Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development Bachelor of Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University Sligo

Program Overview

This degree equips you with a strong understanding of how medicines are discovered, developed, analysed, and manufactured, combining chemistry, biology, and pharmaceutical technology into a cohesive pathway. It is ideal for curious students who want to work in the global life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, mastering both theory and practical skills from the start.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, you will build a solid foundation in core sciences such as chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, while being introduced to pharmaceutical concepts like Drug Discovery and Development and Introduction to Pharmaceutical Science. You will also develop digital and information technology skills that support lab work and scientific communication throughout your degree.

Year 2

Year two focuses on deeper scientific knowledge, covering subjects such as Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Microbiology, and Pharmaceutical Analytical Methods. You will learn how drugs are analysed and gain an understanding of chemical synthesis and biochemistry, preparing you for more specialised work in later years.

Year 3

In the third year, you will tackle advanced topics including Pharmaceutical Formulation, Active Ingredient Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Processing and Medical Device Manufacture, and Pharmaceutical Quality Systems. These modules develop your ability to think and work like a professional scientist, applying quality systems, formulation strategies, and scientific communication skills.

Year 4 (Honours Year)

The honours year includes an industry placement, giving you hands-on experience in a real pharmaceutical or biotech setting. You will also study advanced topics such as Advanced Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Legislation, Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, and Compliance Auditing and Validation. A major Pharmaceutical Project and training in Research Methods prepare you for industry roles or further study.

Focus Areas

Drug discovery and development, analytical chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation, quality systems, biopharmaceuticals, regulatory science, laboratory technologies

Learning Outcomes

Understand the scientific principles of drug development; conduct analytical and synthetic laboratory work; apply quality and regulatory frameworks; communicate scientific findings effectively; integrate theory with practical experience in real industry settings

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This is an Irish Level 8 Honours Bachelor of Science degree awarded by Atlantic Technological University, recognised within the Irish National Framework of Qualifications and valued by pharmaceutical and biotech employers

Reputation (Employability and Recognition)

Atlantic Technological University is a recognised technological university in Ireland known for strong industry links and career-focused STEM education. Graduates are sought after across the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device sectors, which are major contributors to Ireland’s economy and global pharmaceutical exports

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Atlantic Technological University in Sligo, you’ll do much more than just attend lectures — you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you directly for work in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sectors. The Pharmaceutical Science with Drug Development degree emphasizes practical learning from the very start, with regular laboratory sessions where you use real scientific equipment and develop essential analytical and formulation skills. The Sligo campus is designed to support active learning with specialist science laboratories, collaborative spaces for group work, and modern digital tools that help you work like a scientist from day one. You will also benefit from excellent study facilities like the Yeats Library, which provides extensive print and online scientific resources, group study rooms, and research support for projects and reports.

This practical focus extends into real work environments and professional collaborations, including:

Specialist science laboratories on campus for drug analysis, formulation work, microbial testing, and pharmaceutical chemistry experiments.
Work placements in industry, giving you direct experience in pharmaceutical companies where you apply your learning in manufacturing, quality systems, or regulatory roles.
Group-based scientific projects and final year research, where you learn to plan experiments, analyse data, and communicate findings like a professional scientist.
Modern digital tools and data analysis software to support laboratory work and build skills in scientific computing, statistics, and technical reporting.
Opportunities for internships and work experience with leading pharmaceutical companies in the region, enriching industry connections and employability.
Yeats Library resources, providing access to scientific books, journals, computers, and group study spaces to support research and coursework throughout your degree.

These experiences ensure you graduate with not only strong theoretical knowledge but also practical skills, professional confidence, and industry exposure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are highly sought after in Ireland’s growing pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical sector, with many quickly securing roles in quality control, drug formulation, regulatory affairs, and laboratory analysis. Typical entry-level positions include Quality Control Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Associate, Production Scientist, or Pharmaceutical Formulation Specialist, reflecting the wide range of skills you develop throughout the degree. Because the Irish pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in Europe, demand for skilled science graduates remains strong and continues to grow:

Career support services at ATU, such as the Career Development Centre, offer tailored CV and interview guidance, career fairs, and networking opportunities that connect students directly with employers, helping you transition smoothly from study to work.
Industry placements are an integral part of the degree, giving you hands-on experience in leading pharmaceutical companies so you graduate with practical skills and professional confidence.
Strong industry links within Ireland’s life sciences sector provide graduates with opportunities across established multinational companies and innovative biotech startups.
Employment outcomes and salary potential are positive, with a high proportion of graduates finding employment or pursuing further study within six months of completing their degree, often in roles with competitive starting salaries.
Long-term value of the degree comes from its combination of scientific knowledge and industry-relevant skills, making it highly respected by employers in pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate programmes such as a master’s in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical technology, or related fields. There are also opportunities to continue into research degrees, including MSc or PhD programmes, which can open doors to careers in research, higher education, or specialised scientific roles requiring advanced expertise.