Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, has officially launched a new Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) degree at the University of Galway, marking a significant expansion in healthcare education for the west of Ireland.
The new MPharm programme, backed by Government investment in higher education, will create up to 75 new student places annually, with 45 places available for the first intake in September 2025 via the CAO. This is the first time a Master of Pharmacy programme has been offered in the western region, reflecting a strategic commitment to regional access and national workforce development in the healthcare sector.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Lawless highlighted the impact of the new programme:
“This new Master of Pharmacy programme at University of Galway represents a landmark development for the west of Ireland, for students, and for the future of healthcare education in this country.
Government investment in higher education is expanding student opportunities and directly addressing workforce needs in our health service. With up to 75 new places each year, we’re strengthening access to pharmacy education and preparing a new generation of innovative, patient-centred pharmacists.
I commend University of Galway for their leadership in shaping the future of healthcare.”
Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, also welcomed the launch:
“The MPharm programme is a major milestone for our University and the wider region. It represents a strong commitment to providing research-led, transformative healthcare education that directly supports national workforce needs.
We are proud to play a role in training skilled professionals who will have a lasting impact on patient care and healthcare systems. We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of students in September.”
The MPharm is an integrated five-year degree in which students begin as undergraduates and graduate with a Master's qualification. It offers a comprehensive education in clinical, scientific, and professional pharmacy skills, designed to prepare graduates for the demands of a modern healthcare environment.
The MPharm launch is part of a broader national initiative to increase places in healthcare programmes across Ireland:
RCSI will launch a new Bachelor of Dental Surgery in September 2025.
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and South East Technological University (SETU) are set to introduce pharmacy programmes in 2026.
University of Limerick will roll out a new direct entry medicine programme.
The University of Galway will also offer a Graduate Entry Medicine programme from 2026, providing a four-year accelerated route into medicine with a strong focus on rural and remote healthcare.
Prospective students interested in joining the first intake of the University of Galway’s MPharm in September 2025 can now apply via the CAO.
This programme not only enhances opportunities for students in the West but also supports Ireland’s strategic goals in developing a robust, regionalised, and future-ready healthcare workforce.
