Bachelor of Science (Honours) BSc(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Course Overview
-
4
Years
-
8
Level
-
301
Points
-
US866
CAO Course Code
Why take this course?
This unique Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) internationally accredited programme provides the essential information and skills required for employment in the pharmaceutical sector. Given the wide range of disciplines required in driving modern manufacturing approaches this multidisciplinary course covers chemical-based and next generation biotech-based therapeutics and their formulation into safe and effective medicines of high and durable quality.

The pharmaceutical sciences are typically concerned with methods and techniques to minimise toxicity and optimise therapeutic efficacy, maximize product yield, how to circumvent difficulties with drug absorption or unwanted distribution and premature inactivation or elimination. It also explores which new generation technologies such as nano-encapsulation and stimuli-sensitive polymers are most suitable to achieve beneficial drug delivery. The core experience across the modules is the exploration of the structure-property relationships of drugs and pharmaceutical materials. Using sophisticated apparatus and instrumentation, our graduates will develop the skills that will give them a range of career options.

In addition, we will help to grow the interpersonal attributes required for you to interact with colleagues from other disciplines.
The continued growth and prosperity of the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland is is highly dependent on the generation and attraction of skilled graduates and this course is designed to give you the knowledge and competence to enter industry or proceed to further postgraduate education. The Midlands Region is a hub for many pharma and health care companies and this degree programme supports that growth.
Y4 students of the programme also have the opportunity to participate in one of the annual regional conferences of the Science Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) Network.


What will I experience?
This is an ideal programme for learners interested in a career in the pharmaceutical industry delivering synthetic, formulation, analytical, and transferable skill sets. It combines enabling know-how across a range of methodologies critical to the successful development of marketable therapeutics.

In supporting a strong local cluster of drug substance, finished product pharmaceutical, diagnostic reagent, and medical device manufacturing, we regularly consult with companies to maintain the currency of our course provision. Lecturers combine teaching expertise with industry experience. Many of our faculty have worked in the pharma industry and continue to maintain active contacts in this space.
TUS’s programmes in pharmaceutical sciences are designed to meet the growing demand for scientists to service the current and emerging pharma industries in Ireland generally and the Midlands in particular:
- Lectures, tutorials and practical classes delivered in modern, well-equipped teaching rooms and laboratories.
- Enthusiastic lecturers with wide experience of research, academia and industry.
- A research project in year 4 which will focus on a specific pharmaceutical sciences-related topic.
Hazel Browne, Pharmaceutical Sciences student at the Athlone campus talks about her passion for Chemistry in secondary school and how this course is chemistry based which makes it the perfect fit for her.
What opportunities might it lead to?
Graduates may expect to find rewarding careers and well-remunerated positions in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. A substantial cohort are employed in analytical services, or in the related sectors of diagnostics’ manufacture and polymer characterisation. A number of graduates have been successful in securing roles in highly skilled technical services; others have found jobs in regulatory affairs where they interface with national, EU or other international State bodies such as the US FDA in support of marketing authorisation applications from their employer. Previous graduates have also obtained sought after roles in research, whether leading to a higher degree (up to QQI level 10, PhD) in TUS, at other universities, in industry, or the wider public service such as forensics and environmental monitoring.
Additional Information
Accreditation and Recognition:
The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) is the UK-based professional membership body for Pharmaceutical Scientists. TUS is currently the only Irish APS-Accredited Institution for its BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences (https://www.apsgb.co.uk/).

AL840 is recognised for professional graduate admission to the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland (GradICI) (http://www.chemistryireland.org/)

For additional information about this Level 8 undergraduate programme, please contact:
Head of Department: Dr. Carmel Kealey, Head of Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Biotechnology, Tel. +353 (0)906468081; e-mail: ckealey@ait.ie
Programme Coordinator: Mr. Jim Roche, Tel. +353 (0)906468087; e-mail: jroche@ait.ie
How to Progress to Achieve a Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
There are three different entry routes to pursue a Pharmaceutical Sciences degree at TUS:
- Level 6 - Higher Certificate in Applied Science (AL632)
After completing Level 6 you can progress to Year 3 of AL734.
- Level 7 - BSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Drug Development & Analysis) (AL734)
After completing Level 7, for year 4, you can progress to the Honours degree in pharmaceutical sciences (AL840). - Level 8 - BSc(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences (AL840)
All three options can lead to a Level 8 Honours degree. If you choose the Level 6 or 7 options you can graduate at the respective level after two or three years’ study and enter the workplace at that stage with a qualification. Alternatively, if you choose to continue your studies, you can pursue a Level 8 in pharmaceutical sciences.
Course Details
- Course Duration:
- 4 Years
- CAO Course Code:
- US866
- Cut Off CAO Points:
- 301
- Course Award:
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Course NFQ Level:
- Level 8
- Department:
- Dept of Life & Physical Sciences
- Minimum Entry Requirements:
-
Leaving Certificate Grade H5 in two higher-level subjects, plus four subjects at Grade 06 at ordinary level. Subjects to include Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).
QQI: Any major QQI award with three distinctions and a pass in C20139 or 5N1833 or C20174 or C2017 or Leaving Certificate Maths at O6/H7.
Accreditations/Endorsements
Student Testimonial
Aine Heslin, Diagnostic Technologist, Abbott Ireland
“This is a challenging but rewarding course and the skills developed means the student has confidence when entering the work place.”
Careers & Opportunities
Career Prospects
Graduates may expect to find rewarding careers and well-remunerated positions in the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals sector, whether in an API/biologic drugs plant or in a finished drug product manufacturing facility. A substantial cohort are employed in analytical services, or in the related sectors of diagnostics’ manufacture and polymer characterisation. A number of graduates have been successful in securing roles in highly skilled technical services; others have found jobs in regulatory affairs where they interface with national, EU or other international State bodies such as the US FDA in support of marketing authorisation applications from their employer. Previous graduates have also obtained sought after roles in research, whether leading to a higher degree (up to QQI level 10, PhD) in TUS, at other universities, in industry, or the wider public service such as forensics and environmental monitoring.
Industry Partners:


Further Study
Graduates from the BSc(Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences will be academically well prepared to enrol on a research degree programme (MSc/PhD) at TUS or in other third-level Institutes. Graduates will also be qualified to undertake a wide range of taught MSc programmes, including the MSc/PgD in Biopharmaceutical Technology at TUS.
MSc/PgDip Biopharmaceutical Technology
Master of Science/Post Graduate Diploma