Frequently Asked Questions
Admission
Trinity College Dublin is the top choice for studying pharmacy in Ireland, ranked 1st in the country and 26th in the world for Pharmacy and Pharmacology according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. It is also among the top 20 Pharmacy Schools in Europe, reflecting its commitment to excellence in education and research.
What sets Trinity apart is its unique, research-led, and evidence-based approach to pharmacy education. The programme blends Pharmaceutical Sciences with pharmacy-specific subjects, ensuring an integrated and comprehensive learning experience. Students benefit from cutting-edge research, strong industry connections, and practical training in top healthcare settings.
By choosing Trinity, students gain access to a world-class education that prepares them for diverse careers in clinical pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, research, and healthcare innovation.
Information about scholarships, funding, paying tuition fees, and how to contact Fees team can be found here.
The CAO points for Pharmacy at Trinity tend to change each year, so don’t let that discourage you from applying. It’s essential to list your courses in order of preference, regardless of points.
While points may rise or fall depending on demand and the overall Leaving Certificate results, you must ensure you meet the minimum entry requirements:
- O4 or H6 in Mathematics
- H4 in Chemistry or Physics/Chemistry
- H4 in one of the following subjects: Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Computer Science, or Agricultural Science
CAO points have varied in recent years, particularly with changes in the Leaving Certificate grading system. If you're interested in Pharmacy at Trinity, focus on achieving the best results possible and meeting the subject requirements.
Each year, the Pharmacy programme at Trinity College Dublin accepts approximately 76 students through the Central Applications Office (CAO). In addition, the programme may admit up to 5 graduate entry students and 10 non-EU students, bringing the total potential intake to around 91 students annually.
With small class sizes, students benefit from a close-knit learning environment, strong student support, and high-quality teaching in Ireland’s top-ranked pharmacy school.
Yes, there are alternative routes into the Pharmacy course at Trinity College Dublin besides the standard CAO entry. These include:
1. Graduate Entry Route: Trinity offers a Graduate Entry pathway for applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree. Each year, up to 5 places are allocated to graduate entrants. To be eligible for this, applicants need a NFQ level 8 degree, and either Leaving Cert higher level Chemistry or to have completed a Chemistry course in a third level institution. For detailed information, visit Trinity's Graduate Entry to Pharmacy
2. Mature Students: Applicants aged 23 (on 1 January in the year of application) or over may apply as mature students, subject to specific entry requirements. For detailed information, visit Trinity's Mature Entry Office
It's essential to review the specific requirements and deadlines for each pathway to determine the best fit for your circumstances.
- Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) before 1st February. Late applications are not considered.
- Complete the online supplementary application form by the same deadline.
- The School will assess applications and shortlist candidates for interviews.
- Successful candidates will receive offers via the CAO in August.
3. Trinity Access Programmes (TAP): TAP provides alternative entry routes for both young adults and mature students from under-represented backgrounds. Options include foundation courses and partnerships with further education institutions. While TAP primarily supports access to various undergraduate programmes, prospective pharmacy students can explore these pathways to see if they align with their qualifications and aspirations.
Learn more about these opportunities on the Trinity Access Programmes page.
4. Further Education and Training (FET) Routes: Trinity accepts FET Level 5/6 Major Awards for entry into several degree courses. Applicants should check specific module requirements and ensure they meet the criteria for their desired programme.
Detailed information is available on the Further Education & Training (FET) page.
For comprehensive details on alternative paths to Trinity, including access routes and foundation programmes, visit the Alternative Paths to Trinity page.
At Trinity College Dublin, Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) students can apply to the Undergraduate Pharmacy program if they meet the required entry qualifications. However, there are no specific places held for PLCs.
Key Points for PLC Students:
No, the HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) is not required for entry into the Pharmacy course at Trinity College Dublin. The HPAT is typically required for entry into courses like Medicine and Dentistry, but it is not part of the admission requirements for the M.Pharm program in Pharmacy.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer into second year or any later year of the Five-year Integrated Pharmacy Programme at Trinity College Dublin from another university or degree program. All students must begin in year 1 and complete the entire program within the School of Pharmacy.
This is due to the integrated nature of the course, ensuring all students receive the comprehensive education required to become fully qualified pharmacists.
All new Pharmacy students at Trinity College Dublin must complete health screening requirements as part of their pre-registration process and to ensure you're fit for practice in healthcare environments. After receiving your offer, it’s important to schedule an appointment with either the College Health Centre or your registered GP to carry out the necessary screenings. As this process may take some time, it’s recommended to book your appointment promptly.
Health Screening for Pharmacy Students:
- Childhood Immunisation Records: Students must contact their local immunisation office or GP to obtain their immunisation records.
- Hepatitis B and C Testing: Students must provide satisfactory proof that they are not currently infected with Hepatitis B (core and surface antigen) or C, through testing by a registered GP or the College Health Centre.
- Tuberculosis (TB) Vaccination: Students must show proof of vaccination for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB), typically in the form of a BCG scar, which must be recorded by a registered GP or the College Health Centre.
- Immunity to Infectious Diseases: Students must have their immunity to Varicella (Chickenpox), Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) certified by their GP or the College Health Centre.
For exact details and guidelines on health requirements, you can check the Trinity College Health Service or Pharmacy Health Screening page for more information.
Yes, if you apply through the Graduate Entry route, you will need to complete all 5 years of the Pharmacy programme.
Regardless of the entry route, all students start in first year due to the integrated nature of the course. After four years you will be awarded a B.Sc. in Pharmacy. While you can exit the programme at this stage, this does not qualify you to register as a pharmacist and work in community pharmacies or hospitals. To become a fully registered pharmacist, you must complete the fifth year and earn your M.Pharm degree.
Careers in Pharmacy
Upon graduation, all pharmacy students in Ireland must be registered with The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to practise as a pharmacist. Most pharmacists also choose to become members of the Society. In Community Pharmacy, professional activities must be directly supervised by a qualified pharmacist to ensure safe and effective patient care.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates:
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Community Pharmacy:
Pharmacists in community practice play a pivotal role in the healthcare system. They provide accessible advice on medicine usage and general health matters. Community pharmacists oversee the compounding and dispensing of prescriptions, the sale of medicines, and offer guidance on various health topics, such as family planning and drug misuse. They also ensure proper control of medicines, serving as the final link between patients and drugs. While most community pharmacies are privately owned, they provide essential services funded by the State. This requires scientific, administrative, supervisory, and counselling skills. -
Hospital Pharmacy:
Hospital pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare team, working alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities include ensuring the safe storage and distribution of medicines throughout the hospital and providing drug information to medical staff. Pharmacists also take part in drug therapeutic committees, manage clinical trials, and contribute to clinical budgeting. Career progression in hospital pharmacy is structured, allowing pharmacists to move from basic grades to senior and chief positions over time. -
Pharmaceutical Industry:
The pharmaceutical industry offers vast career opportunities in both manufacturing and marketing. Pharmacists in this sector may work in sales, marketing, research and development, quality control, and production management. A career in pharmaceutical manufacturing often involves ensuring that medicines meet high-quality standards before they reach the market. Pharmacists may also work in regulatory affairs, ensuring medicines comply with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) regulations. With the industry's dynamic growth, especially in Ireland, experienced pharmacists can also work in pharmaceutical wholesaling. -
Academic Opportunities:
For those with a strong interest in research, pharmacy graduates can pursue higher degrees such as M.Sc. or Ph.D. in various pharmaceutical sciences. These advanced qualifications open doors to academic careers or more specialized research roles. Taught M.Sc. courses are also available in Hospital Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, and Pharmaceutical Technology. Graduates with a good academic record can apply for these programs to enhance their expertise. -
International Mobility:
Through EU Directives, pharmacists in Ireland can enjoy the free movement of professionals within the European Union. A pharmacist registered in one EU member state can work in another member state, with their qualifications recognised across the region.
For more details on career options, advanced degrees, and registration requirements, please visit the following links:
🔗 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)
🔗 Trinity Graduate Studies – M.Sc. and Ph.D. Information
The M.Pharm Degree at Trinity College Dublin fulfils the essential educational requirements to become a Qualified Person (QP).
After obtaining your M.Pharm and registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), you will need to gain relevant work experience. This experience is crucial as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) requires it to officially recognise you as a QP. Once you've met both the educational and experience requirements, you will be eligible to perform the responsibilities of a Qualified Person, including ensuring medicines meet quality standards before they are released to the market.
For more information on the process and requirements, you can visit:
🔗 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland - Qualified Person
🔗 Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)
After obtaining your M.Pharm degree and becoming registered with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), you are eligible to begin working in any sector, including Hospital Pharmacy. However, it's important to note that some positions in Hospital Pharmacy may have additional professional requirements, such as relevant experience or specialized knowledge. To officially practice as a hospital pharmacist, you may need to complete a Postgraduate Course or a Pre-registration year to gain further qualifications and experience.
For those interested in advancing their career in Hospital Pharmacy, Trinity College Dublin offers an M.Sc. in Hospital Pharmacy designed to provide specialized training for hospital pharmacy practice.
For more details on the hospital pharmacy career pathway and pre-registration requirements, you can visit:
🔗 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland - Hospital Pharmacy Requirements
🔗 M.Sc. in Hospital Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin
Yes, it is possible to transition from Community Pharmacy to the Pharmaceutical Industry after completing your M.Pharm degree.
For more information on industry career pathways, visit:
🔗 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI)
🔗 Trinity College Dublin - Postgraduate Opportunities
Yes, pharmacy graduates are highly competitive with other science graduates for positions in the pharmaceutical industry. The unique combination of skills that pharmacy students develop during their studies—particularly in pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, clinical pharmacology, and pharmacology—provides a solid foundation for working in various roles within the industry.
Pharmacy graduates are well-equipped for positions in Research and Development (R&D), production and manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs, and sales and marketing within the pharmaceutical sector. Their deep understanding of drug formulation, drug delivery systems, and medication safety makes them valuable assets in roles that require both technical and regulatory knowledge.
For those interested in advancing their careers in the industry, further qualifications, such as a M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Science or Pharmaceutical Technology, may enhance their competitive edge.
For more information on the pharmaceutical industry and career options for pharmacy graduates, visit:
🔗 Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland - Careers in Industry
🔗 Trinity College Dublin - M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Science
🔗 Pharmaceutical Industry Careers - TCD
Yes, it is possible to pursue a Postgraduate Course in Pharmacy without having an undergraduate degree in pharmacy, but it depends on the specific course and its entry requirements. Many postgraduate programs in pharmacy or related fields (such as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology, or Pharmaceutical Management) accept students from a variety of scientific backgrounds, particularly those with degrees in areas like biochemistry, chemistry, biology, or medical sciences.
For example, at Trinity College Dublin, there are postgraduate options like the M.Sc. in Hospital Pharmacy or M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences that may accept graduates with a relevant scientific background. These courses often require applicants to have a strong foundation in science-related subjects and relevant experience.
For more details on postgraduate courses at Trinity College Dublin, you can visit:
🔗 Postgraduate Pharmacy Courses at TCD
College Life
Studying Pharmacy at Trinity College Dublin is a demanding and immersive experience, and the number of hours involved can vary depending on the year of study and the specific demands of the course. However, here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:
- Lectures & Seminars: Expect around 20-25 hours per week of classroom-based learning, including lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions.
- Laboratory Work: You will spend a significant amount of time in labs. Laboratory sessions may account for 5-10 hours per week depending on the module.
- Self-Study & Revision: In addition to class time, pharmacy students typically need to allocate 15-20 hours per week for self-study, including reading, completing assignments, and preparing for exams.
- Clinical Placement: In later years, there will be practical clinical placements and experiential learning in hospital or community pharmacies, which may add extra hours depending on your schedule and placement site.
Overall: You can expect to spend about 35-45 hours per week on average between contact hours (lectures, labs, seminars) and independent study.
Yes, there is continuous assessment throughout the Pharmacy course. The assessment methods are designed to provide ongoing feedback and ensure that students are developing the necessary skills and knowledge at each stage of the program.
In addition to the continuous assessments, there are final year exams that test your overall understanding and proficiency across all modules.
This combination of continuous assessment and final exams helps ensure that students are well-prepared for their careers as pharmacists, with both theoretical and practical skills assessed.
Yes, there is plenty of interaction with teachers and lecturers throughout the Pharmacy programme. The course is designed to foster an engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages student-teacher communication and support.
- Lectures: While lectures may take place with the entire cohort of 70-80 students, they are designed to cover foundational material in a structured and engaging manner.
- Practical Classes: These sessions allow for more direct, hands-on interaction with your lecturers and lab supervisors, ensuring that students can apply theory to practice.
- Seminars & Tutorials: Smaller group sessions are provided alongside larger lectures, offering the opportunity to ask questions and receive more individualized attention.
- Group & Individual Projects: You will also engage in collaborative and independent learning, where you can interact with lecturers, especially in more research-focused tasks.
- Online Learning: lecturers remain highly accessible, offering support through email communication.
This combination of different teaching and learning settings ensures that students are supported at all stages of their education, making it easier to connect with lecturers and address any academic concerns.
The Pharmacy Programme is challenging and demanding, but it is definitely manageable with the right approach. From the start, you will need to be prepared to work hard, as the course covers a broad range of topics that require a solid commitment.
- Structured Workload: While the course can be intense, the workload is well-structured, and students often find that it is possible to manage their time effectively.
- Study and Extracurriculars: Many students successfully balance the academic demands with involvement in other aspects of college life. Trinity offers a wide range of clubs, societies, and activities, so there's room for personal interests and social experiences alongside your studies.
- Support Systems: With access to academic support, seminars, and tutorials, you can stay on top of your studies. Plus, lecturers are always available to offer assistance when needed.
While the course will require dedication and effort, most students find a way to manage the workload and enjoy the full experience of university life at Trinity.
Experiential learning placements in the Pharmacy program at Trinity College Dublin take place across Year 2, Year 4, and Year 5, and are designed to give you hands-on experience in various professional settings.
- Year 2: A two-week placement where you will gain an introduction to pharmacy practice.
- Year 4: A four-month placement that allows you to choose a specific area for your placement. This can be in:
- Community Pharmacy
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Role-emerging settings (such as research, regulatory affairs, etc.)
- Year 5: An eight-month placement focused on patient-facing roles, ensuring you're fully prepared for entry onto the pharmacy register and to begin professional practice.
These placements provide valuable real-world experience and help integrate your academic learning with practical skills in diverse pharmacy environments.
Students can participate in a research programme abroad during Year 3 or Year 4, typically taking place over the summer months. This offers a unique chance to experience different healthcare systems, research environments, and cultural contexts while continuing your studies.
- Erasmus+: Pharmacy students at Trinity may also have the chance to apply for the Erasmus+ programme, which allows you to study at one of Trinity's partner universities across Europe for a semester.
- Collaborative Research: Opportunities to engage in collaborative research projects or internships in international settings can also be explored, helping to broaden your global perspective.
For more details on the study abroad options and opportunities, you can visit the following pages:
The key difference between Pharmacy and Pharmacology lies in their focus areas:
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Pharmacy is a broader field that encompasses the discovery, production, dispensing, and safe use of medications. It focuses on patient care, ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, and involves understanding how drugs work in the body, as well as how they are managed throughout their lifecycle, from development to disposal.
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Pharmacology, on the other hand, is a specialized branch of medicine that primarily deals with the study of drugs—their chemical properties, biological effects, mechanisms of action, and how they interact with the human body. Pharmacology is concerned with the scientific research behind drugs, their therapeutic use, and toxicology (how drugs can be harmful).
In our M.Pharm Degree you will study pharmacology as part of your coursework, but pharmacy also covers much broader areas, including the manufacturing, regulation, and ethical considerations of medications, as well as direct patient care and clinical pharmacy practice.
So, Pharmacology focuses on the science of drugs, while Pharmacy is concerned with the application of that science in real-world settings to improve patient outcomes.