New SETU courses in Waterford confirmed for 2026 start

SETU is set to commence both of its new third-level courses in the 2026/2027 academic year pending accreditation from relevant professional bodies.

South East Technological University (SETU) was selected to deliver a new Veterinary Medicine degree course as well as a new Pharmacy Masters' programme in late 2024.

However, there has been uncertainty as to when the new courses will be delivered by the third-level institutions following the news that Atlantic Technological University (ATU) will delay the delivery of its Veterinary Medicine course by a year.

ATU reportedly made the decision in January to delay its planned delivery of the Veterinary Medicine degree programme from the 2025/26 academic year to the 2026/27 year SETU said was its expected delivery date upon selection. 

A spokesperson for SETU confirmed to Waterford News & Star that they expect to have both courses ready for inclusion in the CAO application system for students during the next academic year for an intake in September 2026: "South East Technological University (SETU) plans to offer a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (MVB) programme and a Master of Pharmacy programme through the CAO for a 2026 intake of students."

Why wait until 2026/27?

SETU said the veterinary medicine course is "currently in the approval processes of the University's Academic Council" ahead of plans to reach the requirements of the "Veterinary Council of Ireland’s accreditation requirements". The TU has committed to delivering "40 first-year places on offer in 2026".

The Master of Pharmacy programme required accreditation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the spokesperson said SETU is planning to deliver 40 places on its programme in Autumn 2026 "subject to PSI approval" in the hopes of supporting the critical needs of the pharmacy and veterinary medicine sectors within the South East region and nationally.