National Pharmacy Internship Programme

Following the successful completion of a PSI accredited Bachelor degree programme in pharmacy, a student is eligible to apply for the National Pharmacy Internship Programme (NPIP). This one-year programme is provided by the RCSI on behalf of the PSI and will lead to the award of an MPharm degree for all successful candidates. After this, graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the PSI in order to practice as a pharmacist.

The 4 +1 programme (Bachelor and NPIP) is being replaced by the new integrated five-year Master's degree programme. With the incorporated practice placements for students on the new five year programme, the NPIP is not applicable to those students (who have commenced since September 2015).

Graduates of the four year Bachelor programme, who have yet to undertake an NPIP placement are reminded that the final opportunity to undertake the NPIP will be the 2018/2019 academic year. Eligible applicants are advised to register their interest as soon as possible. Please contact the PSI at education@psi.ie for further details.

The NPIP comprises of two components:

  • the in-service practical training programme and
  • the Professional Registration Examination.

Throughout the internship year, the pharmacy intern will train under the direct supervision of a tutor pharmacist in an approved training establishment. This workplace learning is supported by an online academic programme.

Each intern will undertake 12 months training either in a single block or as two separate 6-month practice placements. At least six months of the overall placement must be in a patient-facing environment (for example, in a hospital or community pharmacy). A 6-month placement can also be undertaken in an industrial, regulatory or academic setting. Tutor pharmacists will supervise and mentor the intern throughout the year. The Central Application and Selection Process (CAASP) is the system through which students are matched to suitable placements.

The primary aim of the programme is to ensure that graduates have obtained the designated learning and competencies appropriate for professional practice as a pharmacist, as outlined in the Core Competency Framework for Pharmacists.

NPIP 2018/2019

The application process for the National Pharmacy Internship Programme 2018/2019 opens on 18 June 2018. All applicants must make an online application through the RCSI.

Further information on key dates for NPIP 2017/2018 are below:

Please direct any specific queries you may have about the Programme to:

Programme Co-ordinator
National Pharmacy Internship Programme
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
123 St. Stephen’s Green
Dublin 2
Email: mpharm@rcsi.ie

The NPIP is provided by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) on behalf of the PSI.