Pharmacy Technician StudiesStaidéar Teicneora Cógaslainne

The Pharmacy Technician Studies course has been recognised with the National Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment (DELTA) Awards for 2018–2021, 2021–2024, and 2025–2028, the GradIreland AHECS Employability Award 2023 – Research Informed Award, as well as the TU Dublin Le Chéile Award 2021. In this course, you’ll gain the practical, professional, and academic skills needed to assist in the various activities of a pharmacy that do not require the professional judgement of a pharmacist.

There are many employment opportunities in community and hospital pharmacies, as well as openings in medical sales for pharmaceutical suppliers.

In this course, you’ll acquire knowledge of prescription and non-prescription medicines, and how they’re formulated and used to treat illnesses. You’ll develop the medical knowledge needed to recognise common illnesses, as well as the communication skills to liaise with pharmacists and counsel patients on healthcare issues, including the various healthcare schemes available in Ireland.

You’ll gain experience in dispensing procedures and practices, be able to interpret prescriptions and prepare medicines for dispensing; maintain patient records and operate pharmacy computer systems and supply non-prescription medicines in accordance with legislation and guidelines.

You’ll also get theoretical and practical training in basic sciences, including biology, chemistry, microbiology, maths, and pharmacology. These subjects support the pharmacy technician profession, and also provide a pathway to higher qualifications, including the BSc in Pharmacy.

Work Placement

There is a work placement element to this course. You’ll take part in a pharmacy placement in a hospital or community pharmacy so that you can apply your theoretical knowledge and your skills.

Note: The work placement is flexible; time allowances can be accumulated working in a pharmacy throughout the course. Prior experience in a pharmacy can be considered as part of the placement. Payment for this placement is not guaranteed and is subject to arrangement between you and the placement pharmacy.

On graduation, you’ll be equipped to progress to ordinary and honours degree courses in TU Dublin.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting 

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduate Job Titles

• Pharmacy Technician

Graduate Employers:

• Community Pharmacies
• Hospital Pharmacies

What the industry says:
Pharmacy technicians are essential to the effective, efficient and safe running of hospital pharmacy services. They work with pharmacists to manage the purchasing, storage, supply and distribution of medicines to all the wards and departments in the hospital, thereby ensuring patients receive the medicines they need during their hospital stay. They also work in the hospital’s aseptic compounding unit, preparing doses of medicines for patients. As hospital pharmacy services become more complex, the opportunities for pharmacy technicians are changing and expanding. Graduates from TU Dublin are consistently well prepared to work as pharmacy technicians and to contribute to the ongoing development of hospital pharmacy services.

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2026 are now open and will close in June 2026.

Advanced Entry applications are accepted for this programme and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Advanced Entry (Non-Standard Route)

Applicants seeking advanced entry must be currently completing, or have successfully completed, studies at Level 6, 7, or 8 in a Higher Education Institution (HEI), or hold an equivalent qualification in a science-related discipline.

Applicants must provide official transcripts demonstrating that they have achieved the learning outcomes of Year 1 of the programme into which they are seeking advanced entry. Students admitted through the non-standard advanced entry route will be required to complete all Year 2 modules, as well as the following two additional Year 1 modules:

• BSST1000 – Basic Business with IT Skills
• TFPG1001 – Pharmacy Practice 1

The Pharmacy Technician Studies course has been a remarkable grounding in the sciences and labs, and has provided me with a diverse amount of knowledge in the area of pharmacy and pharmacy-related subjects… The camaraderie in the class was wonderful and the structure of the course, with its large emphasis on labs, ensures team work, which helps forge great relationships.. The academic experience has exceeded my expectations and has led me to apply for a pharmacy degree and I thank the course for paving the way for my passion in the area.

Discover more alumni stories and experiences here.

Progression opportunities for further study exist, including Pharmacy Degree in the UK and Ireland, and NFQ Level 7 or Level 8 pharmaceutical and scientific degree courses at TU Dublin or other higher education institutions. Students who attain an Upper Merit are eligible to transfer to TU875 Pharmaceutical Healthcare.