Course Overview 

Attempting to find new drug treatments central nervous system (CNS) diseases is a major global priority. This requires a collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and academic institutions. It involves:  

1. The identification of drug targets in the CNS disease state of interest. 
2. Discovery and preclinical profiling of substances acting on this drug target.
3. The clinical evaluation for efficacy and safety.

The Discipline of Pharmacology and Therapeutics has been actively engaged in neuropharmacological research for over 30 years. In 1998, the MSc in Neuropharmacology was introduced to provide students with the skills necessary to develop a career in important area of research. 

Programme outcomes include: 

• Demonstrating a detailed knowledge of the principles and concepts of neuropharmacology.
• Demonstrating an in-depth knowledge of the recent developments and applications in the field of neuropharmacology.
• Demonstrating a high-skill level in a wide range of laboratory skills for neuropharmacological investigations.
• Communicating experimental findings in neuropharmacology effectively, using a variety of verbal, written and visual means.
• Designing, conducting, analysing and presenting their original laboratory‐based research.

What will I study?

The programme is divided into three trimesters (each of 30 ECTS) in the following manner: 

Trimester 1 

• Neuroscience
• Central Neurotransmission
• Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology
• Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
• Experimental Methods in Pharmacology 

Trimester 2 

• Experimental Neuropharmacology
• Current Topics in Neuropharmacology
• Neuropharmacology & Therapeutics 

Trimester 3 

• Neuropharmacology Research Project 

Core Modules:  

• Fundamental Concepts in Pharmacology
• Applied Concepts in Pharmacology
• Neurophysiology
• Central Neurotransmission
• Experimental Methods in Pharmacology
• Experimental Neuropharmacology
• Current Topics in Neuropharmacology
• Neuropharmacology & Therapeutics 

Optional Modules may include: 

• Pharmacology Thesis
• Physiology Thesis
• Biochemistry Thesis
• Anatomy Thesis
• Psychiatry Thesis
• Introduction to Toxicology
• Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Screening Molecular Libraries 

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• Range of modules: Includes modules in fundamental and applied pharmacology, neuroscience, experimental methods in neuropharmacology, providing both practical and theoretical expertise. 
  
• Master core concepts: Develop a solid foundation in neuropharmacology principles and apply them to real-world contexts.
• Enhance analytical skills: Build the ability to interpret and analyse data using advanced tools and methodologies.
• Strengthen problem-solving abilities: Learn to approach neuropharmacological challenges critically, using both theoretical and practical perspectives.
• Develop professional expertise: Hone the skills required to succeed in diverse roles, including neuropharmacology research in academia and industry, policymaking and consultancy.

The majority of graduates of the programme have entered the workforce either in technical or research roles within hospitals, universities or companies, within or outside Ireland. In addition, approximately one-third have embarked on PhD research following graduation.

1-2 students per cohort will conduct their thesis project at the Radboud University as part of the Bilateral Erasmus+ Programme 

Dr. Andrea Kwakowsky
Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Therapeutics  
Programme Director MSc in Neuropharmacology  

• Miriam Moriarty
• John Kelly
• Eilis Dowd
• David Finn
• Howard Fearnhead
• Aideen Ryan
• Oliver Tracey
• Linda Howard
• Michelle Roche
• Andrew Flaus

How will I learn? 

The M.Sc. in Neuropharmacology is delivered across two semesters including an individual research project as a third semester. The programme combines taught modules, practical experience, and independent research.  

By the end of the course, learners will be able to: 

• Nomenclature & terminology: Define and correctly use discipline-specific terms to explain concepts and annotate data.
• Laboratory skills: Perform core experimental techniques safely and accurately, recording methods and results to reproducible standards.
• Independent thought: Propose justified approaches to problems, troubleshoot procedures, and reflect on outcomes to plan next steps.
• Experimental design: Formulate testable hypotheses and design controlled experiments, including appropriate controls, replicates, and sample sizes.
• Scientific writing: Produce clear, concise reports and figures (abstract, methods, results, discussion) that meet scholarly and ethical standards.
• Statistical analysis: Select suitable statistical tests, carry out analyses, visualize data, and interpret effect sizes and uncertainty.
• Critical analysis: Appraise primary literature and datasets, identifying assumptions, strengths, limitations, and alternative interpretations. 

The learning outcomes are aligned with the following postgraduate teaching, learning, and assessment methods: 

Teaching & learning activities 

• Practical classes (laboratories/workshops): supervised application of core techniques.
• Tutorials: guided problem-solving and feedback.
• Invited expert seminars: sessions led by guest lecturers.
• Small-group work: collaborative inquiry and peer learning.
• Independent study: structured self-directed learning.
• Supervised research: independent scientific investigation. 

How Will I Be Assessed? 

Your progress will be evaluated through a variety of assessments including: 

• Written reports/manuscripts: discipline-standard scientific writing.
• Oral presentations: scholarly communication and defence of work.
• Written examinations: evaluation of knowledge and analysis.
• Oral examinations: critical reasoning and synthesis.
• Problem-based exercises: applied problem solving.
• Research thesis/dissertation: capstone research project.
• Posters presentation.

Course queries: 
andrea.kwakowsky@universityofgalway.ie 

Programme Director(s): 

Dr Andrea Kwakowsky  
Associate Professor in Pharmacology and Therapeutics 
Programme Director MSc in Neuropharmacology  
University of Galway 
School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences   
E: andrea.kwakowsky@universityofgalway.ie 
T: +353 91 493012 

Minimum Entry Requirements 

Successful students will normally hold at least a Second Class Honours Level 8 degree from any of a range of undergraduate disciplines, from Chemistry to Life Science subjects to Psychology. Students are also considered who have a Level 7 degree and three years’ relevant work experience. IELTS score of 6.5 (with not less than 5.5 in any one component). 

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance. 

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

Course Type	Year	EU Tuition	Student Contribution	Non-EU Tuition	Levy	Total Fee	Total EU Fee	Total Non-EU Fee
Masters Full Time	1	€8,900	€-	€28,500	€140	€140	€9,040	€28,640

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.