15 Best Postgraduate Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
It is time to kill the boring trend of learning in an outdated curriculum.
Postgraduate pharmacy courses in Ireland for international students are aligned with the current industry needs. With all the leading drug industries housed in Ireland, it is no less than a global hub pharma hub.
Top universities in Ireland are well-connected to these industries and their research innovation. Hence, they take advantage of collaborating with them in designing the best postgraduate pharma courses for you.
Almost all universities put research at the forefront of their syllabus. If your goal is to do thorough, research-orientated studies, Ireland is definitely the place for you. For instance, University College Cork has a dedicated research masters program for M.Pharm students, which can shape you into one of the top scientists globally.
“Ireland is a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry. Job prospects in this sector are pretty high, and I haven’t seen any pharmacy graduates flying back to their home country without getting placed in a job here.”
– Mr. Premkumar (Co-founder, Sarem Education – An Irish citizen)
15 Best Postgraduate Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
1. Trinity College Dublin
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €16,210
If you’re looking to pursue a pharmaceutical science course in Ireland, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) offers a well-rounded program that dives deep into both the science and industry of pharmaceuticals. This multidisciplinary course covers everything from the fundamentals of drugs to the entire manufacturing process.
You will be equipped with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical research and development to navigate Ireland’s thriving pharmaceutical manufacturing sector.
The course consists of eight basic modules, some of which are
- Chromatographic and other separative methods of analysis
- Spectroscopic methods
- Molecular pharmaceutics and advanced drug delivery
- Biopharmaceutical sciences
- Pharmaceutical and medical nanotechnology
- Formulation development and evaluation
- Professional skills
You must undertake a research project and present a detailed scientific report at the end of the course.
2. University College Dublin
Course name: MEngSc Biopharmaceutical Engineering
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €29,100
With an excellent employment record, the MEngSc Biopharmaceutical Engineering program at UCD offers substantial coverage of the industry’s scientific, technical, management, and regulatory issues.
At the end of this pharmacy course in Ireland, you can take pride in handling the principal scientific and engineering challenges involved in the design, operation, and management of biopharmaceutical production facilities.
You will have 12 core taught modules to study, some of which are
- Animal Cell Culture Technology (FT)
- Bioreactor Modelling and Control
- Bioprocessing Laboratory
- Facility Design and Operation
- Bioprocess Scale-up and Technology Transfer
- Biopharmaceutical Engineering Project
- Downstream Processing
- Lean Sigma Biopharma Process
3. University of Galway
Course name: M.Sc Neuropharmacology
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €27,000
It is the only neuroharma program in the list of postgraduate pharmacy courses in Ireland.
Graduates of this program will gain the knowledge they need to contribute to the extensive research and development of new treatments for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, you will be introduced to the skills necessary to develop a career in the important area of research.
Modules:
The program comprises 8 core modules split across two trimesters, some of which are
- Neuroscience
- Central Neurotransmission
- Experimental Methods in Pharmacology
- Experimental Neuropharmacology
- Neuropharmacology & Therapeutics
The third trimester comprises a research dissertation project.
4. University College Cork
Course name: MEngSc in Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €20,000
It is an advanced program that teaches the current trends in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical design and manufacturing.
And guess what’s interesting is that you will be trained by lecturers and professionals from Eli Lilly, Pfizer, PM Group, and the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT).
Some popular modules:
The program comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a 30-credit dissertation. Here is a list of module ideas for you
- Biopharmaceutical Support Systems
- Pharmaceutical Process Equipment, Materials, and Mechanical Design
- Powder and Particle Technology and Unit Operations
- Advanced Biopharmaceutical Engineering
- Pharmaceutical Process Validation and Quality
- Aseptic Manufacturing Design
- Advanced Process Design
- Project Engineering—From Concept to Completion
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €20,000
The masters in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs in Ireland focuses on regulatory affairs, drug development, and manufacturing. All these teachings are done using science and risk-based methods.
UCC embraces this course through online learning with in-person workshops. They embrace a modern ‘flipped classroom’ model, enhancing learning flexibility.
Some popular modules:
The program comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a 30-credit dissertation. Here are some of the modules
- Pharmaceutical Technology & Unit Operations with Regulatory Insights
- Pharmaceutical GxP & Regulatory Science
- Pharmaceutical Data Management & Pharmacovigilance
- Skills Development in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences
The last semester consists of a dissertation with a 6-month work placement.
Course name: M.Sc. Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €24,000
This unique analytical program focuses on the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical compounds. The course design also includes the application of quality control and trace drug analysis.
UCC boosts this program as one of its most student-favorite M.Sc. courses. The main reason lies behind their industry-led teaching agenda and 6-month research project.
Some popular modules:
The course consists of 7 core modules weighing 60 credits, some of which are
- Modern Analytical Techniques, Chemical Data Analysis and GLP
- Materials, Pharmaceuticals, and Bio-analysis
- Practice of Analytical Chemistry
- Industry-Led Workshops
The final semester of 30 credits is for the research project.
Course name: MRes Industrial Pharmaceutics
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €20,570
This is the one and only pharmaceutical research master’s in Ireland. It is designed for students aiming to gain a top-level scientist position in the analytical and process space abroad.
Module details:
It consists of one core module—Pharmaceutics Research Skills with 20 credits—and a set of elective modules. Your research thesis consists of the highest weightage of 70 credits.
Course name: M.Sc. Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €19,300
This distinctive program teaches fundamentals through comprehensive simulation and hands-on practice using real-world equipment and scenarios. It is done through an 8-month paid industry placement and pilot-scale biopharma and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
The course design addresses technical, regulatory, operational, and management needs. Additional training in digital transformation, the Pharma 4.0 operating model, and Lean Six Sigma prepares students for the workforce.
Some popular modules:
- Pharmaceutical Technology & Unit Operations
- Pharmaceutical GxP & Regulatory Science
- Pharmaceutical Analysis & Analytics
- Business Case for Analytics
- Leadership Skills for Organizational Effectiveness Project Management
5. Technological University Dublin
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Regulation
Duration: 1.6 years
Fees: €21,750
It is one of the best postgraduate pharmacy courses in Ireland, where you get an exclusive 6-month research project. Your project time starts once you complete your 1-year full-time academia.
The course curriculum covers all aspects of quality assurance, auditing, and manufacturing in the pharma/biopharmaceutical industry.
This course prepares skilled graduates who verify and acquire the knowledge to produce high-quality medical drugs.
Some popular modules:
The first semester of this program offers 9 taught modules, some of which are
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Aseptic Manufacture (Drug Product)
- Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Research Methods
- Pharmaceutical Regulation, Validation, and Statistics
- Biopharmaceutical Manufacture (Drug Substance)
- Quality Risk Management
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Management
- Innovative Medicines & their Regulation
After the module completion, you undertake a 6-month industrial-based dissertation in a real-time environment.
6. Technological University of the Shannon—AIT
Course name: M.Sc. Biopharmaceutical Technology
Fees: €18,500
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
M.Sc. Biopharmaceutical Technology at TUS has been designed in response to significant job opportunities within Ireland’s large and expanding biopharmaceutical sector.
In addition to the classroom lectures, the students will receive hands-on training at the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research & Training (NIBRT) in Dublin.
Some popular modules:
This course has 8 modules split across two semesters, some of which are
- Analytical Tools for Characterising Biopharmaceutical
- Cell Culture and Cell Line Development
- Protein Biochemistry
- Immunobiology
- Bioprocess Technology
- Quality by Design and Project Management
Following the modules, you get a chance to work on a research project.
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical and Chemical Analysis
Fees: €18,500
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
This pharmaceutical study in Ireland is equipped with analytical skills across multidisciplinary domains—pharmaceutical and chemical sciences, pharmacy, pharmacology, and toxicology.
The teaching of this program is systematic based on 5 key pillars. They are with advanced analytical chemistry techniques, bioanalytical techniques, industry focus, transversal skills, and a research project.
Some popular modules:
It consists of 9 core modules across three semesters. Some of these are
- Bioanalytical Methods with Toxicology
- Standards and Regulation in the Pharmaceutical Laboratory
- Applied Spectroscopic Analysis
- Industry Oriented Workshops
Followed by a research project in the final semester.
Course name: M.Sc. Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €18,500
This program equips you with skills in regulatory affairs and quality management systems in the pharma industry. You will be the best for this course if you love solving critical problems while wearing a management hat.
Some popular modules:
Consists of 8 core modules across two semesters. Some of these are
- Advanced Process Management
- Quality Management
- Regulatory Affairs (Pharmaceutical)
- Auditing and Risk Management
This program has two dissertations in each semester.
7. South East Technological University (Carlow—IT Carlow)
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €11,250
In the Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs program, graduates can expand their job responsibilities and opportunities.
Students will learn how to apply pharmaceutical sciences principles to devise and implement global drug, biologic, and device development and evaluation strategies.
8. Griffith College
Course name: M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Business and Technology
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €14,500
Griffith’s M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Business and Technology program focuses on core competencies such as pharmaceutical production and processes, new business introduction, technology transfer, regulatory affairs, data analytics, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
Some popular modules:
This program comprises 7 modules split across three semesters, some of which are
- Processes, Production, and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems
- Pharmaceutical Technology Transfer
- 21st Century Dynamics & Emerging Trends
- Operational Excellence & the Science of Innovation
- Clinical Research Management
Additionally, you will have a dissertation in the third semester.
Course name: M.Sc. International Pharmaceutical Business Management
Duration: 1 year, Full-time
Fees: €17,500
Students in the M.Sc International Pharmaceutical Business Management program develop their ability to research current trends and developments in the pharmaceutical business management industry and develop their skills, knowledge, and competencies to work across multiple industries, whether in service or manufacturing.
Some popular modules:
This program comprises 10 modules split across two semesters, some of which are
- Management Accounting and Control
- International Marketing Management
- Globalization and Corporate Responsibility
- Commercial and Financial Considerations in the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Quality & Regulatory Framework in the Pharmaceutical Industry
The third semester consists of a dissertation project.
Takeaway
The curriculum design of postgraduate pharmacy courses in Ireland is regularly updated with feedback from industry stakeholders. Many institutions have advisory boards to fulfil this purpose.
Since pharma jobs are under the critical skill occupation list in Ireland, graduates of M.Sc. Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland have great career prospects. Such advantages can give you high-paying roles that lead to an easy PR pathway.
For more guidance on the best course and financial guidance for your profile, connect with our experts now.
FAQs
1. How employable are graduates in Ireland’s pharmaceutical sciences?
Pharmaceutical science graduates in Ireland are highly employable in both patient-facing and non-patient-facing settings. Careers in sectors like drug regulatory analysis, academia, public bodies, and consulting are on the hotline. Career prospects of pharmaceutical science courses in Ireland are made stronger with pharma jobs placed under the critical skill occupation list.
2. Which pharmacy course is best in Ireland?
Pharmacy courses related to manufacturing and regulatory practices are more popular among international students. All pharma degrees in Ireland have a research-orientated practice to equip you to compete with the global industry needs.
3. How much does M pharmacy cost in Ireland?
Studying an M.Pharamacy course in Ireland can cost you anywhere between 10 to 26 lakhs as tuition fees. But not to worry. Various scholarships in Ireland can provide grants of 10% to 100% of tuition fees.
4. Is Ireland good for pharmacy courses?
Ireland is one of the world’s best places for pharmacy studies. With hands-on practice and an industry-updated curriculum, you can find some of the best programs at an affordable tuition fee here. Ireland has 7 universities and one private college offering pharmaceutical science courses. The good news is that 4 out of these 7 universities hold a global ranking.
5. Is pharmacy in demand in Ireland?
Pharmaceutical jobs are listed under the critical skills occupation list in Ireland, meaning that these skills are highly sought after in the country. Ireland is home to leading pharma companies and has manufactured 7/10 globally blockbuster drug products. Given the ageing population in the country, there is a constant demand for healthcare and pharmaceutical jobs.
6. What are the best masters in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs in Ireland?
There are three exclusive pharmaceutical courses in Ireland to study regulatory affairs. They are,
- MSc Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences (University College Cork)
- MSc Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs (Technological University of the Shannon)
- MSc Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs – (South East Technological University)
Apart from that, almost all other masters in pharmacy degrees have modules on quality analysis and regulatory assessment.
How Can Sarem Education Help You?
As a study in Ireland consultants, we offer honest, reliable information to push students toward their Master’s dreams.
We offer the following services to pursue masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland:
- 100% Visa Approval Service
- Free unlimited consultation
- Assistance with part-time programs
- Assistance with scholarships
- Assistance with education loan
- Pre-departure and post-arrival support
