4 pharmaceutical schools opening doors to global careers

The field of pharmacy is broad and multifaceted, blending science, healthcare, technology, and ethics, offering a wide array of specialisations such as clinical, industrial, community, hospital, and regulatory pharmacy. Each path offers unique opportunities to make an impact.

For example, community pharmacists provide medication counselling, manage prescriptions, and offer health screenings. Hospital pharmacists, on the other hand, work with healthcare teams to prescribe and monitor treatments.

However, as with many healthcare professions, pharmacy requires lifelong learning to stay on top of the latest advancements. If you’re ready to take your expertise further, a Master’s in Pharmacy is the ideal next step. Specialising in your field means you’re stepping into a market with increasing demand: Europe’s pharmacy sector is projected to reach US$401,010.7 million by 2030, growing at 6.5% per year.

Here are three pharmaceutical schools in Europe to help you get started:  

At the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPhS) of the University of Basel, students are introduced to all aspects of modern pharmaceutical research and patient-oriented pharmaceutical concepts. Source: University of Basel

University of Basel

The University of Basel has been a cornerstone of Swiss education for over five centuries, shaping minds and advancing knowledge since 1460. As the oldest university in Switzerland, its seven faculties and their respective departments have built an international reputation for excellence. Among them is the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPhS) of the University of Basel.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Basel’s location near the borders of Germany and France and its status as a leading centre for pharmaceutical research and development make it a great launchpad for aspiring pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a fitting setting for the teaching and research that happen at DPhS, which include the entire drug development process — researching, optimising, and applying pharmaceuticals. Secondly, students and researchers can access and benefit from the city’s rich network of global companies and research institutions. Through collaborations with key partners, including the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), students get to engage in real-world projects and connect with leading industry professionals.

Working closely with industry means putting your name out there and having recruiters recognise the reputation of DPhS programmes like the MSc in Drug Sciences. Launched in 2016, it fuses theory and practical training in the discovery, development, efficacy and safety of substances with a main focus on drugs/medicines. What makes it an impactful programme is its 10-month thesis project which can be done at one of the DPhS research groups, or in collaboration with other departments, universities or institutes (domestic or abroad), or even in industry.

Other hands-on learning experiences include internships and mentorships with industry professionals. But whatever form they take, your experiences here all lead to one outcome: the skills and network needed to thrive in the dynamic world of pharmaceutical sciences. Apply to Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences today.

KI conducts extensive research in nine areas, including cancer, hematology, epidemiology, public health, and neuroscience Source: Karolinska Institute

Karolinska Institute (KI)

Imagine studying at a university where you can improve lives through innovation. That’s what Karolinska Institute in Stockholm offers. Surrounded by breathtaking nature and recognised as a leading centre for healthcare and life sciences in Europe, you’ll discover countless ways to grow personally and professionally.

At Karolinska Institute, you’ll be part of a legacy of excellence in medical research and education. The university conducts the majority of Sweden’s academic medical research and offers the most comprehensive range of programmes in health sciences.

Within this ecosystem, the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology stands out. It is home to over 400 employees, 30 research groups, and 90 doctoral students who deliver industry-relevant education and research in physiology, pharmacology, anesthesiology, and intensive care.

A highlight of the department is the Master’s Programme in Translational Physiology and Pharmacology. This two-year programme combines human physiology, pathology, and pharmacology, with emphasis on mechanism-based therapies and drug development. Plus, you can explore how the body processes and responds to medications by joining the Lena Ekström and Erik Eliasson research groups.

Trinity College Dublin pharmacy graduates find careers in various sectors, including community and hospital pharmacies and pharmaceutical wholesaling. Source: Trinity College Dublin

Trinity College Dublin

Inspiration has lived at Trinity College Dublin since 1592, and more than four hundred years later, it’s still going strong in a student-friendly capital city. The college has grown into Ireland’s largest research centre, where humanities, sciences, and medicine come together to transform lives and communities.

At the heart of this innovative institution is the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Through its five-year Integrated Pharmacy Programme (M.Pharm) and various postgraduate degrees, students gain technical skills that prepare them for the pharmaceutical industry.

Here, you’ll be part of research that matters. From clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice to pharmaceutical technology, you’ll work on projects that improve lives, guided by a team of experts in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, and biotechnology. Plus, the school’s collaborations with top pharmaceutical companies and startups ensure you graduate with real-world experience.

At Trinity College Dublin, you will find the inspiration and support to reach your full potential and carve your path in life. It’s no wonder Trinity is behind one-fifth of Ireland’s spin-outs, has produced more entrepreneurs than any other European university, and has produced more than half of all the Nobel Laureates from the Republic of Ireland. 

UMPCD has two libraries, one dedicated to pre-clinical studies and another for clinical years. Source: Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMPCD)

As Romania’s first medical and pharmaceutical university, UMPCD has been shaping the country’s academic legacy for over 160 years. Today, this internationally renowned university is a beacon of excellence in medical education, moving toward its vision of joining the world’s top 500 universities.  

UMPCD is dedicated to delivering a student-focused education built on continuous innovation and modern teaching practices. The Faculty of Pharmacy is one example, offering bachelor’s and PhD degrees supported by 20 disciplines. And if you’re aiming to specialise, residency programmes give you a head start in building your expertise.

Research is central to UMPCD’s mission. You have access to cutting-edge resources, including research centres, amphitheatres, and a fully equipped ICU Toxicology Clinic for practical learning.

“We have an Innovation and e-Health Centre that has a lot of departments, from 3D printing to medical simulation. There is a research project on space physiology and a thematic course on the same topic,” shares student Sorina-Elena Băiașu.

Beyond academics, UMPCD ensures a well-rounded student experience. Located in Bucharest, you can experience life in a city that perfectly blends tradition and modernity, making it the ideal place to study, grow, and explore.  

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International