TU Dublin Receives HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Technician Education

TU Dublin Receives HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Technician Education

Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) has once again been recognised for its commitment to high‑quality education, this time at the national level. The Higher Education Authority (HEA) Teaching and Learning Impact Awards celebrated the university’s School of Food Science and Environmental Health for its Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies, awarding the programme the prestigious DELTA (Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment) Award for 2025–2028. This marks the third consecutive DELTA win for the programme, underscoring a sustained record of innovation, collaboration, and student‑centred practice in Irish higher education.

Overview of the HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Awards

The HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Awards are a flagship initiative designed to spotlight excellence in teaching and learning across Ireland’s higher education sector. Administered by the Higher Education Authority in partnership with the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, the awards recognise disciplinary teams that demonstrate sustained innovation, evidence‑informed practice, and measurable impact on the student experience. Each winning programme receives the DELTA Award, which is granted for a three‑year period and reflects a rigorous review of curriculum design, assessment strategies, staff development, and outreach activities.

For 2025, the judging panel highlighted several criteria that set TU Dublin’s Pharmacy Technician Studies apart: a strong collaborative approach, continuous reflection and improvement, active engagement of professionals from the pharmacy sector, and meaningful steps toward equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). The panel also commended the programme’s innovative strategies for internationalisation, which prepare graduates to work in a globalised healthcare environment.

TU Dublin’s Pharmacy Technician Studies Program: A Triple DELTA Winner

The Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies is a two‑year, full‑time undergraduate programme that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for modern pharmacy practice. Since its inception, the programme has undergone regular review and enhancement, resulting in DELTA Awards for the periods 2018–2021, 2021–2024, and now 2025–2028. This triple achievement is rare in the Irish higher education landscape and signals a deep‑rooted culture of quality assurance and continual advancement.

Programme leadership has remained stable yet adaptive. Dr Julie Dunne, Head of School and founding Programme Chair, guided the initial DELTA win (2018–2021). Dr Gemma Kinsella then led the team through the second award cycle (2021–2024). Most recently, Dr Tao Zhang has taken on the role of Programme Chair, steering the current award period (2025–2028). The continuity of leadership, combined with fresh perspectives from new academic and professional services staff, has helped the programme maintain its relevance and rigor.

The award‑winning team includes a diverse mix of academics, practitioners, and student representatives. Academic staff such as Dr Seána Hogan, Dr David O’Connor, Dr Renee Malone, and Prof. Christine O’Connor bring expertise in pharmaceutical sciences, clinical practice, and pedagogy. Professional services contributors Jill Barrett and Scott Ahearn ensure administrative and logistical support aligns with educational goals. Student and alumni voices—Noelle McCabe, Simon Tee‑Carter, Rabica Javed, and Laura Smith—provide vital feedback on the learner experience, ensuring the programme remains responsive to real‑world needs.

Key Factors Behind the Program’s Success

Several interconnected factors have contributed to the programme’s repeated recognition:

  • Collaborative Curriculum Design: The programme’s development involves close cooperation between academic staff, practicing pharmacists, and industry partners. This ensures that learning outcomes align with current workplace competencies and emerging trends such as digital health and personalized medicine.
  • Evidence‑Informed Teaching Practices: Lectures, labs, and tutorials are grounded in the latest research. Faculty regularly attend conferences, engage in scholarly activity, and incorporate findings into their teaching, fostering a culture of inquiry.
  • Continuous Improvement Cycle: The team employs reflective practice tools, student feedback loops, and peer review to identify areas for enhancement. Action plans are updated annually, and progress is tracked against clear metrics.
  • Focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Initiatives such as inclusive admissions pathways, mentorship for under‑represented groups, and culturally responsive teaching materials have been implemented. The judging panel noted these steps as “adequate and promising,” indicating a solid foundation for further growth.
  • Internationalisation Efforts: Partnerships with European pharmacy schools, virtual exchange projects, and opportunities for overseas placements broaden students’ perspectives and enhance employability across borders.

These elements combine to create a learning environment where students not only acquire technical competencies but also develop critical thinking, communication, and professional identity—attributes highly valued by employers in the pharmacy sector.

Impact on Students and the Pharmacy Profession

The DELTA recognition translates into tangible benefits for learners and the wider healthcare community. Graduates of the Pharmacy Technician Studies programme enjoy high employment rates, with many securing positions in community pharmacies, hospital settings, and the pharmaceutical industry shortly after completion. Employers frequently cite the programme’s emphasis on practical skills, professionalism, and adaptability as reasons for hiring TU Dublin graduates.

Beyond immediate job prospects, the award enhances the programme’s reputation, attracting prospective students who seek a credential backed by national validation of teaching excellence. This, in turn, raises the overall standard of pharmacy technician education in Ireland, encouraging other institutions to adopt similar quality‑focused approaches.

From a societal perspective, well‑trained pharmacy technicians contribute to safer medication management, improved patient counselling, and more efficient pharmacy operations. As healthcare systems face increasing pressures, the role of skilled support staff becomes ever more critical, and TU Dublin’s programme is positioned to meet that demand.

How to Explore TU Dublin’s Undergraduate Opportunities

For those inspired by the programme’s success and considering a career in pharmacy technology, TU Dublin offers several pathways to learn more and apply:

  • Visit the CAO Hub: The Central Applications Office (CAO) portal provides detailed information on entry requirements, application timelines, and course content for the Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies. Prospective students can access the hub at TU Dublin CAO Hub.
  • Attend an Open Day: TU Dublin regularly hosts on‑campus and virtual open days where prospective learners can meet faculty, tour facilities, and ask questions about the programme. Upcoming events are listed in the Open Days section.
  • Contact Admissions Directly: The admissions team is available to answer specific queries about eligibility, scholarships, and career prospects. Reach out via email at [email protected] or phone at +353 1 220 5000.
  • Read More About the HEA Awards: For a deeper understanding of the Teaching and Learning Impact Awards and the DELTA framework, visit the HEA’s official page: HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Awards.
  • Engage with the Community: Share your thoughts or experiences related to pharmacy education in the comments section below, or connect with current students and alumni through TU Dublin’s social media channels.

In summary, TU Dublin’s repeated success at the HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Awards reflects a steadfast dedication to excellence, innovation, and student‑centred learning in pharmacy technician education. The programme’s collaborative spirit, evidence‑based practices, and commitment to inclusion have not only earned national accolades but also prepared graduates to thrive in a dynamic healthcare landscape. Whether you are a prospective student, an educator, or a healthcare professional, the story of this award‑winning programme offers valuable insights into what high‑quality higher education can achieve.