Pharmacy

Graduates, Pharmacy Technicians and Mature Entrants apply directly to RCSI using the online application, which is available on the Undergraduate Pharmacy section of the RCSI website from early November each year.

Mature Entry applicants must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January in the year of admission to be eligible to apply for Mature Entry Pharmacy.

Mature Entry applicants are selected for admission on the basis of open competition and interview. Mature Entry applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements in RCSI pre-approved Access to Science programmes (QQI Level 6) or in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination.

Mature Entry applicants presenting the Irish Leaving Certificate must present a minimum of six recognised Irish Leaving Certificate subjects to include Irish*, English, Mathematics, another language, one laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics /Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject.

* Unless applicant is in possession of a valid NUI exemption

Applicants must present a minimum H5 grade in two subjects and a minimum O6 / H7 grade in the remaining four subjects.

The aim of the Mature Entry Pathway is to widen access and provide an opportunity for individuals who may not otherwise find it possible to join a pharmacy course through the traditional CAO points-based system.

The Mature Entry Pathway focuses on life experience, such as volunteer work or relevant work experience, in addition to the candidate’s academic background.

Mature Entry applicants are advised to gain knowledge of the breadth of pharmacy and should offer educational experience in a subject relevant to pharmacy (normally in the sciences) as minimum requirements before applying. As the demand for Mature Entry to Pharmacy is competitive, the candidates applying determine the entry criteria for a given year and these can vary. Please visit our website rcsi.com/dublin for further information.

Graduates, Pharmacy Technicians and Mature Entrants apply directly to RCSI using the online application, which is available on the Undergraduate Pharmacy section of the RCSI website from early November each year.

GRADUATE ENTRY PHARMACY
RCSI welcomes applications from Graduates. The Pharmacy programme for Graduates is five years in duration. Applications are made online directly to RCSI.

Candidates must hold or expect to hold in the year of admission a minimum second-class honours, grade two result (2H2) in their first honours bachelor degree (QQI Level 8). Applicants will be selected for admission on the basis of open competition using:

• Basic eligibility (competitive degree)
• Confidential references
• Life experience, extracurricular activities, relevant work / voluntary experience, work-life balance
• Structured interview.

A science background is not a prerequisite and academic excellence in the humanities and social sciences is recognised. If a candidate presents a non-scientific degree they must present the NUI matriculation requirements in their Leaving Certificate.

These requirements are: a minimum of six recognised Irish Leaving Certificate subjects to include Irish*, English, Mathematics, another language, one laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics /Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject.

* Unless applicant is in possession of a valid NUI exemption

Applicants must present a minimum H5 grade in two subjects and a minimum O6 / H7 grade in the remaining four subjects.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN ENTRY
RCSI welcomes applications from qualified Pharmacy Technicians.

The Pharmacy programme for qualified Pharmacy Technicians is five years in duration. To be eligible for consideration for an EU Pharmacy Technician place, applicants must have three years postqualification experience as a Pharmacy Technician, meet NUI matriculation requirements and hold at least a QQI Level 6 Pharmacy Technician Qualification.

Pharmacy Technician applicants presenting the Leaving Certificate Examination must achieve a minimum of six recognised Irish Leaving Certificate subjects to include Irish*, English, Mathematics, another language, one laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics /Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject.

* Unless applicant is in possession of a valid NUI exemption

Applicants must present a minimum H5 grade in two subjects and a minimum O6 / H7 grade in the remaining four subjects.

https://www.qualifax.ie/resources/student-supports

https://www.qualifax.ie/resources/student-supports

https://www.qualifax.ie/resources/recognition-of-prior-learning

Fees & Funding

Entry 2024

Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm

Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm

Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm

Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.

Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:

General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices

Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course

Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants

Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR

Award: BSc Pharmacy (Hons),MPharm (NUI & RCSI)
Awarding Body: National University of Ireland

The aim of the Pharmacy programme is to provide an outstanding experience that allows you to become a pharmacist, and a leader in healthcare and innovation. You will be able to demonstrate the competencies for professional practice as a pharmacist.

We have revised the programme based on our years of experience, in consultation with students, patients, employers and other key stakeholders. The programme is accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland for registration as a pharmacist in Ireland.

You will be a reflective practitioner, committed to continuous development throughout your professional journey. You, and your colleagues and friends, will excel in the diverse and emerging roles of the pharmacist, nationally and internationally.

YEAR 1
In Year 1 you will be introduced to the foundation material that will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills in the areas of basic science and practice.

BE ONE OF THE ONLY PHARMACY STUDENTS IN IRELAND TO COMPLETE A MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING CERTIFICATE AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME.

You will gain a basic understanding of the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of the human body and explore chemical concepts critical to human life. You will develop an appreciation of immunology and microbiology, along with the key principles of drug delivery. Modules are integrated using case studies and medicines. You will also begin your professional journey, exploring the role of the pharmacist and developing professional skills.

FIRST SEMESTER
The Cellular Basis of Life
Health - Body and Function
Fundamentals of Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Medicines – Pharmaceutics 1
Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis
Pharmacist - Beginning the Professional Journey

SECOND SEMESTER
Fundamentals of Pharmacology and Immunology
Fundamentals of Microbiology and Infection
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Medicines – Pharmaceutics 2
Gastrointestinal Health: Medicines and Patient Care
Pharmacist – Professional Skills

FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
Professional Development 1

YEAR 2
In Year 2, the curriculum is integrated around the systems model introduced in Year 1. These systems-based modules have input from four disciplines: life sciences, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacy practice. The actions, interactions and use of medicines and pharmaceutical care are mainly delivered through this integrated, systems-based approach, and there is an emphasis on patient care. The theme of medicines is further developed through modules dedicated to Dosage Formulation and the Drug Life Cycle. In the second semester of Year 2, you will have the opportunity to undertake a longitudinal community practice placement.

You will also have the opportunity to undertake a module of your choice to explore an area that interests you.

FIRST SEMESTER
Cardiovascular Health
Respiratory Health
Medicines – Dosage Formulation
Student Choice

SECOND SEMESTER
Musculoskeletal and Haematological Health
Central Nervous System
Medicines – Drug Life Cycle

FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
Professional Development 2

YEAR 3
Year 3 continues with the systems-based model of teaching introduced in Years 1 & 2. In the second semester, you will learn about advanced therapies, which will integrate with teaching on immunology and cancer.

YOU WILL GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO THINK ABOUT GLOBAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH AND MEDICINES OPTIMISATION THROUGH THE STAGES OF LIFE.

At the end of Year 3, you will have the opportunity to participate in elective placements, which take place in Ireland as well as countries such as China, Japan and the US.

FIRST SEMESTER
Liver and kidney Health
Endocrine System
Sex, Gender and Health

SECOND SEMESTER
Immunology and Protective Structures
Medicines – Advanced Therapies
Global and Public Health
Stages of Life
Cancer Care

FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
Professional Development 3

YEAR 4
Year 4 starts with a four-month placement, which is completed in one of a range of settings, and runs from September to December. While you will not be on campus, you will complete three online modules while on placement.

During the second semester, you will focus on building clinical skills. You will complete ‘Mental Health First Aid’ as part of the Mental Health module. You will also complete a research project as part of the Research Skills module, which is designed to give you a critical understanding of the research process, including research philosophy and governance.

FIRST SEMESTER
Placement in a practice setting
Online module: Organisation and Management Skills
Online module: Professional Skills Development
Online module: Professional Practice

SECOND SEMESTER
Clinical Pharmacy
Mental Health
Clinical Reasoning & Evidence-based Decision Making
Research Skills

FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
Professional Development 4

YEAR 5
The MPharm year of the programme concentrates on preparing you for practice.

THE PLACEMENTS IN BOTH YEARS 4 AND 5 PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE WITH A RANGE OF EMPLOYERS ACROSS A SPECTRUM OF PRACTICE SETTINGS. YOU WILL BE BASED ON CAMPUS DURING THE FIRST SEMESTER.

You will participate in three taught modules during the first semester, while also completing Professional Development 5.

The second semester begins in January when you will start an eightmonth patient-facing placement, concluding in August of that year. Year 5 concludes with the Professional Registration Examination (PRE).

FIRST SEMESTER
Patient Care and Society
Decision Making in Complex Care
Leadership in Pharmacy: Building the Future

SECOND SEMESTER
Placement in a practice setting
Online module: Supply of Medicines and Organisation and Management Skills
Online module: Leading the Safe and Rational Use of Medicines
Online module: Professional Practice and Public Health
Online module: Clinical Research Skills

FIRST & SECOND SEMESTER
Professional Development 5

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 YN77, Ireland
Tel +353 1 402 2228
Email admissions@rcsi.com
rcsi.com/dublin

International Students