SETU’s Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) programme will undergo the process of application and review for accreditation by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) in 2025. All information provided in relation to the programme is subject to change.
About
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.
Practical and interprofessional learning
The MPharm integrates placement through the five year programme, in three periods. These include a four month placement at fourth year and an eight month placement in the fifth year. This final placement will be undertaken in community or hospital setting. Within the curriculum, emphasis is also placed on interprofessional learning with other healthcare students, problem-based learning, practical skills development, and critical thinking. Students will be assessed in a variety of ways, and this will include opportunities, to demonstrate practical skills in a controlled, standardised environment.
The programme integrates research skills, and students will learn about research from first year, with research elements integrated through all years of the programme through a range of activities.
In line with SETU strategic plan ‘Connecting for Impact’, the curriculum is built with a student-centred approach, aligning to SETU’s values which foster deep learning and connection with the area of pharmacy. In addition, in line with SETU sustainability goals, the programme is focused on preparing students to support and contribute to the long-term resilience, sustainability, and environmental responsibility of the pharmacy field. Greener practices are embedded in the programme across all years, spanning the full practice of pharmacy.
The programme is expected to run in 2026 subject to Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Accreditation.
Course entry requirements are currently being finalised and will be published in due course.
To apply to register as a pharmacist with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, students must successfully qualify with the full five-year Master of Pharmacy programme.
The five-year Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree will provide graduates with a wealth of career opportunities in the ever-evolving pharmacy and pharmaceutical sector. With a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, professional skills, clinical practice, and research, graduates will be well-equipped to excel in various professional settings.
Career Pathways
Community Pharmacy
Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Industry
Regulatory and Government Agencies
Academic and Research Careers
Specialised Roles and Consultancy
Please note, this programme is planned to undergo application for PSI accreditation in 2025 and all information provided is subject to change.
What is pharmacy?
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.
What is the Master of Pharmacy Course?
The Master of Pharmacy programme is a five-year programme which integrates periods of experiential learning placement.
Upon successful completion of four years of study, students will obtain the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Pharmacy. With successful completion of the fifth year of study, students are awarded the Master of Pharmacy.
Competency and Accreditation
To be eligible to apply to register to practice as a pharmacist in Ireland with Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), successful completion of all five years of study is required. The MPharm programme is a regulated programme, meaning it adheres to strict guidelines and competency standards called the Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists set by the PSI.
These standards ensure that graduates develop and demonstrate specific competencies required for safe and effective practice. All pharmacy programmes must be accredited and SETU is working toward accreditation of their programme in 2025.
