Pharmacy Technician – Higher Certificate

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Undergraduate Certificate
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Technician at Technological University of The Shannon (TUS) equips you with the essential multi-disciplined skills and theoretical knowledge required to excel as a vital member of the pharmacy team. This programme is designed for individuals keen to play a key role in both community and hospital pharmacy settings, understanding that pharmacy technicians are crucial to the smooth operation of dispensing, prescription processing, and medicine preparation. You will explore core areas such as pharmacy calculations, human anatomy, pharmacology, and legislation, building a strong foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare. This undergraduate certificate offers a direct pathway into a profession where your support is fundamental to patient care and efficient service delivery.

Delivered on campus full-time over two years, your learning experience at TUS Midlands will be highly practical, complementing lectures with hands-on application. Year one focuses on foundational knowledge, while year two integrates advanced topics and culminates in a significant 16-week placement across both community and hospital pharmacy environments, organised by the university. This immersive placement is designed to significantly enhance your employment prospects. You will also gain a valuable first aid qualification as part of your preparation for professional practice, graduating with the confidence and competence to immediately contribute to pharmacy departments and pursue diverse career opportunities.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This higher certificate program prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Year one covers foundational knowledge in areas such as responding to symptoms, pharmacy calculations, human anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and pharmacology. Students will also delve into pharmacy legislation, formulation, compounding, and community pharmacy practice. Year two builds upon this base with modules on advanced pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical microbiology and chemistry, hospital pharmacy, and clinical therapeutics. The program culminates in preparation for and completion of a professional practice placement.

1 YEAR 1

Responding to symptoms
Pharmacy calculations and measurements
Human anatomy and physiology for healthcare
Chemistry for healthcare 1
Fundamentals of pharmacology
Learning for healthcare
Pharmacy legislation and administration
Formulation and compounding
Community pharmacy practice
Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics I
Chemistry for healthcare 2
Human anatomy and physiology for healthcare 2

2 YEAR 2

Pharmacy practice
Pharmaceutical microbiology
Pharmaceutical chemistry
Hospital pharmacy practice
Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics II
Preparation for placement
Professional practice placement

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 15,881.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 31,761.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,807.00 - USD 4,210.00
Transport USD 562.00 - USD 1,123.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,404.00 - USD 2,105.00
Estimated Total USD 4,773.00 - USD 7,438.00

Living cost estimates are based on Athlone Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

92%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Biotechnology & GenomicsClinical Trials & DevelopmentDrug Discovery & ResearchMedical Devices & DiagnosticsPharmaceutical ManufacturingPharmacovigilance & Drug SafetyQuality Assurance & ControlRegulatory Affairs & ComplianceSales & Medical Affairs

Top Employers Hiring for this course

AbbVie

Why Study Pharmacy Technician – Higher Certificate at Technological University of The Shannon

What makes this program stand out

Top 20 in UK For Computer Science

Exeter's Computer Science department consistently ranks among the top 20 in the UK for both teaching quality and research output.

Fast Offers Quick turnaround

Exeter typically responds to applications within 2-3 weeks, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Flexible Intakes September start

Primary intake in September with January start available for some pathways through the INTO foundation program.

Accredited Industry recognized

Accredited by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, meeting requirements for Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status.

Life at Technological University of The Shannon in Ireland

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pharmacy Technician – Higher Certificate at Technological University of The Shannon

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time. During breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week without needing a work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To enroll, international students must meet specific English proficiency requirements. Acceptable tests include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with varying score thresholds.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue roles such as Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Assistant, Community Pharmacy Technician, and Hospital Pharmacy Technician.

What will I actually study in this course?

This course equips you with crucial skills for community and hospital pharmacies. Key topics include prescription processing and medicine storage, enhancing your role as a pharmacy technician.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Pharmacy Technician – Higher Certificate course has an intake month in September. Ensure you apply in advance to secure your spot.
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