Program Overview

Pharmacy Program at University College Cork

The Pharmacy program at University College Cork is a five-year, full-time course that leads to a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree. The program is designed to provide students with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to make a difference in the pharmaceutical arena.

Course Outline

The program covers four main areas of study: pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, formulation design, drug action in the body, and the practice of pharmacy. The course incorporates both basic sciences learning and the practice of pharmacy, as well as a number of unpaid/paid placements.

Course Structure

• The program consists of five years of study, with the first four years leading to a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) degree.
• The fifth year leads to the MPharm degree, which is required for registration with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
• The program includes a range of modules, including:
  • Principles of Human Structure for Pharmacy Students
  • Biochemistry
  • Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
  • Physiochemical Basis of Pharmaceuticals
  • Pharmacy Practice I
  • Introduction to Pharmaceutics: Formulation Science
  • Introduction to Physiology for Pharmacy I
  • Introduction to Physiology for Pharmacy II
  • Foundation Pharmacology

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Register with the PSI
• Evaluate interventions to improve prescribing in practice and within the healthcare team
• Practice pharmacy competently in the primary care/secondary setting
• Communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals
• Interpret and evaluate prescriptions and supply medicines in accordance with current legislation and professional codes of practice
• Apply the physiochemical properties of drugs underpinning the design, development, and manufacturing of emerging medicines
• Outline the physiological, biochemical, molecular, and genetic basis of disease, drug therapy, and drug delivery
• Recognize common disease states and respond appropriately to presented symptoms
• Conduct a literature review, design a research protocol, collect and interpret data, and write a dissertation

Course Practicalities

• The program is a full-time degree course, with a typical day consisting of lectures, laboratory sessions, and tutorials.
• Students are expected to undertake significant reading and self-study outside of class time.
• The program includes field trips and practice placements, which provide experiential learning opportunities.
• Assessments include written exams, multiple-choice questions, practical reports, computer-aided exams, essays, and research reports.

Why Choose This Course

The Pharmacy program at University College Cork offers a unique combination of scientific and professional training, with a strong focus on patient care and pharmaceutical science. The program is taught by experienced staff with connections to the pharmaceutical industry, and provides opportunities for inter-professional learning and placements.

Requirements

• Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements: at least six subjects, with a minimum grade H4 in two subjects and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects.
• EU/EFTA/UK Qualifications: equivalent school-leaving qualification, with review of equivalent grades and English language proficiency.
• Mature Students: apply via the CAO, with a statement of interest and potential interview.
• Fitness to Practise: the program is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.
• Student Garda Vetting: all students on the program will undergo Garda vetting.

Fees and Costs

• The program is subject to tuition fees, which are payable by the student or the State, depending on eligibility.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• A postgraduate fee will be payable for the fifth year of the program.

How to Apply

• Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) applicants: apply via the CAO.
• Mature applicants: apply via the CAO, with a statement of interest and potential interview.
• QQI/FET applicants: apply via the CAO, with review of equivalent qualifications.
• Non-EU applicants: apply online via the UCC Apply portal.