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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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Code
SE504
Delivery
Fulltime
Cao points
🛈273 -561
Level
8
Campus
Cork Road
Duration
4 years
Credits
240 ECTS
Placements
Available
Study Abroad
Yes
International Applications
Accepted
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Video: learn about pharmaceutical science at SETU Waterford in 3 minutes

What is Pharmaceutical Science?

The pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry makes a vital contribution to society through the development and production of drugs such as antibiotics for infectious diseases, cancer treatment drugs and antiviral drugs for HIV. The pharmaceutical sector plays a vital role in Ireland’s economy with over 150 pharmaceutical companies, 9 of the top pharmaceutical companies located in Ireland. There is a strong demand for graduates qualified in pharmaceutical science and employment prospects are excellent.

What is the BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science Course?

This is a four year honours degree aimed at preparing graduates for the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry. Students will be exposed to a broad range of subjects and laboratory instrumentation relevant to the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical industry. A research project is also carried out in year 4. The course also provides graduates with a range of transferable skills so that graduates are qualified for a wide range of science-based industries.

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science work placement

A nine-month work placement is included in the third year of the course.

Research at SETU Waterford

SETU Waterford lecturing staff teaching on this course are actively involved in a range of highly successful and well-funded research work related to pharmaceutical science. Collaborators include national and international universities and research institutes, and industrial partners from the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical sector both in Ireland and abroad. Current research areas include: development of novel polymers for therapeutic drug delivery, biomedical research in eye treatment, novel analytical methods for pharmaceutical products, sensing devices for environmental analysis, biotechnology for drug synthesis and bioremediation.

Pharma Industry Awards

The four-year BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science course won the prestigious Pharma Education & Training Award in the Pharma Industry Awards 2017. The awards are a 'benchmark for excellence for those operating in Ireland's pharma industry'.

Winner of the Pharma Industry awards 2017

The programme was also nominated for two awards in 2018: The Education Awards 2018: Best Student Experience Award and the HR Leadership and Management Awards 2018: Excellence in Education and Training Award.  

Read more in our news section.

Education Awards

On April 27th 2021, the programme won another prestigious award from the Pharma Industry Awards ceremony 2021. The award recieved is the Pharma Education and Training award.

Pharma industry award

Innovative teaching

This programme recently won the ‘Most impactful use of Pearson courseware or services’ award in recognition of the blended learning approach in the delivery of the programmes. The common science programmes use an integrated on-line tutorial system that is delivered to small groups in an IT room supported by one or two members of staff. These weekly formative tutorials allow students to apply or practice the material covered in class that week and student receives individual attention and help at tutorials.

Pharmaceutical Science (Honours) Programme Handbook

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Introductory BiologyCell Biology & Biochemistry
Introductory ChemistryPhysical & Organic Chemistry
Introductory PhysicsPhysics for Scientists
Introductory MathematicsMathematics for Scientists
Introduction to ICT for ScientistsIntroduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science
Good Laboratory Practice & Core Skills Choose one of the following electives:
*Forensic Science
*Science & Society
* = elective module*Environmental Monitoring
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Organic Chemistry and BiomoleculesPharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
Spectroscopic TechniquesChromatographic and Electrophoretic Techniques
Physical ChemistryInorganic Chemistry
Statistics for ScientistsPharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Processing
Pharmaceutical ScienceBiopharmaceutical Science
Laboratory Data Analysis and PresentationApplied Mathematics for Scientists
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Total Quality ManagementWork Placement
Chromatographic Method Development and Validation
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Pharmaceuticals and Natural Products
Advanced Spectroscopic Analysis of Organic Compounds
Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Advanced Techniques in Pharmaceutical ScienceAdvanced Inorganic & Photochemistry
Advanced Topics in Physical ChemistryAdvanced Quality Methodologies
Pharmaceutical Synthesis and CharacterisationPharmaceutical Formulation & Drug Delivery
Regulatory Affairs & CompliancePharmacology, Drug Design & Synthesis
Research Methodology & Literature ReviewResearch Project (Double Module)

Leaving Cert: Minimum entry requirements for BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O6/H7

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science:

Entry Recommendation for BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

Applicants should note that a science subject (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry or Agricultural Science) of Leaving Certificate is recommended for this programme.

An honours degree in pharmaceutical science will provide graduates with…. 

  • Work experience (9 months) in the Pharmaceutical /Biopharmaceutical Industries.  
  • The opportunity to participate in an award winning programme. 
  • The opportunity to learn from lecturers with excellent track records in teaching and research.    
  • Hands on practical experience using state of the art industrially relevant equipment.  
  • Skills that are much sought after in a range of sectors including the Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Industries and transferrable to industries such as the Medical Device and Food and Drinks Sectors.  
  • The opportunity to teach after completing a Professional Master of Education.

Our graduates work in a variety of different areas such as 

  • Laboratory analysis (analytical instrumentation, wet chemistry, analysis of production samples, technology development). 
  • Research and development (new drug technologies and methods of administering drugs, new drug development including anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, heart medication etc., development of new process technologies).
  • Quality control and quality assurance (QC analyst, regulatory affairs, compliance, Quality Assurance advisor, customer complaints).
  • Management roles in the above areas.
  • Technical sales and technical writing.
  • Education. 
  • Entrepreneurship, with some having set up their own successful businesses.

Follow on Study for BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science graduates.

  • Following the programme students can apply for further postgraduate studies (Taught Masters programmes as well as MSc and PhD by Research) within SETU Waterford. Research may be carried out within SETU Waterford’s research centres such as the PMBRC, which is award winning, has industry links, is part of large European networks and completes top quality research.   
  • Graduates have also completed MSc and PhD programmes at Universities both Nationally and Internationally (including an exciting opportunity with NASA).

Video: An International Perspective on Pharmaceutical Science at SETU Waterford

International students studying pharmaceutical science

This programme attracts many international students from around the world each year. There are many supports in place and students will be given lots of guidance from our very experienced staff in the SETU Waterford International Office. To find an international perspective to the course and Department of Science have a look at our video.

Pharmaceutical Science graduate Jennifer on returning to SETU after a seven year pause

Pharmaceutical Science graduate Jennifer on returning to SETU after a seven year pause

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Award-winning SETU graduate Emma Kearney on swapping the live stage for the lab 

Award-winning SETU graduate Emma Kearney on swapping the live stage for the lab 

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Undergraduate research topics presented by final year students

Undergraduate research topics presented by final year students

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EU-CONEXUS researchers collaborated to develop a marine drone

EU-CONEXUS researchers collaborated to develop a marine drone

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Common science programmes win prestigious HE Innovate Award in London

Common science programmes win prestigious HE Innovate Award in London

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BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science students present their final year research projects

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science students present their final year research projects

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Pharmaceutical Science course picks up Pharma Education and Training award for the second time

Pharmaceutical Science course picks up Pharma Education and Training award for the second time

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Combine travel with study at SETU Waterford: Find out how and why

Combine travel with study at SETU Waterford: Find out how and why

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Attending both Try Science and Try Law events helped Orla with CAO

Attending both Try Science and Try Law events helped Orla with CAO

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‘Continuous assessment’ of course choices urged as CAO opens for applications

‘Continuous assessment’ of course choices urged as CAO opens for applications

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New hub to help grow Waterford student entrepreneurial potential launched

New hub to help grow Waterford student entrepreneurial potential launched

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High standard of student projects represented at SURE Online Conference

High standard of student projects represented at SURE Online Conference

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WIT nominated for three Pharma Industry awards

WIT nominated for three Pharma Industry awards

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Move from Vietnam to Waterford for pharma degree led to PhD for Dan

Move from Vietnam to Waterford for pharma degree led to PhD for Dan

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Pharmaceutical science student Emma is awarded scholarship with Teva Ireland

Pharmaceutical science student Emma is awarded scholarship with Teva Ireland

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Course story: WIT student Adam receives Department of Science award at 2021 ceremony

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Winners announced at Science Industry Sponsored Awards ceremony

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Education in Ireland Student Ambassador blog: Jessy Fong

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WIT’s Nutrition Research Centre Ireland launches ‘Supplement Certified’

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Video: Department of Science Overview

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WIT picks up 4 nominations in the 2020 Pharma Industry Awards

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Waterford scientists awarded funding to speed up COVID-19 testing

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Zoom ceremony for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards 2020

Zoom ceremony for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards 2020

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Winners of Undergraduate Research Project Award sponsored by Sanofi announced

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Sofrimar sponsors Undergraduate Research Project Literature Review Presentation Award

Sofrimar sponsors Undergraduate Research Project Literature Review Presentation Award

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Advice from our mature students to others

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From pharma to farming - employers invited to book stands for WIT Science Careers Day

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Leaving Cert Biology sent Evan down the path to Pharmaceutical Science

Leaving Cert Biology sent Evan down the path to Pharmaceutical Science

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PMBRC shortlisted for two pharma industry awards

PMBRC shortlisted for two pharma industry awards

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Waterford native Megan delighted to be acknowledged for the hard work

Waterford native Megan delighted to be acknowledged for the hard work

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Finalist Sophie hopes to make a difference for the future

Finalist Sophie hopes to make a difference for the future

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Waterford team lead €4m project to train researchers to improve sight-saving treatments

Waterford team lead €4m project to train researchers to improve sight-saving treatments

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Pharmaceutical Science students bid farewell by showcasing their research projects

Pharmaceutical Science students bid farewell by showcasing their research projects

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Ceremony takes place for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards

Ceremony takes place for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards

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WIT partner to one of SFI research centres in €230m funding announcement

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Industry-funded PhD gave Dr Seán Roche insight into collaboration of industry and academia

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In photos: Science Careers Day 2019 at WIT

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Lecturers at WIT work tirelessly to inspire students, found Lucas

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WIT-led proposal to develop EI-funded Life Sciences incubator in Waterford

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Video: Pharmaceutical science graduate on working in EirGen

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South east a region of excellence to work, research and study in pharma sector

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SciFest@Waterford Institute of Technolgy 2018 winners announced

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Winners announced of EirGen Pharma-sponsored student prizes

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Winners announced of EirGen Pharma-sponsored student prizes

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Waterford scientists scoop two awards at the Pharma Industry Awards 2017

Waterford scientists scoop two awards at the Pharma Industry Awards 2017

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PMBRC shortlisted for two awards in 2017 Pharma Industry Awards

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Pharma Industry Awards shortlisting for Pharmaceutical Science at WIT

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Bealtaine living earth festival 2017 in pictures

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Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards at WIT

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Dry powder inhalation research wins researcher graduate student award

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Sustaining Regional Innovation and Growth through Partnership conference

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Graduates collaborate with TSSG to develop game changing pharma software

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Pharmaceutical science students awarded for research project

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PMBRC shortlisted for two Pharma Industry Awards

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10 things to make you fall in love with Waterford

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PMBRC Research making medicines more effective

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Mike who completed Pharmaceutical Science continues to PhD level

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Tracey tells how ‘practical lab work made lectures easier

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#LoveIrishResearch Researcher spotlight: Dr Lee Coffey

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Beat 102-103 and WIT team up to reduce CAO final decisions stress

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WIT Digital Champions build digital literacy capacity

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The Irish Times interview with WIT chemistry lecturer Sheila Donegan

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Irish Pharmacy Awards 2016 nomination for WIT’s CODEMISUSED project

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100% success rate in IRC New Foundations Scheme

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Women in Science Spring Reception at Áras an Uachtaráin

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Student research encouraged with new awards

Student research encouraged with new awards

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PMBRC Postgraduate researcher wins Best Poster award at the RSC Analytical Research Forum

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PMBRC Shortlisted for Two Pharma Industry Awards

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PMBRC Researcher receives funding to develop collaborations with leading Australian research team

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Eoin Gill discusses: The Bittersweet side of science

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Primary School students get first hand experience of science

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PMBRC Shortlisted for Pharma Industry Award

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PMBRC collaborative projects approved for funding

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Science is for Everyone

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2.6 million for science careers in Ireland and Wales

2.6 million for science careers in Ireland and Wales

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Contact

Course Leader
Claire Lennon
Dr. Claire Lennon
PhD, BSc - Pharmacy Programme Development Lead
[email protected]

Ask a Question

Department Courses

Certificate in Research Methods in Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Research Methods in Biological Agriculture

BSc (Hons) in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

BSc (Hons) in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

Certificate in Green & Sustainable Pharmaceutical Production

Certificate in Green & Sustainable Pharmaceutical Production

MSc/Postgrad Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture

MSc/Postgrad Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Project Management and Marketing

Certificate in Project Management and Marketing

Certificate in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity

Certificate in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity

Certificate in Food, Health and Nutrition

Certificate in Food, Health and Nutrition

Certificate in Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Soil Health and Water Management

Certificate in Soil Health and Water Management

Certificate in Food Safety and Analytical Microbiology

Certificate in Food Safety and Analytical Microbiology

Plant Protection

Plant Protection

Certificate in Advanced Drug Formulation Science

Certificate in Advanced Drug Formulation Science

Certificate in Garden Management and Plant Selection

Certificate in Garden Management and Plant Selection

Certificate in Nursery Stock Production

Certificate in Nursery Stock Production

Certificate in Sportsturf Science

Certificate in Sportsturf Science

Certificate in Sustainable Food Production

Certificate in Sustainable Food Production

Certificate in Landscape Design

Certificate in Landscape Design

Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry)

Certificate in Advanced Analytical Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Analytical Techniques

Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture

Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture

Certificate In International Regulatory Affairs (Postgraduate)

Certificate In International Regulatory Affairs (Postgraduate)

Certificate in Statistics and Data Analysis

Certificate in Statistics and Data Analysis

Certificate in Strategic Quality Management

Certificate in Strategic Quality Management

Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Chromatographic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Chromatographic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Materials Characterisation

Certificate in Advanced Materials Characterisation

Higher Cert in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

Higher Cert in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

BSc in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology

BSc in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology

MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management

MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Innovation

BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Innovation

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Science (General)

BSc in Science (General)

BSc in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science