BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

Bachelor of Science (Honours)Pharmaceutical Science
Code:
WD147
Delivery:
Full Time
2019 CAO range:
        298 - 543
Level:
8
Campus:
Cork Road
Duration:
4 years
Credits:
240 ECTS
Apply for this course

Video: learn about pharmaceutical science at WIT 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, including 13 of the world’s top 15. 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 six-month work placement is included in the third year of the course.

Research at WIT

WIT 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.

Winner of the Pharma Industry awards 2017

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'.

Education Awards

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.

In order to facilitate the delivery of programmes during the Covid-19 pandemic, module outline and order may change slightly for the academic year 2020/2021.

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.

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science graduates

A degree in pharmaceutical science will provide graduates with skills that are much sought after in a range of sectors including:

  • Pharmaceutical & biopharmaceutical industries

  • Quality control & quality assurance

  • Laboratory analysis

  • Research & development

  • Education & teaching after completing a Professional Master of Education

  • Food & drinks industry

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

MSc and PhD by research

More Student Stories

Video: An International Perspective on Pharmaceutical Science at WIT

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 Waterford Institute of Technology International Office. To find an international perspective to the course and Department of Science have a look at our video.

Course Leader

Ask a Course Question

If you need to contact the course leader directly, please use the email address listed above.

If you are considering applying for this course and have particular questions about it or the application process, please use the form below to ask your question.

To ensure your question is answered more speedily, please try to choose the relevant contact point in the drop down menu. If you are unsure of your contact point, please choose "General".