Pharmaceutical ScienceEolaíocht Cógaisíochta

If you’re interested in the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies, this course may be right for you. It covers the full process of development, as well as technical, regulatory and management aspects.

Pharmaceutical science combines a broad range of biology and chemistry disciplines that are critical to the discovery and development of new drugs and therapies. This course covers the development from discovery through to the formulation of medicines and highlights the importance of the regulatory requirements to get a new drug on the market. Over the three years, you’ll be introduced to the technical, regulatory and management aspects of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.

In Year 1, you’ll gain fundamental knowledge in chemistry and biology. In Years 2 and 3, you’re introduced to pharmaceutical-focused modules. 

The course is taught by lecturers from both academic and pharmaceutical industry backgrounds and aims to provide students with industry-relevant experience so as to enhance their career prospects.

Study Abroad Opportunities

You may choose to complete your 6-8 month work experience in a European country as part of the Erasmus programme.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course. In Year 3, Semester 6, you complete a 6-8 month work placement as part of the Student Industrial Placement Programme (SIPP). This placement can be completed in leading pharmaceutical companies in Ireland or abroad as part of the Erasmus programme.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduate Job Titles:

• Process Technologist
• Regulatory Compliance Officer
• Process Development
• Microbiological Analyst
• Environmental Monitor Officer

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

Placement is a fantastic opportunity offered in this course which allows you access to work in leading pharmaceutical companies. Hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical pilot on campus during the course was invaluable and prepared us to go straight to industry. I really enjoyed my work placement abroad which was organised through the Erasmus Programme.

Students may progress on to TU876 Pharmaceutical Science (depending on performance).