Program Overview

Pharmacy Technician Studies

Overview

The Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies is a two-year program that equips students with the practical, professional, and academic skills necessary to assist in various pharmacy activities.

Course Description

This course has been a winner of the GradIreland AHECS Employability Award 2023, National DELTA (Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment) Award, and TU Dublin Le Chéile Award 2021. Students gain knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines, their formulation, and use in treating illnesses. They develop medical knowledge to recognize common illnesses and communication skills to liaise with pharmacists and counsel patients on healthcare issues.

Work Placement

A work placement element is included in the course, where students participate in a pharmacy placement in a hospital or community pharmacy to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate Requirements

• Minimum of 5 subjects
• Minimum grade O6/H7 in Maths and English or Irish
• At least O6/H7 in one of the following: Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, or Home Economics (Note: from 2026 onwards, TU654 will no longer accept Physics or Home Economics)

QQI/FET Requirements

• QQI/FET Award Required: Level 5 or 6 in a relevant discipline
• Additional Requirements: Distinctions required in certain modules

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.

English Language Requirements

• Minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin

Sample Timetable

An indicative timetable for this course is available.

Career Opportunities

Graduate Job Titles

• Pharmacy Technician

Graduate Employers

• Community Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies

Module Listing

Year One

• Basic Business with IT Skills
• Fundamentals of Inorganic Chemistry
• Introductory Microbiology
• Introductory Professional Development e-Portfolio for Pharmacy Technicians
• Mathematics for Pharmaceutical Scientists
• Pharmacy Practice I
• Principles of Cellular Biology

Year Two

• Professional Development e-Portfolio for Pharmacy Technicians II
• Nutrition and Health Studies
• Pharmaceutical Formulation Pharmacy Technician
• Pharmacy Work Placement 1
• Basic Pharmaceutical Microbiology I
• Pharmacy Practice 2
• Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Progression

Progression opportunities exist for further study, including Pharmacy Degree in the UK and Ireland, and NFQ Level 7 or Level 8 pharmaceutical and scientific degree courses at TU Dublin or other higher education institutions. Students who attain an Upper Merit are eligible to transfer to TU875 BSc Pharmaceutical Healthcare.