Studying Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance

We all swallow pills or sip tonics in the belief that they will put us right or at least alleviate troubling symptoms. But, how can we be so sure of the efficacy of the medication we partake?

There are teams of specialists whose job is to ensure that medicines deliver on their therapeutic promises. They work at all stages of drug development, right from initial experimentation and clinical trials to packaging and production to dispensing and distribution. Across all these stages, they ensure rigorous health and safety, scientific and legal standards and norms are being met. There are both internal quality assurance professionals employed by pharmaceutical companies themselves and external and third party specialists working for pharmacies and the government.

Several courses require you complete an internship alongside studies. This is a great chance to gain relevant work experience and build a professional network in Ireland.

Some of the most sought after universities and colleges in Dublin are:

• Maynooth University
• Dublin Institute of Technology
• University College Cork
• Griffith College Dublin

Salary and Career Prospects

Pharmaceutical quality assurance professionals find work with pharmaceutical companies (Roche, Johnson and Johnson), hospitals, pharmacies and the government.

Some of the roles they take up are Quality Specialist, Quality Audit Inspector, Quality Assurance Specialist, Quality Engineer and Quality Assurance Analyst.

Salaries vary based on experience, qualifications, skills and location. As a guide, pharmaceutical quality assurance professionals earn around €44,000 a year (35 lakhs INR).

Why study in Ireland?

Ireland is a popular study destination for international students. Higher education bodies in Ireland comprise universities, institutes of technology and colleges affiliated to universities. Almost all these establishments are owned and funded by Irish government.

Ireland, or Republic of Ireland as it’s officially known as, neighbours United Kingdom and is a member of European Union. English is the language spoken here.

Irish economy is robust and is a knowledge-based. Key sectors are IT, high-end engineering, life sciences and pharmaceutical and financial services. Several multinational countries operate out of Ireland. These include giants like Apple, Twitter, Facebook, Google, Barclays, Citi, Roche and Johnson and Johnson.

Ireland is vibrant country, with friendly and outgoing people. It has spectacular castles, beautiful beaches and other natural attractions and offers opportunities to take part in outdoor adventure, sports, racing and fishing.

Dublin is the capital and the largest city. It has a thriving cultural scene and it is the birthplace of eminent writers like James Joyce.

International graduates are able to apply for a post-study work permit lasting up to 2 years.