Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland
Do you want to build a career in the expanding pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries?
A Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland can be a perfect program to help you reach your goals.
Ireland is a global player in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical production. It is home to the top pharma companies like Pfizer, Boston Scientific, AstraZeneca, and Jhonson & Jhonson. All these facilities make the biopharmaceutical industry a significant contributor to the Irish economy.
Hence, choosing pharmaceutical studies in Ireland can help you earn in a sector that is a key pillar of the country’s economy. If you’re considering a Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland, let’s walk you through top universities, admission requirements, tuition fees, career prospects, and more.
Why Study Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland?
1. A Global Pharma Leader:
85+ pharmaceutical companies, including industry leaders like Novartis, AbbVie, Janssen, Pfizer, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Takeda, have significant operations in Ireland.
Combined with technology, the biopharmaceutical industry contributed more than €15 billion in corporation taxes in 2021.
2. Critical Skills Occupation:
Ireland needs people in this industry to fill the gap that requires the proper functioning of the economy.
Industrial Pharmacists and professionals with pharmaceutical product strategy development/management are among Ireland’s most critical job shortages for the year 2022.
3. Critical Skills Employment Permit:
The Critical Skills Employment Permit is designed to attract highly skilled people into the labor market to encourage them to take up permanent residence in the country.
Applicants for this work permit should show proof of a job offer with a minimum of EURO 32,000/annum.
4. World-Class Talent:
Pharmaceutical industries are on the hunt to equip skilled labor from Ireland’s pool of talent.
They are ready to hire employees from the existing pharma sites who are experienced in quality assurance, quality control, product development, science, and engineering.
5. Globally Ranking Universities:
Four universities fall under the top 250 globally for pursuing a Masters in Pharmacy in Ireland.
Did You know?
7/10 worldwide ‘BLOCKBUSTER’ drug products are manufactured in Ireland.
Our Top Article – Must read: 17 Benefits to Study in Ireland for Indian students
Best Universities for Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland
| Universities | Global Ranking for Pharmacy |
| Trinity College Dublin | 26 |
| University College Cork | 94 |
| University College Dublin | 151-200 |
| University of Galway | 251-300 |
| Technological University Dublin | – |
| Technological University of the Shannon (AIT) | – |
| South East Technological University (IT Carlow) | – |
| Griffith College Dublin | – |
Related read: Top Universities in Ireland for Masters
Pharmaceutical Science Course Curriculum in Ireland
There are 10+ postgraduate pharmacy courses in Ireland for international students. All these courses have a duration of 12 months with a dissertation project in the final semester.
| Ireland universities for Masters in Pharmacy | Pharmacy Courses |
| Trinity College Dublin | M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| University College Dublin | MEngSc Biopharmaceutical Engineering |
| University of Galway | MSc in Neuropharmacology |
| University College Cork | MEngSc in Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering |
| MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Sciences | |
| MSc Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds | |
| MSc Industrial Pharmaceutical Sciences, Operations & Management | |
| MRes Industrial Pharmaceutics | |
| Technological University Dublin | MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & Regulation |
| Technological University of the Shannon – AIT | MSc in Biopharmaceutical Technology |
| MSc Pharmaceutical and Chemical Analysis | |
| MSc Process Validation and Regulatory Affairs | |
| South East Technological University (IT – Carlow) | MSc in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs |
| Griffith College | MSc In Pharmaceutical Business and Technology |
| MSc in International Pharmaceutical Business Management |
For more details on the modules taught in these subjects, please visit our blog on “Top Postgraduate Pharmacy Courses in Ireland“.
Who Can Apply? MSc in Pharmaceutical Science Eligibility Criteria
These are the general admission requirements for masters in pharmaceutical science in Ireland.
UG requirements for pharma studies:
| Irish Scale | Indian Scale | |
| Universities | Minimum of 2.1 honors | CGPA 6.5 and above or 60% to 69% |
| Colleges | Minimum of 2.2 honors | CGPA 6.5 and above or 60% to 69% |
English language test score for pharma studies:
| English Language Requirements (minimum eligibility criteria) | |
| Universities | IELTS: 6.0 with no band less than 5.5* TOEFL: 90iBT Duolingo: 100 PTE: 63 |
| Colleges | IELTS: 6.0 TOEFL: 90iBT PTE: 60 Duolingo: 95 |
Also read: How to study in Ireland without IELTS
Do You Need Work Experience for MSc in Pharmaceutical Science?
There is no mandatory work experience needed for pharmaceutical science in Ireland. Irish universities always look for the basic eligibility criteria put up on their course page.
However, it is also true that your previous work experience can increase your chances of getting selected to study a masters in Ireland. The university can also consider relevant experience, in case you don’t satisfy your basic UG score.
How Much Does a Masters in Pharmaceutical Science Cost in Ireland?
Here is a cost comparison of MSc Pharmaceutical Science fees at top Irish Universities.
University/College | EUROS | INR |
| Trinity College Dublin | 16,210 | 14.7 lakhs |
| University College Dublin | 29,100 | 26.5 lakhs |
| University of Galway | 27,000 | 24.5 lakhs |
| University College Cork | 19,300 – 24,000 | 17.5 – 22 lakhs |
| Technological University Dublin | 21,750 | 19.7 lakhs |
| South East Technological University (Carlow – IT Carlow) | 11,250 | 10 lakh |
| Technological University of the Shannon (AIT) | 18,500 | 16.8 lakhs |
| Griffith College | 14,500 – 17,500 | 13 – 16 lakhs |
On average, you will require 15 lakhs to study a masters in pharmacy in Ireland. But it doesn’t stop here. The cost of studying in Ireland has far more things to calculate that covers everything from travel to living expenditure.
Read more: Curriculum on the 15 Best Postgraduate Pharmacy Courses in Ireland
Scholarships for Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship:
This is open to all students who wish to pursue their higher studies in Ireland.
The selected candidate can waive their entire tuition fee with an additional amount of €10,000 as a stipend/annum to cover the cost of living in Ireland.
University scholarships:
There are also other pharmaceutical science scholarships in Ireland offered by universities and colleges. This is completely based on your academic profile.
| Institution | Scholarship | Waiver |
| Trinity College Dublin | Postgraduate Indian Scholarships | €3,000 |
| Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarships | €2000 to €5,000 | |
| University College Dublin | Global Excellence Scholarships | Up to 100% to 50% of tuition fees |
| VV. Giri Global Excellence Scholarship (in memory of UCD’s alumnus and the fourth President of India, Sir Varahagiri Venkata Giri) | Full tuition fee waiver | |
| University of Galway | South Asian Student Scholarships | €1,000 up to 50% tuition fee |
| University College Cork | SEFS International Student Merit-Based Scholarship | Up to 20% of tuition fee |
| Taught Master’s Scholarships | €2,500 | |
| Griffith College Dublin | Academic Merit Scholarships | Up to €1500 |
Read more: Scholarships in Ireland for Masters
Documents Required for MSc Pharmaceutical Science Admission
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- English language test scores
- Updated resume
- 2 LORs
- Statement of Purpose. Your statement should be approximately 500 words
- Passport copy
- Experience letter (if applicable)
- Candidates applying for NUI, Galway, require submission of a research proposal for consideration
MSc Pharmaceutical Science Application Deadlines
There are two popular intakes in Ireland:
| Autumn | September |
| Winter | January |
Whatever intake you are considering for pharmaceutical studies in Ireland, it is good to start the application process as early as possible. We recommend you start 6 months before the course commencement. It allows you to gain well-researched data on the program and university to apply.
In general, masters of pharmaceutical science has the following application deadline in Ireland:
Autumn intake application deadline – June/July
Winter intake application deadline – September / October
Following proper deadlines can help you with a smooth visa application process.
Jobs after Masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland
Are you somebody who loves the idea of working directly in a pharma lab?
Or, a person who loves building relationships with other healthcare professionals?
Whatever you wish, there’s the right job within this country for you.
Ireland is also one of the top 7 employers of MedTech professionals in Europe as well as the greatest employer of MedTech professionals [Source: The Irish MedTech Association]
Ireland ranked 6th in Europe with the highest direct employment (42,000) in the medical technology industry for 2021.
Salary after Pharmaceutical Studies in Ireland
The average pay scale with a pharmaceutical degree in Ireland can be ~€52k/ year (47 lakhs) for international graduates.
Also Read: Top 10 Pharmaceutical Companies in Ireland [with salary]
Career options after MSc pharmaceutical science in Ireland
These are some of the popular jobs that you can get with a masters of pharmaceutical science in Ireland.
| Job Roles | Average Base Pay/ annum | |
| Euros | INR | |
| Pharmacist | 64,278 | 51.8 Lakhs |
| Pharmaceutical Technician | 37,283 | 30 Lakhs |
| Pharmacist in charge | 54,975 | 44.3 Lakhs |
| Technical Specialist | 47,504 | 38.3 Lakhs |
| Pharmacy Manager | 64,861 | 52.2 Lakhs |
| Staff Pharmacist | 48,963 | 39.4 Lakhs |
| Clinical Pharmacist | 68,910 | 55.5 Lakhs |
| Infectious Disease Physician | 71,996 | 58 Lakhs |
| Clinic Coordinator | 47,693 | 38.4 Lakhs |
People also Read: Post-study work visa option in Ireland after masters
Key Takeaway
A masters in pharmaceutical science in Ireland not only opens doors to globally authorized academic opportunities, but equips you with skills to get placed in one of the high-demand sectors.
With industry-leading firms and attractive research setups, Ireland can make the perfect choice for you.
Now that you know the window to all the merits, start exploring more with our expert guidance. Connect and discuss your profile to shortlist the right pharma program, university, and scholarship options for you.
FAQs
1. Is Ireland good for pharmacy students?
A large part of Ireland’s economy depends on pharmaceuticals, and the nation is home to some of the industry’s biggest companies.
These companies are always looking for skilled laborers from Ireland to join their strategic workforce.
To satisfy their needs, universities and colleges have designed their Masters in Pharmacy courses that bridge the market gap through research and development.
2. Are pharmacists in demand in Ireland?
Pharmaceutical jobs are among Ireland’s critical skill employment list in 2022 and give the eligibility criteria to apply for a critical skill visa when the graduates have a job that offers a minimum of 30,000 EURO/annum.
3. How much are pharmacists paid in Ireland?
The average basic pay for a graduate after completing his/her master’s in Pharmacy degree in Ireland is €52k/ year (41.9 Lakhs/year).
4. Are Irish universities good for pharmacy studies?
Ireland has four globally ranking universities (among the top 250) for pharmacology studies.
5. Is MSc pharmaceutical science 1-year or 2-years in Ireland?
Pharmaceutical studies in Ireland (Master’s course) has a duration of 1 year for international students. The program consists of two semesters of industry-aligned modules followed by a research project in the third semester.
How Can Sarem Education Help You?
As a study in Ireland consultants, we offer honest, reliable information to push students toward their Master’s dreams.
We offer the following services to pursue masters in Pharmaceutical Science in Ireland:
- 100% Visa Approval Service
- Free unlimited consultation
- Assistance with part-time programs
- Assistance with scholarships
- Assistance with education loan
- Pre-departure and post-arrival support
