ATT students looking at samples in lab)

Advanced Therapeutic Technologies

BSc Advanced Therapeutic Technologies (Hons)
School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences

Entry requirements

Applications

Please note that you can apply to study with RCSI via the following websites:

  • Irish/EU school leaver applicants should apply through the CAO website.
  • All other applicants may apply directly through the RCSI website.

All applicants to RCSI Undergraduate programmes are categorised as either EU or Non-EU, depending on whether or not they meet the EU applicant criteria (which includes nationality and residency criteria). If you do not meet the criteria for EU applicant status, you will be deemed a Non-EU applicant for fees and application purposes.

If you fall under the EU applicant category, please follow the links below under ‘Irish and EU applicants’ to view the relevant entry requirements. If you fall under the Non-EU applicant category, you should follow the link under ‘Non-EU applicants’ to view the relevant entry requirements.

To determine your EU or Non-EU applicant category, please consult RCSI’s EU vs Non-EU policy. 

Irish and EU applicants

RCSI accepts Irish and EU applicants for Undergraduate Advanced Therapeutic Technologies in the following categories:

School Leaver
View entry requirements

Mature Entry
View entry requirements

Graduate Entry
View entry requirements

Non-EU applicants

RCSI accepts Non-EU applicants for Undergraduate Advanced Therapeutic Technologies in the following category: 

School Leaver
View entry requirements

Irish and EU applicants – School Leaver

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU School Leaver place, you must:

  • Meet the minimum entry (matriculation) and specific subject requirements.
  • Achieve the minimum Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC) points or equivalent.  

Access and scholarships

  • RCSI participates in the Higher Education Admissions Route (HEAR) which supports socio-economically disadvantaged students and the Disability Access Route (DARE) which supports students applying with a disability. Find out more about HEAR and DARE and how to apply here.
  • Further information on the range of scholarships open to applicants is available here. 

Minimum academic entry requirements

All students who qualify for EU admissions are eligible to apply. The local high school examinations that they have taken will be used to assess competitiveness for admission. European examinations will be converted into the equivalent Irish Leaving Certificate (ILC) points.

The applicant with the highest points score receives the first offer, the second highest receives the second offer and so on until all EU seats are filled. The allocation of School Leaver places is purely based on points.

As a guide, the 2024 Irish Leaving Certificate points score required for admission to the BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies was 465.

The points conversions for some European examinations are shown below. (These points equivalency calculations serve as a guide only. The onus is on the applicant to check entry criteria for the programmes for which they are applying. Eligibility criteria can change from year to year.)

Applicants completing school leaving examinations other than the Irish Leaving Certificate may be required to submit additional documentation as part of their application, or be subject to minimum English language requirements. The below document 'Guideline entry requirements for EU/EFTA/UK applicants other than the Leaving Certificate' outlines this in further detail.

Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) PDF | 1265.9 KB

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [1 x H4, 1 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject. Applicants must present a minimum grade of H4 in Mathematics, a H5 in another subject and a minimum of O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.

  • H indicates minimum grade at Higher Level Leaving Certificate 
  • O indicates minimum grade at Ordinary Level Leaving Certificate

Eligible applicants are awarded Irish Leaving Certificate points on the basis of their best six recognised subjects, from a single Irish Leaving Certificate sitting, as follows:

Irish Leaving Certificate points calculator
Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale New points at Higher Level New points at Ordinary Level
A1 H1/O1 100 56
A2/B1 H2/O2 88 46
B2/B3 H3/O3 77 37
C1/C2 H4/O4 66 28
C3/D1 H5/O5 56 20
D2/D3 H6/06 46 12
E H7/O7 37 0

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics have 25 points added to their score for Mathematics. The six highest subject scores will be counted to achieve a cumulative points score. The bonus points for Mathematics will only be relevant in cases where the subject Higher Level Mathematics is scored as one of the applicant’s six best subjects for points scoring purposes.

If you are an EU A Level applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

  • Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [2 x A Level subjects (Grade C) and 4 passes (Grade 4/C or above at GCSE level or Grade E or above at A Level)], to include a minimum Grade 4/C in GCSE English, a second language and two other recognised subjects, plus a minimum of Grade C in A Level Mathematics and one other recognised A Level subject.

AND

2. Meet the minimum Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points calculated on the basis of the following:

  • The best four A Level subject results from a single sitting. If four A Levels are presented, the fourth subject (lowest grade) is scored at the lower rate (see table below).
  • The best three A Level subjects results from a single sitting, plus the best AS Level result from the previous or same sitting.
  • A maximum of four distinct recognised subjects will be counted. Grades in the same subject in A Level and AS Level cannot be combined.

As a guide, Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points are calculated using the following conversion table 

GCE A/AS Level points equivalency calculator
Grade Best three A Levels Fourth subject (A Level) Fourth subject (AS Level)
A* 192 points 24 points 24 points
A 165 points 24 points 24 points
B 142 points 20 points 20 points
C 120 points 18 points 18 points
D 100 points 16 points 16 points
E 67 points 14 points 14 points

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade E or above in A Level Mathematics will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. This will only apply to one Mathematics subject out of the following: Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Pure Mathematics and is only where that subject is used as one of the subjects for points scoring purposes. (N.B. Mathematics and Pure Mathematics cannot be combined for points purposes.)
  • Points guide 2024: As a guide, the 2024 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to the Advanced Therapeutic Technologies programme was 465, which is approximately equivalent to 1 x A and 2 X B in your three best A Levels, plus 1 x D in a fourth A Level/AS Level or 3 x B in your three best A Levels, plus 1 x E in your fourth A Level/AS Level (if the applicant was awarded the 25 bonus points for Mathematics).

If you are an EU International Baccalaureate (IB) applicant, you must:

1. Meet the following minimum subject requirements:

  • Present three subjects at Higher Level (minimum Grade 5) and three subjects at Standard Level (minimum Grade 4), to include English, Mathematics, a second language and another recognised subject. A minimum Grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics is required for entry to the BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies. 
  • The minimum acceptable level of English is: English Language A (3 at Higher Level or 4 at Standard Level) or English Language B (4 at either level if presenting IB through English, or 4 at Higher Level/6 at Standard Level if not presenting IB through English).
  • Alternatively, applicants must meet the English language requirements as outlined in the 'Entry requirements criteria for EU/EFTA/UK applicants (other than the Irish Leaving Certificate) booklet linked above.
  • Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable. 

AND

2. Meet the minimum points requirements, the calculation of which is outlined below:

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma points equivalency calculator
Overall IB score Irish Leaving Certificate points
45 IB points 600 points
44 IB points 600 points
43 IB points 592 points
42 IB points 577 points
41 IB points 565 points
40 IB points 553 points
39 IB points 532 points
38 IB points 520 points
37 IB points 508 points
36 IB points 496 points
35 IB points 481 points
34 IB points 464 points
33 IB points 453 points
32 IB points 441 points

Note:

  • Bonus points for Mathematics: Students presenting a Grade 4 or above in Higher Level Mathematics only will be awarded 25 additional Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points. The subject Mathematics Studies is not acceptable for bonus points purposes.
  • Points guide 2024: As a guide, the 2024 Irish Leaving Certificate equivalent points score required for admission to RCSI’s Undergraduate Advanced Therapeutic Technologies programme was 465, which is approximately equivalent to an overall score of 35 IB points or 32 IB points (if the applicant was awarded the 25 bonus points for Mathematics).

Irish and EU applicants – Mature Entry

If you are a Mature Entry applicant, you will be considered in the first instance on the basis of how relevant your life, work and educational experiences are to the course you wish to pursue. In addition, you should demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of your chosen course in your supplementary application and at interview stage.

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Mature Entry place, you must:

  • Be an EU applicant (this includes applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland). If you are unsure of your status, please consult the EU vs Non-EU Policy, as outlined in more detail in here.
  • Be 23 years of age or older on 1 January of the year of entry to the Advanced Therapeutic Technologies programme.
  • Meet the minimum entry requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate Examination or an RCSI pre-approved Access to Science programmes, as outlined in more detail below.
  • Note that Mature Entry applicants are not required to present a third level qualification to be eligible to apply.

Applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [1 x H4, 1 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject. 

Applicants must present a minimum grade of H4 in Mathematics, a H5 in another subject and a minimum of O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.

The pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale can be converted into the new Leaving Certificate grading scale by using the table below:

Pre-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale Post-2017 Leaving Certificate grading scale
A1 H1/O1
A2/B1 H2/O2
B2/B3 H3/O3
C1/C2 H4/O4
C3/D1 H5/O5
D2/D3 H6/O6
E H7/O7

Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) recognised Level 6 Access to Science awards are accepted in lieu of the Irish Leaving Certificate or equivalent secondary school examinations for Mature Entry routes only.

Irish and EU applicants – Graduate Entry

To be eligible for consideration for an Irish or EU Graduate Entry place, you must:

  • Be an EU applicant (this includes applicants from Ireland, EU, EEA and Switzerland). If you are unsure of your status, please consult the EU vs Non-EU Policy, as outlined in more detail in here.
  • Hold (or expect to hold by July prior to entry) a minimum second class honours (2H2) result in your first honours bachelor degree (NFQ level 8). This degree can be in any discipline.
  • Meet the following NUI matriculation requirements in the Irish Leaving Certificate if you present with a non-science degree: applicants must present a minimum of six subjects [1 x H4, 1 x H5 and 4 x O6/H7] in the Irish Leaving Certificate to include Irish (unless exempt), English, Mathematics, a third language, a laboratory science (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics/Chemistry or Agricultural Science) and one other recognised subject. Applicants must present a minimum grade of H4 in Mathematics, a H5 in another subject and a minimum of O6/H7 in the remaining four subjects.
  • Applicants who present with a non-science degree and are presenting an EU school-leaving qualification other than the Irish Leaving Certificate should contact the RCSI Admissions Office to confirm their matriculation requirements.

Non-EU applicants – School Leaver

The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences invites applications to the BSc in Advanced Therapeutic Technologies from Non-EU students.

If you are unsure whether you are an EU or Non-EU applicant, please consult the EU vs Non-EU Policy for guidance. You can also contact the RCSI Admissions Office directly to verify your fees status, however, this must be done well in advance of the closing date.

The list below contains the most frequent academic programmes with which Non-EU students apply to RCSI's undergraduate programmes. If your educational programme is not covered on this list, please email the RCSI Admissions Office directly for further information.

Please note: The entry requirements outlined below are relevant for those applying for entry in September 2026 only. These entry requirements are subject to annual review and applicants for 2027 onwards should ensure to check the most up-to-date requirements prior to commencing their application.

Minimum academic entry requirements

Applicants must present a minimum of three A Level subjects* with minimum grades of BBC, to include Mathematics (with a minimum grade of B) and at least one laboratory Science.

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at GCSE level, which must include a minimum of Grade 4 / C in English and Mathematics.

*All A Level subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 12 and 13). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.

Applicants must present a minimum score of 30 IB Diploma points (inclusive of bonus points). The Diploma must comprise a minimum of six subjects* (three subjects at Higher Level and three subjects at Standard Level), which must include Mathematics** at Higher Level (with a minimum score of 5) and another laboratory science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Higher Level.

*All IB Diploma subject examinations must be taken within two consecutive academic years (i.e. school years 11 and 12). Any repeat examinations taken outside of these two years will not be considered.

**Both Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation are acceptable for application to RCSI.

Applicants must present a minimum average score of 80% in Grade 12, which must include a minimum score of 80% in Mathematics and minimum scores of 75% in two of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Calculus.

Applicants must hold a bona-fide certificate of completion issued by the CBSE or CISCE.

Applicants must achieve a minimum overall average score of 75% or above across four subjects, to include a minimum score of 75% in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics and minimum scores of 70% in two laboratory science subjects (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) and one other subject.

Note for applicants based in India 
RCSI works with a select group of agents in India for application to our Advanced Therapeutic Technologies, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy programmes. We will also accept direct applications to these programmes. Please refer to the education agents page for a list of agents that RCSI works with.

STPM minimum grades of B, B and C, to include Mathematics (with a minimum grade of B) and at least one laboratory science.

All applicants must also have completed a minimum of six subjects at S.P.M level, which must include a minimum Grade C in English and Mathematics. 

Additional entry pathways

Malaysian University Matriculation Exam

Applicants presenting the Malaysian University Matriculation Exam must achieve a GPA of 3.0 in one sitting and have competitive grades in Mathematics, Chemistry, English and Biology or Physics. Grades obtained in more than one sitting will be considered, provided that the proximity of the examinations is in less than one year. 

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)

Applicants must complete UEC at Senior Middle Level and present a minimum of five subjects. Applicants must present a minimum score of B3 in Mathematics, a minimum score of B6 in one laboratory science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) and scores of B6 or higher in three other subjects.

AUSMAT/Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR)

ATAR required: 72%

ATAR scores will be calculated on the applicant's four best subjects in grade 12, which must include a laboratory science subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics), plus a minimum score of 70% in Mathematics.

Monash University Foundation Year

Applicants must present Mathematics*, with a minimum score of 80%. In addition, applicants must present English, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, with a minimum overall average score of 70% and no individual module score less than 60%. 

*Both Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics will be accepted.

Malaysian foundation programmes

The following foundation programmes are eligible for consideration for entry to Pharmacy:

  • Sunway Foundation in Science and Technology (FIST)
  • Taylor's College Foundation in Science
  • INTI Foundation in Science
  • HELP University Foundation in Science
  • RUMC Foundation in Science

Applicants who have completed one of the above programmes must present Mathematics, with a minimum score of 80%. In addition, applicants must present English, Chemistry, and Biology or Physics, with a minimum overall average score of 70% and no individual module score less than 65%. 

Please note: Other foundation programmes not listed above may be considered. Enquiries should be emailed to the RCSI Admissions Office.

Note for applicants based in Malaysia
RCSI works with a select group of agents in Malaysia for application to our Advanced Therapeutic Technologies, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy programmes. We will also accept direct applications to these programmes. Please refer to the education agents page for a list of agents that RCSI works with.

Applicants must present a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in Grade 12, which must include a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Mathematics and in two of the following subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Calculus.

Applicants are required to present a minimum overall average of 90% in the South Korean high school diploma, to include a minimum of 85% in Mathematics plus competitive grades in Year 1 of an accredited Bachelor degree (this degree must be be in the subject area of either biomedical science, a laboratory science or mathematics).

Applicants presenting the South Korean high school diploma alongside a recognised pre-university/foundation programme will also be considered. A list of recognised pre-university/foundation programmes (in Ireland and the UK) is outlined below.

Note for applicants based in South Korea

RCSI works with a select group of agents in South Korea for application to our Advanced Therapeutic Technologies, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy programmes. We will also accept direct applications to these programmes. Please refer to the education agents page for a list of agents that RCSI works with.

Applicants are required to present a minimum overall average 90% in the Turkish high school diploma (Lise Diplomasi), to include a minimum of 80% in Mathematics plus one of the following:

  • Three Advanced Placement (AP) exams, to include AP Calculus and two APs from group; Chemistry, Biology, Physics or Psychology. Applicants are required to present scores of 4,4, 4 in their three AP examinations (in any combination).
  • Competitive grades in Year 1 of an accredited Bachelor degree (this degree must be be in the subject area of either biomedical science, a laboratory science or mathematics).
  • A recognised pre-university/foundation programme will also be considered. A list of recognised pre-university/foundation programmes (in Ireland and the UK) is outlined below.

Applicants are required to present a minimum score of 9/10 in the Vietnamese High School Graduation Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học), to include a minimum of grade 8 in Mathematics plus competitive grades in Year 1 of an accredited Bachelor degree.

Applicants presenting the Vietnamese High School Graduation Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học) alongside a recognised pre-university/foundation programme will also be considered. A list of recognised pre-university/foundation programmes (in Ireland and the UK) is outlined below.

High Schools for the Gifted

Applications from students attending a recognised High School for the Gifted in Vietnam will be considered for direct entry to Advanced Therapeutic Technologies. 

Applicants are required to present a minimum overall GPA of 9/10 in Grade 12 from a recognised High School for the Gifted in Vietnam, with a minimum score of 8.5 in Mathematics. In addition, applicants are required to present a minimum score of 8/10 in their Vietnamese High School Graduation Diploma (Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Phổ Thông Trung Học), to include a minimum of grade 8 in Mathematics. 

Note for applicants based in Vietnam
RCSI works with a select group of agents in Vietnam for application to our Advanced Therapeutic Technologies, Pharmacy and Physiotherapy programmes. We will also accept direct applications to these programmes. Please refer to the education agents page for a list of agents that RCSI works with.

Students who graduate from high school systems that do not meet the National University of Ireland (NUI) regulations for direct entry to the Undergraduate programmes offered at RCSI may undertake a recognised pre-university/foundation programme and apply to RCSI on the basis of the results obtained in their selected programme. RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

The following is a listing of pre-university/foundation programmes offered in a number of centres throughout Ireland, the UK and globally:

Programme Minimum Entry Requirements
International Foundation Group (IFG) Medical Foundation Programme* Minimum overall average score of 70%, with no individual module score less than 65%.
NCUK International Foundation Year** Minimum grades AAAB in English for Academic Purposes, Maths for Science, Biology and Chemistry.

*Further information on the IFG Medical Foundation Programme is available on their website.
**In Ireland, the NCUK International Foundation Year is offered at DIFC. Further information on NCUK, including centres where the International Foundation Year is offered, is available on their website.

Below is a listing of pre-university/foundation programmes based in Ireland and the UK. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other foundation programmes not listed below may be considered. Enquiries should be directed to the RCSI Admissions Office. Again, RCSI does not make recommendations or have any preferred providers from the programmes listed below.

Programme Minimum Entry Requirements
Abbey College (Cambridge and Manchester)
International Foundation Programme
– Biomedicine and Science Pathway

Minimum overall average score of 65%, with no individual module score less than 60%.
Bath Academy
International Medical
Foundation Programme		 Applicants must complete three major modules with a minimum of grade B in each module.
CATS Global Schools University Foundation
Programme (UFP)		 Applicants must present a minimum of three subjects with minimum grades of BBC, to
include Mathematics (with minimum grade B) and at least one subject from the 
following: Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
David Game College: University Foundation
Programme (UFP) – Medicine Pathway		 Applicants must complete three major modules with a minimum of grade B in each module.
DLD College London International
Foundation Programme – Biomedical Science Pathway		 Minimum overall average score of 65%, with no individual module score less than 60%.
Griffith College Cork
Certificate in International
Foundation Studies (CIFS)		 Applicants must present a minimum overall merit (75%), with a minimum of 80% in Mathematics.
Kings College London International Foundation -
Biology and Chemistry Pathway		 Minimum overall score of 65%, with no individual module score less than 60%.
Kings Education Medical Foundation Programme Minimum overall score of 60%, with no individual module score less than 55%.
OnCampus Ireland International Foundation
Programme (Engineering and Science Pathway)		 Applicants must achieve an overall merit, with a minimum score of 75% in Mathematics.
OnCampus UK North Medicine
University Foundation Programme		 Minimum overall average score of 60%, with no individual module score less than 55%.
OnCampus UK North Life Sciences
University Programme		 Minimum overall average score of 65%, with no individual module score less than 60%.

Please note

The following information is relevant to all Advanced Therapeutic Technologies applicants. 

Minimum English language requirements

IELTS

Teaching in RCSI is through the medium of English. As a consequence, all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of English language competence. Applicants whose first language is not English must present a minimum overall average IELTS score of 6.5 with no individual band (reading, writing, listening and speaking) lower than 6.0.  IELTS Certificates must be less than two years old at the time of admission. Equivalent scores in TOEFL are also acceptable.  

Applicants presenting programmes that are delivered entirely through English (e.g. International Baccalaureate or A Levels) are not required to supply an IELTS certificate as part of their initial application. Please note that applicants presenting A Levels must hold a GCSE English grade 4 / C or above to meet RCSI's English language requirement. 

Good Standing

Applicants who have been previously discontinued from any academic institution are deemed not to be in 'good standing' and are ineligible to apply to RCSI.

Fitness to practice

Students will be subject to the University's Fitness to Practice policy, full details of which can be found in our policies section.

Minimum age requirement

For 2026 entry, non-EU applicants must normally have attained the age of 18 years by 1 December following entry to RCSI. 

Transfers from other schools

RCSI has a 'no transfer' policy, more details of which can be found in our policies section. 

Applications from students with disabilities

RCSI welcomes applications from students with disabilities. However, it is strongly advised that applicants disclose their disability on their application and contact the RCSI Admissions Office to discuss any appropriate supports/reasonable accommodations. Applicants may also be required to provide relevant information which will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

International students are encouraged to contact the Learning Access Team in advance of accepting your place in the RCSI so we can advise you of the types of supports and reasonable accommodations which may be available to you. However, please be advised that supports you may have received in your home institution may differ from those provided here in the RCSI.  

Evidence of your disability is also required to register with the Learning Access Service. Please note that the evidence of disability must be provided in English, and if not originally in English must be translated by a professional translator.