BSc in Pharmaceutical Science
At DkIT, we regularly review our programmes to ensure they are relevant, of high quality and continue to meet the needs of industry and the wider community. Every five years, we conduct a 'Programmatic Review' of all programmes within a School. The information associated with this programme on the website and in the prospectus is subject to change as part of this review.
Course Overview
Throughout this course students develop an understanding of the physicochemical and biological principles that underpin the design, function, synthesis, analysis and delivery of pharmaceutical substances. This course educates and trains students to become scientists in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Year 1 and 2 focus on the fundamental sciences and in year 3 there is an emphasis on specialist modules including Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Drug Design, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Management.
What makes this course different

High Earning Potential
80% of graduates are earning up to €50k after 6 months of graduating. (DkIT/HEA Graduate Survey)
Understanding the Industry
Ireland’s life sciences sector has a global reputation for excellence in innovation and operations. There are now over 300 companies located nationwide in this rapidly expanding pharmaceutical industry, a major growth area of economic and strategic importance both in Ireland and worldwide. Pharmaceutical scientists perform vital research to drive drug discovery, development, and testing, as part of research teams tasked with introducing new drugs to the marketplace.
Career Opportunities
Future Careers:
- Lab Technician
- Quality Control/Assurance Analyst
- Chemist, Process Development Technician
- Project Assistant, Chemist/Technician
- Research in academia or the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry
- Validation/Manufacturing Technician
- Research and development, production, and regulatory affairs
- Government agencies such as drug licensing authorities
Course Delivery and Modules
This course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, practicals and tutorials. Practicals include laboratory work. This course contains a high level of hands-on experience at every level.
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Year 1
- Physics through Problem-Based Learning
- Mathematics
- Fundamental Chemistry
- Health & Safety and Academic Skills
- Biology
- Chemistry
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Year 2
- introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Pharmaceutical Microbiology
- Analytical Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmaceutical Processing
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Statistics & Data Analysis
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Year 3
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Immunology
- Regulatory Affairs & GMP Compliance
- Literature Research Project
- Quality Management
- Pharmaceutical Analysis and Validation
- Physiology and Pharmacology
Electives:
- Pharmacopeial Characterisation
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
- Biopharmaceutical Therapeutics
- Pharmaceutical Drug Design
Education Progression
Fees and Funding
Please find information on fees and funding here: www.dkit.ie/fees
Entry Requirements
Standard entry requirements apply. There are no special entry requirements for this course.
- Standard Requirements for Leaving Certificate Applicants
- Standard Requirements for UK/NI Applicants
- Standard Requirements for QQI-Further Education Applicants
- Mature Applicants: Minimum of 23 years of age on January 1st of year of application.
Recent CAO Points
209
168
How To Apply
Apply on CAO
All standard entry first-year applicants must apply for entry through the CAO. See Important application dates for CAO and information for specific applicant types below:
Advanced Entry & Transfer Applications
Advanced Entry is for applicants who have previous educational achievements and/or work experience and want to be considered for direct entry into year 2, 3, or 4 of a course. This includes students looking to transfer to DkIT from another Higher Education provider.
International Application (non-EU)
International Applicants (not from or living in the EU) can apply through an agent or directly to DkIT to study this course.
Ask us a Question
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Course News
See all newsDisclaimer: All module titles are subject to change and for indicative purposes only. All courses are delivered subject to demand and timetables are subject to change. Elective Module options will only run subject to student numbers. The relevant Department will determine the viability of each elective module option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose that option. Students will be offered alternative elective modules on their programme should their preferred elective option not be proceeding. Award Options for Common Entry Programmes: The relevant Department will determine the viability of each award option proceeding depending on the number of students who choose either option. If the numbers for one of the Award options exceed available places, students for this option will be selected based on Academic Merit (highest grades).