Graduate Taught Programmes

The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in areas such as catalysis and new transformations, bioNano interface, advanced spectroscopy, new materials for magnetic, medicinal, and electronic applications, and carbohydrate chemistry.

Our MSc in Chemistry by Negotiated Learning is a flexible programme, offering a diverse array of modules and is suitable for students that wish to sample different sides of the discipline. Initial academic advice in collaboration with the student ensures that module choices match career aspirations or areas of interest. For example, students wishing to broaden their understanding of chemistry could choose a range of modules, while those who are intent on progressing to a PhD programme, or specific industries, might choose to concentrate on a specific area, e.g., chemical biology, nanochemistry, medicinal, sustainable or materials chemistry.

Career Opportunities

The MSc in Chemistry through negotiated learning provides a basis for graduates to enter the chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and materials industries. Analytical services, environmental protection and primary and secondary school teaching present other possible opportunities. Furthermore, through judicious choice of modules within one particular sub-discipline of chemistry, the programme is an attractive route for some students into a PhD programme.

Click (opens in a new window)here for further information and to download the course brochure.

For any queries or to apply please use links below. 

Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 world pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, with seven of the 10 top blockbuster pharmaceuticals made in Ireland. This MSc in Advanced Synthetic Chemistry is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemicals or pharmaceutical industry.

The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in areas such as catalysis, the synthesis of biologically active compounds and the development of new materials for magnetic and electronic applications, and it has strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and around the world.

The course draws on the expertise from researchers in the UCD School of Chemistry who specialise in the following areas:

• Catalysis and new transformations research is directed towards design and discovery of new methodologies for metal-mediated and organic bond making and breaking processes to provide new techniques for building up molecular complexity (cascade processes) and to facilitate challenging reactions under mild conditions. Areas of application are multifaceted, including for example natural product synthesis, energy storage (hydrogen fuel economy, greenhouse gas fixation, water splitting), and greener processes.

• Carbohydrate chemistry research focuses on developing new synthetic methodologies towards carbohydrates, C- and S-glycosides, and towards oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, and also includes the evaluation of the biological activity, specifically as antibiotics, vaccines, and antitumour agents.

• New materials for magnetic, medicinal and electronic applications research encompass the fabrication and application of complexes and assemblies for spin crossover (magnetic switches) and as electrochemical sensors. Substantial work is also directed towards the synthesis and application of metal-based drugs for anticancer and antimicrobial application.

Career Opportunities

The MSc in Advanced Synthetic Chemistry provides a basis for graduates to enter the chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and materials industries. Analytical services, environmental protection, and primary and secondary school teaching present other possible opportunities. This course is also a route for some students into a PhD programme.

Click (opens in a new window)here for further information and to download the course brochure.

For any queries or to apply please use links below. 

Novartis - Dr. Vincent Barry Medal

Dr. Vincent Barry made a significant contribution managing the team that uncovered the anti-leprosy drug clofazimine. Barry began his college education in the (opens in a new window)Royal College of Science for Ireland after winning a scholarship to study Organic Chemistry (the study of the chemistry of carbon-based compounds). Subsequently, he transferred to (opens in a new window)UCD and graduated with first-class honours in 1928. He then worked in University College Galway (now (opens in a new window)NUI Galway) as an assistant to (opens in a new window)Professor Thomas Dillon with whom he co-authored a chemistry textbook in Irish. Due to similarities between the bacteria causing TB and those leading to leprosy (they both belong to the same bacterial family), researchers around the globe made the connection and investigated clofazimine’s anti-leprosy effects. In order to supply the drug to the world, clofazimine was initially manufactured by (opens in a new window)J. R. Geigy SA, a Swiss-based chemical/dye stuff company. They also funded many of the subsequent clinical trials involving clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy. That company is now part of (opens in a new window)Novartis, one of the largest chemical manufacturers in the world. (opens in a new window)Ref: RRedmond & PEvans, RTE Brainstorm 2021 

This annual award recognises the School of Chemistry Taught MSc student(s) who achieves the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) and an overall First Class Honours result across both the Taught MSc in Chemistry by Negotiated Learning and the Taught MSc in Advanced Synthetic Chemistry. It is sponsored by Novartis, the innovative medicines company. Novartis works to reimagine medicine to improve and extend people’s lives so that patients, healthcare professionals and societies are empowered in the face of serious disease. Their medicines reach more than 250 million people worldwide.

The 2024/25 winner of the Novartis Dr. Vincent Barry Medal was Arun Madathil. To see this new item click here.