Pharmacy courses in Ireland help a student learn about all aspects of natural and synthetic drugs. The courses include the study of its chemistry, its uses in medicine, and its work within the human body. Those who take up pharmacy courses can become pharmacists, analytical chemists, food and drug inspector, drug therapist, chemical technicians, drug inspectors, and health inspectors, among others. Graduates of these courses work in the healthcare sector. Universities in Ireland offer plenty of Pharmacy courses that international students can apply for. Keep reading to know about the eligibility requirements, popular courses, top universities, salary, and more.
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Why Study Pharmacy Courses in Ireland?
Ireland is one of the top countries in terms of peace, safety, development, and overall quality of life. The country has an appealing blend of landscapes, English-speaking environments, and a rich and welcoming culture. There are plenty of reasons why students should study pharmacy courses in Ireland. Some of them are listed below:
- Ireland offers plenty of pharmacy courses to International students. For example, M.Sc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bsc (Hons) in Forensics and Pharmaceutical Science.
- The country offers plenty of job opportunities for students. In fact, it is the EU’s biggest Pharmaceutical exporter, and a major pharma development hub. Ireland is home to several plants/production establishments of popular companies like Johnson and Johnson, Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, and more.
- Pharmaceutical science courses in Ireland are listed under critical skills occupations. That is, there is demand for pharmacy courses in Ireland. Moreover, after completing Master in the subject students can get a post-study work permit for 2 years.
Also Read: Bachelor of Pharmacy: Course, Eligibility, And Prospects
Popular Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
Ireland universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy courses. Some of the most popular courses for the year 2025-26 are listed below. These courses are available in the top-notch universities in Ireland. Interested students can apply for the same.
Name of Course | University or Institution |
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) | Trinity College Dublin |
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) |
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) | University College Cork |
BSc in Pharmacology | University College Dublin |
BSc in Pharmacology | University of Galway |
BSc in Pharmaceutical Science | Technological University Dublin |
BSc in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry | University of Limerick |
BSc in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology Focus) | Maynooth University |
BSc in Biotechnology (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Focus) | Dublin City University |
BSc in Pharmaceutical Science | Atlantic Technological University |
BSc in Pharmaceutical Science | South East Technological University |
BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | Munster Technological University |
BSc in Pharmacy Technician Studies | Letterkenny Institute of Technology |
MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Systems | University College Cork |
MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences | Trinity College Dublin |
MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) |
MSc in Drug Discovery and Development | University College Dublin |
MSc in Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology | University of Galway |
MSc in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing | Technological University Dublin |
MSc in Biotechnology (Pharmaceutical Focus) | University College Cork |
MSc in Medicinal Chemistry | University of Limerick |
MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science | Dublin City University |
Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Business & Technology | Griffith College Dublin |
Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Regulation | Atlantic Technological University |
Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Studies | Dundalk Institute of Technology |
Top Universities for Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
Ireland universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses for students. Some of the top universities that students can apply for are as follows. The fees of these universities are also provided for the student’s reference.
University or Institution | Course Offered |
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | BSc in Pharmacy |
University College Cork (UCC) | MPharm |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | BSc (Hons) MPharm |
University College Dublin (UCD) | BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology |
University of Galway | MSc in Neuropharmacology |
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | BSc in Pharmaceutical Science |
University of Limerick (UL) | BSc in Pharmaceutical and Industrial Chemistry |
Maynooth University | BSc in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology Focus) |
Dublin City University (DCU) | BSc in Biotechnology (Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Focus) |
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) | BSc in Pharmaceutical Science |
South East Technological University (SETU) | BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science |
Munster Technological University (MTU) | BSc in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology |
Letterkenny Institute of Technology | BSc in Pharmacy Technician Studies |
University College Cork (UCC) | MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology and Quality Systems |
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) | MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | MSc in Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences |
University College Dublin (UCD) | MSc in Drug Discovery and Development |
University of Galway | MSc in Regulatory Affairs and Toxicology |
Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) | MSc in Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing |
University College Cork (UCC) | MSc in Biotechnology (Pharmaceutical Focus) |
University of Limerick (UL) | MSc in Medicinal Chemistry |
Dublin City University (DCU) | MSc in Biopharmaceutical Science |
Griffith College Dublin | Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Business & Technology |
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) | Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and Regulation |
Dundalk Institute of Technology | Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician Studies |
Pharmacy Courses in Ireland Eligibility Requirements
Ireland offers plenty of pharmacy courses. For this reason, the eligibility requirements for the pharmacy courses in Ireland differ based on the course. However, the general requirements for pharmacy courses in Ireland are provided below:
Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs (BPharm, MPharm, BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences)
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Must have a school leaving certificate (equivalent to Irish Leaving Certificate). Science subjects are desirable. |
Required Subjects | Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics as core subjects. |
Minimum Academic Score | Must have at least 1 H5 grade (Higher Level) and a minimum points score of 200 in the Irish Leaving Certificate (or international equivalent). |
Mathematics Requirement | Must have Grade F2, O6, or H7 in Mathematics. |
English/Irish Language Requirement | Must secure English Grade O6, Irish Grade O6/07 in the Leaving Certificate (or international equivalent). |
English Proficiency Tests (For non-native speakers) | IELTS: 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0)TOEFL iBT: 90+PTE Academic: 63+ |
Entrance Exam (if required) | Some universities may require the HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) or an interview. |
Visa Requirement | Non-EU students must apply for a Student Visa (Stamp 2) for full-time studies. |
Postgraduate Pharmacy Programs (MSc in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacology
The general eligibility requirements for Msc in Pharmaceutical Business and Technology are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm, MPharm, or equivalent). |
Minimum Academic Score | Generally, a 2.1 Honours degree (60%-70%) is required, but some universities accept a 2.2 Honours (50%-60%). |
English Proficiency Tests | IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0 (no band below 6.0)TOEFL iBT: 90 – 100PTE Academic: 63 – 70 |
Work Experience (if applicable) | Some universities prefer applicants with 1-2 years of industry/research experience. |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Required for explaining career goals and motivation for choosing the course. |
Letters of Recommendation (LORs) | Usually 2-3 LORs from professors or industry professionals. |
Doctoral Programs (PhD in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or Drug Development)
Find the eligibility requirement for Doctoral Programs in Ireland:
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Educational Qualification | Must hold a Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, or related fields. |
Minimum Academic Score | High 2.1 Honours (65% and above) in Master’s or equivalent qualification. |
Research Proposal | A strong research proposal aligned with university research areas is required. |
English Proficiency Tests | IELTS: 7.0 (no band below 6.5)TOEFL iBT: 100+PTE Academic: 70+ |
Funding & Scholarships | Some PhD programs require students to secure funding through scholarships or external sources. |
Supervisor Approval | Applicants must contact potential supervisors and get approval before applying. |
Documents Required
To study Pharmacy courses in Ireland students need to submit certain documents. The documents are required by the university to verify the student profile. Below is the list of documents that a student needs to upload.
- Academic transcripts of the student
- English language proficiency test scores
- Passport, visa, updated Cv
- Letter of recommendation and statement of purpose
- Financial evidence, and portfolio of writing samples.
Application Process
Generally, the application process involves selecting the course,the university, submitting the necessary documents and applying for the course.To apply for Pharmacy courses in Ireland the student can follow the steps below.
- Make the complicated process easy and connect with the experts at Leverage Edu. The experts will assist you finding the Pharmacy courses in Ireland using the AI Course Finder.
- The experts will start the application process with the relevant university. Compile all the necessary documents.Next, you can submit the LOR, SOP, IELTS score, etc to support the application process.
- Leverage Edu experts will start the accommodation application process, student visa, and scholarships after the successful submission of the application
- Lastly, the student needs to wait for the offer letter for a period of 4-6 weeks.
Also Read: Pharmacist Course
Scope of Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
Pharmacy courses in Ireland have a lot of scope. Students have excellent possibilities at leading pharmaceutical corporations and manufacturers. Career opportunities for the graduates include working in drug regulatory bodies, Pharmaceutical companies, the Biotechnology sector, and Chemical safety and toxicology. Moreover, students can choose to go for further studies. That is, M.Sc or PhD.
Some of the common profiles a graduate can apply for include Food and Drug Inspector, Analytical Chemist, Hospital Drug Coordinator, Drug Therapist, Chemical Technician, Drug Inspector, Health Inspector, and Drug Technician.
Jobs and Salary
The graduates of Pharmacy courses in Ireland are eligible to work in various job profiles. Hence, the salary of a fresh graduate will vary depending on the designation. Ireland degrees are acceptable worldwide. Hence, the students can compete for various posts globally. Below is a list of the jobs and salary for pharmacy courses. Do note that the average salary of a pharmacist in Ireland is €78,000 (INR 70.69 lakh per annum).
Job Opportunities & Expected Salaries for Pharmacy Graduates in Ireland
Below is a list of pharmacy-related job roles in Ireland along with their expected annual salaries.
Job Role | Expected Salary (Per Year in USD) | Description |
Hospital Pharmacist | $43,200 – $64,800 | Dispenses medicines, advises doctors and patients, ensures safe medication use in hospitals. |
Community Pharmacist | $37,800 – $59,400 | Works in retail pharmacies, provides prescriptions, health advice, and vaccinations. |
Clinical Pharmacist | $54,000 – $81,000 | Works with healthcare teams to develop medication plans for patients. |
Pharmaceutical Scientist | $54,000 – $86,400 | Involved in drug development, research, and quality control for pharma companies. |
Industrial Pharmacist | $59,400 – $97,200 | Develops and produces medications, ensuring compliance with industry regulations. |
Regulatory Affairs Specialist | $59,400 – $91,800 | Ensures pharmaceutical products comply with EU and Ireland regulatory standards. |
Pharmacovigilance Officer | $48,600 – $81,000 | Monitors drug safety, adverse reactions, and compliance with legal requirements. |
Medical Sales Representative | $43,200 – $75,600 | Sells pharmaceutical products to healthcare providers and hospitals. |
Biopharmaceutical Quality Control Analyst | $54,000 – $91,800 | Tests pharmaceutical products for purity, potency, and safety before market release. |
Toxicologist | $59,400 – $97,200 | Analyzes drug effects on biological systems to assess safety. |
Research Scientist (Pharmacology) | $54,000 – $97,200 | Conducts laboratory research for drug discovery and development. |
Clinical Research Associate (CRA) | $48,600 – $75,600 | Oversees clinical trials and ensures drug testing follows ethical and legal guidelines. |
Production Manager (Pharmaceuticals) | $70,200 – $108,000 | Manages manufacturing operations, ensuring quality control and efficiency. |
Medicinal Chemist | $54,000 – $91,800 | Designs and develops new pharmaceutical compounds and drugs. |
Pharmacy Technician | $32,400 – $48,600 | Assists pharmacists in dispensing medicines and managing prescriptions. |
Healthcare Consultant (Pharma Sector) | $64,800 – $108,000 | Advises pharmaceutical companies on market trends and product strategies. |
Biotech Researcher | $59,400 – $97,200 | Works on developing innovative drugs and therapies using biotechnology. |
Formulation Scientist | $54,000 – $91,800 | Develops new drug formulations and improves existing medication delivery systems. |
Academic Lecturer (Pharmacy/Pharmacology) | $59,400 – $91,800 | Teaches and conducts research in universities and medical schools. |
Quality Assurance Specialist (Pharma) | $54,000 – $86,400 | Ensures pharmaceutical products meet high-quality manufacturing standard |
Top Employers for Pharmacy Graduates in Ireland
Sector | Organizations/Institutions | Description |
Pharmaceutical Companies | Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Amgen, Sanofi, MSD, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie | Leading global pharma companies involved in drug research, production, and distribution. |
Healthcare & Hospitals | Health Service Executive (HSE), private hospitals, community pharmacies | Public and private healthcare providers offering pharmacy-related careers. |
Regulatory Agencies | Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) | Ensures compliance with pharmaceutical laws, drug safety, and quality standards in Ireland. |
Research & Academia | Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, RCSI, University of Galway | Universities and institutions conducting pharmacy research and offering pharmacy programs. |
Also Read: Medical Science Courses
FAQs
M. Sc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, B.Sc and M.Sc Integrated Program, and M. Sc In Pharmaceutical Business and Technology are some of the best pharmacy courses in Ireland.
Yes. B.pharm is a valid degree in Ireland. The course must be followed by 1 year of post-registration training.
Yes. The job of a pharmacist is one of the most in-demand professions in Ireland.
The United States, Iceland, Australia, and Ireland are some of the best countries for pharmacy jobs.
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