Pharmacy is the study of all aspects of drugs, both natural and synthetic in origin, including their chemistry, their uses in medicines, and how they work within the body.

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings – community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and within the pharmaceutical industry, to name just a few. In many respects, their role as a key healthcare professional is to help people achieve the best results from their medications.

Optional Fifth Year:
M.Sc. (Pharm) Master's Degree (NFQ Level 9) Optional.

This programme prepares students for the future of pharmacy by teaching data analytics and advanced clinical skills, preparing you for future expansion of the role of pharmacists.

5-year leading to MPharm (level 9- required to be a pharmacist)

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.

A pharmacist is a healthcare team member specifically concerned with drugs and medicines. Pharmacy at UCC provides the confidence, skills, and knowledge to make a difference in the pharmaceutical arena.

The aim of the pharmacy programme is to provide you with 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. 

Work in this industry varies from dispensing over the counter medications, helping clients choose medical aids and appliances to demonstrating and selling cosmetics, perfumes etc. As well as a QQI qualification, learners complete the Irish Pharmacy Union’s Medicines Counter Assistant award.

This one year course is ideal for students who are passionate about science and medicine and prefer a hands-on approach to learning. You will study a range of science subjects at a practical level in modern science laboratories, with practical laboratory sessions forming an integral part of the programme. This course is suitable for learners who wish to work in a pharmacy or progress to university to study pharmacy.

This one-year course will equip learners with the relevant knowledge and experience to work as a pharmacy counter assistant or pursue a pharmacy technician qualification in the future. From dispensing over-the-counter medications, helping clients choose medical aids and appliances to demonstrating and selling products, this course covers the most relevant skills. This course will also focus on a range of health-related subjects relevant to employment as a pharmacy assistant. Work experience is within a retail pharmacy where, as a pharmacy assistant, you can work as part of a team of health professionals in order to help customers achieve the best possible health outcome.

This course prepares learners for immediate employment as pharmacy counter assistants while providing a solid foundation for future pharmacy technician qualifications. Students master essential retail skills, including dispensing over-the-counter medications, advising on medical aids, and product demonstrations. 

Applicants who would like to blend an interest in retail with science and who have an interest in health in the community will find this course a useful introduction to the world of pharmacy.

This course prepares students for work in Pharmacies, health stores etc. It also offers a platform to go on to study Pharmacy Technician courses at Third level.

This one-year programme is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge required to work as a Pharmacy Assistant. The course covers a range of subjects that are crucial for a successful career in the pharmacy sector, focusing on both theoretical and practical aspects.

The course prepares students for a profession as a pharmacy technician and is delivered by leading scientists and pharmacists. It develops the practical, professional and academic skills required to assist in the various activities of the pharmacy. These skills include knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines and how they are formulated and used to treat illnesses.

This two-year modular course provides comprehensive training in dispensing procedures, prescription interpretation, and pharmacy software. Students develop the medical knowledge needed to recognize common illnesses and the communication skills required to counsel patients and liaise with pharmacists. By mastering legislation-compliant medicine supply and patient record management, graduates are fully equipped to handle the technical and clinical demands of a modern pharmacy environment.

This two year course leads to a Pharmacy Technician Qualification. The Pharmacy Technician assists the pharmacist in the preparation, checking, storage and dispensing of drugs.

The main aim of this course is to provide you with the appropriate multi-disciplined skills and theory to enable you to play a key role in both community and hospital pharmacies. In addition to lectures, the course contains a strong practical element and you spend ten weeks of placement each year in a community or hospital pharmacy. 

Our Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician is a two-year course that enables you to gain professional, managerial and technical knowledge to pursue a career in either hospital or retail pharmacies. The main aim of this programme is to introduce you to the required theoretical and hands-on skills to work in a pharmacy setting, and to contribute effectively to the enterprise.