Entry Requirements for a Mature Student

Details on mature student requirements are available on this page and the Mature Student Entry webpage.

These sites will provide you with information on what is required to apply for a place on the MPharm course in UCC.

I am a mature student and would like to do the Pharmacy degree.  What do I do?

First, check that you meet all the entry requirements. Then, to apply for a place on the programme, you need to apply through the CAO. There are 6-7 places reserved annually for mature students and entrance is dependent on qualifications, experience and an interview.

I have completed a pharmacy technician course. Can I apply for mature student entry?

Yes, however, one of the key points that you will need to be able to demonstrate in your application is that your Chemistry meets the criteria of Leaving Certificate or equivalent including at least a Grade H4 in Higher Level Chemistry. For many students who haven't done Leaving Certificate Chemistry previously, they decide to take it as a single subject so that they can demonstrate their achievement in addition to acquiring the relevant chemistry knowledge prior to entry to pharmacy. This can be done in the same year as applying however note that any offer of a place made would be conditional on you attaining the required grade in the Leaving Certificate. The other important point to demonstrate is the knowledge/experience that you have to date in pharmacy and to provide a strong personal statement.

Is there a graduate entry into Pharmacy as a mature student?

At present, there are two routes onto the pharmacy programme; direct entry from the Leaving Certificate via CAO (achieving the required points) or as a mature student (meeting the requirements outlined here). In terms of the application process, applicants must make an application through the CAO to be considered for a place in UCC as a mature student. The CAO is an online application form that opens in early November and closes on 01 February each year.  There is more information on how to apply on the Central Applications Office (CAO) webpage.

I graduated with a non-Science degree and wants to study Pharmacy.  What can I study or do before applying?  

You would need to achieve at least a Grade H4 in Higher Level Chemistry and get some experience working in a Pharmacy.

Should you have any further queries, please email us.