Pharmacy - Waterford
This programme is specifically designed to prepare students for modern practice by covering science, healthcare, professional practice, research, leadership, along with experiential placement, in an integrated way. Patient care and professionalism are central to the programme, in all its teaching and learning activities.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | South East Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | South East Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
5 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: 06/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7
Chemistry OR Physics and Chemistry (joint): H4
Laboratory science subject (Biology, Physics or Agricultural Science): H4
Mathematics: H6/O4
English: H7/O6
Two other subjects: H7/O6
Note : Physics/Chemistry (Joint) may not be presented with physics or chemistry to meet requirements.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Entry requirements for Honours Bachelor Degrees (Level 8)
This link module can be used in place of a sixth Leaving Certificate subject and will be accepted as meeting the six subject eligibility requirements for entry to honours degree courses.
Entry requirements for Ordinary Bachelor Degree (Level 7) and Higher Certificate (Level 6)
The LCVP link module can also be used in place of a fifth Leaving Certificate subject and will be accepted as meeting the five subject eligibility requirements for entry to ordinary bachelor degree and higher certificate courses
GRADE POINTS
Distinction 66
Merit 46
Pass 28
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Students who have completed a full QQI-FET award at Level 5, and achieved at least three distinctions, are eligible to apply through CAO for entry to Year 1 on to Level 6, 7 and 8 courses. Students who have completed a full QQI-FET award at Level 6 may be eligible to enter Year 2.
The maximum possible points awarded through QQI-FET is 390. The scoring system only applies where all of the requirements for the major award are met i.e. where the named component awards specified have been achieved to a minimum of 120 credits.
Progression Scheme
The Progression Scheme is an additional opportunity for students who successfully complete a QQI FET Award in a partner Colleges of Further Education and Training College/Centre to gain entry to SETU programmes. The list of partner Further Education and Training Colleges/Centres, relevant SETU programmes, linked QQI FET Awards and the criteria for the scheme are available at www.setu.ie/progression.
Careers / Further progression
Graduates of the MPharm at SETU will have a wide range of career opportunities. SETU MPharm recipients may practice in a community pharmacy, dispensing prescriptions, over the counter medications and providing targeted health screening.
They may choose to practice in the hospital setting, managing medications to optimize patient treatment plans or working in specialist fields, with healthcare teams. Opportunities are also available in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. drug development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs), regulatory bodies, academia and research, and for completion of related specialist postgraduate areas of study.
Career Pathways
Community Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Industry
Regulatory and Government Agencies
Academic and Research Careers
Specialised Roles and Consultancy
Further information
September 2026
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 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 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
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 2026 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
Pharmacy combines science, healthcare, and professional practice. Pharmacists are professionals who work in many areas including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, industry, research, education, and emerging areas.
Pharmacists play an important, and expanding, role in healthcare systems. Pharmacists are medicines experts and use their knowledge, skills, and expertise to ensure safe, legal, and effective practice. They also support safe and regulated manufacturing in the industrial setting.
This programme is specifically designed to prepare students for modern practice by covering science, healthcare, professional practice, research, leadership, along with experiential placement, in an integrated way. Patient care and professionalism are central to the programme, in all its teaching and learning activities.
The programme design is the result of the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in science, pharmacy practice, health science, health promotion, research, business, and leadership. Feedback from professional pharmacists across the sector, both nationally and internationally, has also shaped the programme. This ensures it will meet professional standards and addresses the evolving needs of the healthcare environment. Becoming a pharmacist requires clear understanding of science and innovation. It also requires skills in patient care, professional practice, and working as part of a multidisciplinary team. There is a strong demand for pharmacists in Ireland and many opportunities are arising in this evolving sector.
Six streams of learning and training have been built, that will be delivered to students throughout their time on the programme in an integrated way. These streams incorporate a range of subjects spanning (bio)pharmaceutical science, biochemistry, pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmacy practice, professional skills, business and leadership, health and health promotion, and research.
From the beginning of the programme, a focus is placed on reflective learning and professional skills development that prepares students for pharmacy-based practice. Students will be encouraged to complete other learning activities to support their personal development including volunteering, research, and involvement with healthcare students in health promotion campaigns.
Experiential Placement
In the MPharm programme, experiential placement is a critical component designed to provide pharmacy students with hands-on practical experience in real-world healthcare settings. Under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, students gain insight into patient care, medication management, interprofessional collaboration, and the ethical responsibilities of the profession.
Beginning in second year, these placements allow students to apply their academic knowledge in community and hospital pharmacy environments. Placements in fourth year allow students the opportunity to work in a patient-facing, non-patient-facing, or emerging role — for example, in the pharmaceutical industry. The final placement in fifth year is based in a patient-facing role to prepare students for professional practice.
Professionalism, Code of Conduct and Fitness to Practice Requirements:
Pharmacists play a vital role in patient care, helping individuals manage their health and wellbeing. This is a trusted role in the healthcare sector and carries significant responsibilities to ensure public safety and confidence in the profession. Pharmacists work to the highest professional standards and in full compliance with the regulations set by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the Pharmacy Act 2007. During their education and training, pharmacy students must uphold these standards through their academic and experiential learning experiences, where they will encounter members of the public.
Students in the Master of Pharmacy programme will be expected to behave professionally and responsibly, with a Professional Code of Conduct for Student Pharmacists in place at the University. Other policies and procedures that must be adhered to include the Fitness to Practise policy and attendance procedures. These protocols support students in completing the Master of Pharmacy programme, meeting the Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists, and developing their professional identity. Pharmacy students must uphold these standards through their education, training, and experiential learning experiences where they will encounter members of the public.
Garda Vetting:
To ensure that applicants are fit to undertake this programme they are subject to Garda vetting. Students will be provided with information regarding vetting upon registration.
Applicants will be provided with relevant forms and documentation for vetting within Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic by SETU.
It is mandatory for applicants who have resided abroad for a period greater than 6 months from the age of 12 years to provide SETU Waterford with a Police Clearance Certificate from those countries.
Placements and practice visits can only be arranged for students on receipt of satisfactory clearance.
Occupational Health:
As part of the registration process for the Master of Pharmacy programme, each student will be asked to complete a medical declaration and take part in a medical screening process. These steps are to ensure readiness for patient facing activities during placement . If the student is unable to complete the process, we will provide guidance on alternative programme options.
MPharm applicants are encouraged to declare any health, wellbeing or fitness-to-practice concerns that might affect their ability to meet professional practice requirements. With the applicant's consent, the Health & Safety Office will review this information to identify any reasonable accommodations and supports for placement. If supports cannot be provided, we will hold an open discussion and where possible, we will facilitate alternative programme options.
Year 1 Modules
Semester 1
Foundations of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Pharmacy Practice 1: The start of the professional journey
Human Anatomy and Physiology
Cellular Biochemistry
Semester 2
Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
Pharmaceutical Formulations and Maths with Statistics
Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis for Pharmacists
Pharmacology 1
Physical Chemistry for Pharmacy
Work placement available
Dr. Claire Lennon
PhD
E: claire.lennon@setu.ie