Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

South East Technological University Waterford

Program Overview

The Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) at South East Technological University (SETU) is a five‑year integrated degree that combines rigorous pharmaceutical science education with real‑world clinical experience, preparing you for professional pharmacy practice in Ireland and beyond. This programme is ideal for students who are passionate about patient care, medicines, and healthcare innovation, offering in-depth study across drug design, pharmacology, therapeutics, professional practice, and research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences with modules such as Foundations of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Cellular Biochemistry, alongside Pharmacy Practice 1. You will also begin developing analytical skills through Introduction to Research Methods and Data Analysis, and explore essentials like Pharmacology 1 and Physical Chemistry for Pharmacy, giving you the scientific and professional grounding for future years.

Year 2:
Year 2 strengthens your scientific understanding while showing how it applies to the human body and healthcare. You will study Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Drug Design, Synthesis and Analysis, Body Systems: Cardiovascular and Renal, Infection and Immunity, and deepen clinical insight with Pharmacology 2 and Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Pharmacy Practice continues with a focus on teamwork and multidisciplinary care.

Year 3:
In Year 3, the focus moves toward applied pharmaceutical manufacturing, professional ethics, leadership, and regulatory understanding. Modules include Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology, Pharmaceutical Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs, and Management and Leadership Skills for Pharmacists, while you also explore complex body systems like Nervous, Sensory and Musculoskeletal. Research skills are further developed through Research Methods in Pharmacy and Pharmacognosy and Natural Products.

Year 4:
This year emphasizes experiential learning and workplace readiness. Alongside Advanced Formulation, Analysis and Clinical Medical Devices and Veterinary Pharmacy and OneHealth, you will complete Professional Skills Development and placements that allow you to apply your knowledge in real pharmacy, industry, or healthcare settings.

Year 5:
In the final year, you focus on advanced patient-centered care, translational science, and strategic thinking with modules such as Translational Science: From Drug Discovery to Patient Care, Pharmacogenomics and Personalised Medicines, and Public and Population Health. You will also complete an Experiential Learning Placement, a research project, and prepare for the Professional Registration Examination required for practice.

Focus areas

Pharmaceutical science and chemistry, clinical pharmacy and therapeutics, regulatory affairs and quality management, research methods, leadership and professional practice, experiential placements in community, hospital, and industry settings.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will demonstrate expert knowledge of medicines development and use, safe and effective patient care, reflective professional practice, research competence, and readiness for multidisciplinary healthcare roles.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This MPharm programme is fully accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, ensuring graduates are eligible to register and practice as pharmacists in Ireland.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At South East Technological University, the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) is designed to give you hands-on experience from the very start. Rather than learning theory in isolation, you’ll be placed in real pharmacy environments where you can apply what you’ve learned in classrooms and labs directly to patient care and professional practice. These experiences help you build confidence in medication management, patient interaction, teamwork, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that by the time you graduate, you are ready to step into a professional pharmacy role.

Throughout the programme, your experiential learning is carefully structured to match your stage of study, gradually increasing in complexity and responsibility:

Structured Work Placements:
• Year 2 placements in community and hospital pharmacies to apply foundational knowledge under supervision.
• Longer, specialised placements in Year 4, including exposure to pharmaceutical industry roles and non-patient-facing areas.
• Extended patient-focused placements in Year 5 to prepare you for professional practice and registration.
Supervised Clinical and Community Practice: Work directly with registered pharmacists, gaining real experience in dispensing medicines, providing therapeutic advice, and collaborating with healthcare teams.
Alignment with Professional Standards: All placements follow the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s competency framework, ensuring your experiences meet national requirements for professional registration.
Exposure to Interprofessional and Emerging Roles: Beyond community and hospital settings, the programme gives you insight into industry, regulatory, and other evolving pharmacy roles.
Collaborative Practice Arrangements: SETU partners with organisations that provide placements across community, hospital, and industrial settings, ensuring you access a wide variety of professional experiences.
Research-Linked Environment: You will also be connected to research activity through the Department of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical and Molecular Biotechnology Research Centre, which enriches your practical learning with cutting-edge scientific insight.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) at South East Technological University are well-prepared to pursue rewarding careers as qualified pharmacists and healthcare professionals. You could work as a community pharmacist, a hospital pharmacist, a pharmaceutical industry specialist, or in regulatory affairs, making a meaningful impact on patient care and public health. The programme also opens doors to research, academia, and specialised consultancy, giving you a wide foundation for professional success.

Career support and professional resources:
• SETU’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored guidance from early in your studies, including CV and interview workshops, one-to-one career coaching, and support connecting you with employers in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
• The university hosts employer engagement events and networking opportunities that link you with professionals and organisations aligned with pharmacy roles and related industries.

Employment outlook and salary expectations:
• Pharmacy graduates in Ireland are in demand across community, hospital, industry, and regulatory settings, ensuring strong entry-level opportunities.
• Typical salaries for pharmacists range between approximately €50,000 and €65,000 per year, with potential for growth as you gain experience.

University–industry connections:
• The Department of Pharmacy has strong relationships with professionals across community, hospital, and industry sectors, keeping the programme closely aligned with employer needs.
• These partnerships enhance placement opportunities, inform the curriculum, and help you build a professional network before graduation.

Long-term accreditation value:
• The MPharm is accredited by the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, which makes you eligible to register and practise as a pharmacist in Ireland — a qualification recognised nationally and required for professional practice.

Graduation outcomes:
• You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to deliver patient-centred care, manage medications safely, work within regulatory frameworks, and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary teams.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MPharm, you can continue your studies through a PhD in Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Science, focusing on research and specialist areas that influence healthcare practice and policy. You may also pursue other postgraduate certificates or master’s programmes in fields such as healthcare leadership or pharmaceutical sciences, broadening your expertise and expanding your career opportunities.