On Thursday, 9 August 27 people from over 11 countries became the first students in the world to graduate with a Masters in Pharmaceutical Medicine through an online programme.

The programme, run with input from RCSI, is a collaboration between online third level institution Hibernia College, Pfizer and Harvard University in the US.

RCSI staff from the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics contributed to the development and delivery of the programme. Associate Professor David Smith from the Department of Family Medicine and General Practice ran the ethics module which saw participants from the 11 countries attend RCSI in Dublin for the duration of the module.

The Master of Science programme provides an overview of all key disciplines essential for pharmaceutical industry leaders and provides students with the skills and knowledge required to be effective and productive leaders in today's pharmaceutical environment.

The programme is accredited by the Higher Education Training and Awards Council (HETAC) and the core curriculum also incorporates the recommendations of the Council for Education in Pharmaceutical Medicine of the International Federation of Associations of Pharmaceutical Physicians (IFAPP).

Involvement in innovative programmes such as this one underlines RCSI’s international reputation as a provider of high-quality, innovative education.