Pharmacy Technician (Add on) – BSc

CAO Points: Add on
Location: Athlone
years: 1

Course Code Add on
Level 7
Course Type Undergraduate – Add-Ons
Study Mode Full Time
Department Pharmaceutical Science and Biotechnology

Course Overview

The primary aim of the BSc Pharmacy Technician programme is to advance the skills and knowledge of the qualified pharmacy technician. Furthermore, it seeks to enable the graduate to use his/her skills as a pharmacy technician to promote pharmacy practice in the area of pharmaceutical care of the patient and ultimately, to provide additional skills to the pharmacy technician in the areas of clinical pharmacy, medicines management, purchasing, clinical governance, ethics and aseptic practices. This will enable the graduate to consider career development in additional areas.

Students will attend lectures at TUS Monday to Wednesday and attend pharmacy placement on Thursday and Friday throughout the academic year. Placement is organised by TUS in conjunction with the student. As well as placement the students will undertake a dissertation which allows them to delve into the research world for the first time. Participation in conferences, poster competitions and lectures by guest speakers from the pharmacy industry will ensure that students are well grounded in all areas of work available to pharmacy technicians

Contact Details

Programme Team

Email: pharmacytech.midlands@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must have successfully completed the NFQ level 6 Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician in TUS or another Irish University.

Applicants who currently hold a pharmacy technician qualification, obtained through the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) or equivalent qualification, and 2 years post-qualification experience as a pharmacy technician in Ireland may apply for entry through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

Further Education/Prior Learning Applicants

Applications will also be considered for Direct/Advanced Entry from those with a FETAC Level 5/6 qualification (or equivalent) and/or relevant prior learning. Click here to learn more.

Course Modules

Year 1

Medicines Management
Medicines Optimisation
Clinical Pharmacy
Clinical Governance & Ethics
Research Project
Advanced Pharmacy Skills
Aseptic Practices
Pharmacy Purchasing & Sales
Professional Placement

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Employment opportunities – community and hospital pharmacy, clinical trials, pharmaceutical sales, pharmacy training, pharmacy management, aseptic formulation, pharmacy procurment

Further Study

Students can apply to progress into the MPharm at many Universities in the UK and Ireland. Students can opt to apply for Higher Diploma in Business, level 8 add on here at TUS.

Student Testimonial

“The BSc course at TUS Athlone is an excellent pharmacist-led course with practical modules focused on building your skills as a pharmacy technician in both community and hospital settings. The skills I learned on the BSc helped me in pursuing a career in hospital pharmacy. Modules in aseptics, medication management, medicines optimisation and procurement gave me an edge in hospital interviews that I wouldn’t have otherwise had, helping me secure a career in hospital pharmacy. Our brilliant lecturers are dedicated to enhancing the skills of pharmacy technicians and providing development of competencies whether you are a new graduate or looking to expand your knowledge base. Beyond their expertise, our lecturers actively fostered our learning, offered excellent career advice, and were genuinely invested in building our capabilities as pharmacy technicians, making the BSc year an incredibly rewarding and transformative experience”.

Maria Hyde, BSc Pharmacy Technician Graduate, 2024