The TCD four-year degree course in pharmacy is currently the only course in the State recognised by the Pharmaceutical Society. There are just over 70 places each year on the course and competition for these is very tough.

However there is good news on the way. In August the Minister for Education decided to increase the number of undergraduate pharmacy places by 50. Universities, IT's and the Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI) were then invited to tender for these places. All the applications are now in and the HEA says that submissions have been made by the RCSI, DCU and UCC.

None of the colleges can take in students until they are accredited by the PSI. The PSI has confirmed that both RCSI and UCC have applied for accreditation and RCSI has been "conditionally accredited" on the basis that they are awarded the places and UCC is currently being assessed.

The HEA says it is trying to accelerate the process so that the places are available in September 2001.