to complete part of their placement or a research project abroad.
Year 5: This eight-month placement must be in a patient-facing setting. Your tutor Pharmacist in this setting will ensure that you get a wide-range of experiences and will monitor your progress, with the aim being that they can sign you off as being proficient against a range of competencies by the end of the year.
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
Please note that to register as a Pharmacist, one must hold an MPharm (Masters in Pharmacy) degree. This degree is obtained following successful completion of Year 5 of the programme. As Year 5 is technically a postgraduate year, this is not covered by the free fees initiative and is subject to a course fee of €11,500 . Completing the four-year BSc Pharmacy and not progressing to the fifth MPharm year, does not meet the educational requirements for registration as a Pharmacist.
Occupational Health Service In year one students are required to pay a €200 fee towards a subsidised Occupational Health Service provided to students of the College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences in compliance with all relevant legislation and standards.
Find out More
Discipline of Pharmacy,
College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences,
Pharmacy@universityofgalway.ie
College of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences - University of Galway
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland
Irish Pharmacy Union

John Given | Adjunct Professor, Chief Pharmacist, University
The establishment of a new Pharmacy degree in University of Galway is a much needed education resource in the West and will benefit the community, industry and our hospitals in the West especially as the Department of Health and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland roll out enhanced Pharmacy roles including Pharmacist prescribing.

Diana Hogan-Murphy | Adjunct Professor, Chief 2 Pharmacist: Medication Safety Gal
We are very enthusiastic about the new much needed MPharm programme in University of Galway which is clinically-focused integrating core sciences with Pharmacy practice and aims to be a leading school in Europe. As well as lectures and tutorials, interprofessional learning, laboratory and dispensing practicals, site-visits, structured professional placements, and a research project will enhance the students experience in this vibrant city and ensure well-rounded competent patient-focused graduates in the West of Ireland.

Marie O'Brien | Community Pharmacist
The new Pharmacy degree at the University of Galway is a game-changer, bringing vital opportunities to the West of Ireland and empowering students while enhancing the University's academic offerings.