Health science education encompasses diverse disciplines aimed at understanding and improving human health. Students who choose to study health science programmes are driven by a sense of purpose to contribute to the improvements in human health, apart from being attracted to the high-paying job opportunities available across the globe. While pursuing their degrees, they study various subjects, including biological sciences, healthcare systems, clinical skills, public health, research methods, and ethics prevalent in healthcare.
With its vibrant healthcare ecosystem, Ireland is increasingly becoming a favourable destination among international students who want to study health science. Irish universities are globally recognised for their high-quality education and academic excellence in various subjects, including health science, and several Irish institutions rank among the top universities worldwide for health science courses.
Learn more about leading health science courses at Irish universities below. To apply, contact SI-Ireland today.
Top Universities for Health Science
1. Trinity College Dublin
TCD is a prestigious Irish university that offers courses in the discipline through the Faculty of Health Sciences, including the Schools of Medicine, Dental Science, Nursing & Midwifery, and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Science. The university works closely with clinical partners to curate programmes based on clinical expertise.
Students at TCD can pursue health science courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, which are taught through innovative teaching methods. The university also engages in research initiatives to prepare students to meet the demands of an evolving healthcare environment worldwide.
- Suggested Course: BSc in Human Health and Disease
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must hold educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with H4 in Biology and H4 in either Physics or Chemistry. English language proficiency is also needed for international students.
- International Fees: €25,680
- Faculties: Faculty of Health Sciences
- Campus: Dublin
2. University College Dublin
Ireland's largest institution, University College Dublin, provides a comprehensive range of health science programmes through the UCD College of Health and Agricultural Sciences. The College was established in 2015 to bring all health professionals at UCD under one banner to collaborate to improve the health of all life forms through a special UCD initiative termed ‘One Health.’ Through this initiative, the college has segmented its teaching and research approach through five schools.
- Suggested Course: BSc Nursing
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have educational qualifications equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate with English, Mathematics and a laboratory science subject. English language proficiency is needed for international students.
- International Fees: € 29,100
- Faculties: College of Health and Agricultural Sciences
- Campus: Dublin
3. University College Cork
Through the College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork provides medical and healthcare professionals with a student-centred education in health science. The College comprises six schools, enabling the university to offer specialised programmes in Medicine, Dental Science, Public Health, Pharmacy, Clinical Therapies and others. Students can take up undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in these fields along with research-based courses.
- Suggested Course: BSc Medical & Health Sciences
- Entry Requirements: Applicants to the course must have educational credentials equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate in specific scores in Maths, English, Chemistry and a laboratory science subject. English language proficiency is also required to gain admission to the course.
- International Fees: €25,600
- Faculties: College of Medicine and Health
- Campus: Cork
4. University of Limerick
At the University of Limerick, the Faculty of Education and Health Sciences provides specialised education in healthcare subjects. The faculty includes Schools of Medicine, Education and Allied Health, and special Departments of Psychology, Nursing and midwifery, Sport Sciences, and Physical Education that offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The university also has a specific Health Sciences Academy that works on bringing education, research, training, and innovation closer to clinical practice.
- Suggested Course: MSc in Public Health
- Entry Requirements: Applicants to the course must have a second-class honours bachelor's degree and showcase proficiency in the English language.
- International Fees: €14,400
- Faculties: Faculty of Education and Health Sciences
- Campus: Limerick
5. University of Galway
At the University of Galway, students are provided with expert education in the healthcare field through the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Comprising three schools, Health Sciences, Medicine, Nursing & Midwifery, the college prepares healthcare practitioners to be the best in their field through a selection of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The university works closely with clinical partners to curate programmes based on clinical expertise and innovative research practices.
- Suggested Course: Bachelor of Medicine (MB) of Surgery (BCh) and of Obstetrics (BAO)
- Entry Requirements: Applicants must have educational credentials equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate, having H4 in two of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Agricultural Science. English language proficiency is also required to gain admission to the course.
- International Fees: €50,135
- Faculties: College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
- Campus: Galway
Study Health Sciences in Ireland
Are you interested in studying a health degree in Ireland? Book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to learn all the details and start your application.
FAQ
Which Irish University offers scholarships for health science courses?
Several Irish universities offer scholarships for health science courses, providing financial assistance to deserving students pursuing medical, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and related disciplines. Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) are among the top universities offering scholarships.
What career opportunities are available after completing a health science degree in Ireland?
After completing a health science degree in Ireland, graduates can pursue fulfilling health science careers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, biomedical scientists, healthcare administrators, public health professionals, and clinical researchers. They may work in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or academia.
What kind of exposure do Irish Universities provide to International Students?
Most Irish universities provide extensive exposure to international students pursuing health science degrees. During their study years, students can undertake internships, clinical placements, and research collaborations with healthcare institutions and industry partners. Many universities also provide support services tailored to the needs of international students, including orientation programmes, academic advising, language support, and cultural integration initiatives.