By Jamie Curley
The Government has announced plans to expand healthcare courses at the University of Galway, introducing two new degree programmes for Pharmacy and Graduate Entry Medicine.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan T.D confirmed the expansion last Friday (18 October), which will create 123 places for students across the two programmes.
These programmes intend to address concerns regarding the shortage of critical healthcare workers in Ireland while tackling the University’s mission to promote health and well-being.
Minister’s Reaction
Speaking about the programme, Minister O’Donovan said: “I am excited to see the impact these new projects will have on the health sector and those who avail of their services.
“They truly have the potential to revolutionise our higher education landscape and provide more opportunities for students to follow their passions in healthcare and medicine.”
Course Details
The Graduate Entry Medicine course will be a four-year programme offering an accelerated pathway into Medicine for graduates.
It will allow them to build on their prior academic achievements to become qualified medical professionals. There will be 48 places on offer.
The programme will also emphasise preparing students for careers in rural and remote medicine, ensuring that all communities, including those in under-served areas, have access to skilled healthcare professionals.
Meanwhile, the new five-year Masters programme for Pharmacy provides education in pharmacy, combining theoretical learning with practical training.
Following confirming of accreditation, it is intended that there will be 45 places for students in the first year of entry and 75 places thereafter.
Professor Peter McHugh, Interim President of University of Galway, said: “The Government investment in healthcare education at University of Galway is transformative and enables us to take a significant step towards fulfilling our strategic objectives of providing excellent education and training, founded on high-impact research, which will go a long way to addressing the healthcare workforce needs of our country.”
Dates for the first intake of students for both programmes are yet to be confirmed.