This pharmaceutical science course is designed to develop your skill and competence to work as a laboratory scientist. First year is common to all pharmaceutical science students. It delivers core science modules and fundamental practical skills training. At the end of first year, you choose to specialise in one of four pharmaceutical science streams. The chosen stream will then be reflected in the title of your degree.

• Forensics
• Environmental Science
• Cosmetic Science
• Biopharmaceutics

There is significant commonality across the four streams, with one stream-specific module per semester in second and third year. Project modules and practical work will also be stream-specific. The primary focus of the degree is on pharmaceutical analysis. Modules include biology, chemistry, analytical techniques & instrumentation and pharmaceutical science in industry. You will also cover maths, physics, IT, lab safety, maintaining quality, how to undertake a laboratory project and general environmental science.

The final year of the Honours degree course will further enhance the students in-depth theoretical knowledge of the major facts, pertinent theories, concepts and methods employed in the field of pharmaceutical science in their chosen stream. There is also a team research project which enhances the student’s research and analytical skills and their ability to work in groups which is of significant benefit to the pharmaceutical industry.

This pharmaceutical science course is practically based, giving our students the laboratory skills so sought after by the pharma industry, which remains Ireland’s largest manufacturing sector and continues to go from strength to strength. Our graduates have an acknowledged reputation as excellent laboratory scientists, well prepared for the challenges of the workplace.

Graduates take up employment opportunities in laboratory settings across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, research and development in the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, cosmetic, forensic and environmental sectors, as well in the food processing and drinks industries.  Our graduates work as laboratory analysts and in quality control, quality assurance, environmental monitoring, training, education and production.

Our pharmaceutical science graduates have found work in a range of local companies, including Temmler, Astellas, Kerry Group, Southern Scientific and Metpro. Many of our graduates have gone further afield to take up positions in world-leading pharmaceutical companies in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Waterford and Galway.