Programme Overview:
- Duration:
- 1 Years
- Attendance:
- Full Time
- Mode of Delivery:
- Face-to-Face
- Next Intake:
- 2024/2025 September
- Contact Name:
- Paul Evans
- Contact Number:
- 01 716 2291
- Fees:
- Fee Information
This course 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 chemical or pharmaceutical industries. There is a strong demand for these synthetic chemistry skills. Ireland is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies making some of the world’s blockbuster medicines.
You can focus on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, you will complete a research project from topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis.
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, and it has strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally.
The MSc Synthetic Chemistry course provides a basis for graduates to enter the chemical, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and materials industries. Other areas include analytical services and environmental protection.
This course is also a route for some students into a PhD programme. For example, 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.
Curricular information is subject to change
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. These taught modules have a particular focus on synthetic chemistry. They include modules on core principles of the design of synthetic routes to simple structures, progressing to more advanced modules on catalysis and asymmetric catalysis, a module on carbohydrate chemistry and a module on the synthesis of drug-like targets on a laboratory and on a commercial scale. These are supported by courses on the use of spectroscopic techniques for structure elucidation and analysis, covering techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS), infrared (IR), near infrared (NIR), Raman, UV-visible, Circular Dichroism and Emission spectroscopy. Two modules focus on medicinal and biological chemistry, and another addresses the process of protecting and commercialising ideas and inventions.
In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. Students can select the research area from our vibrant research programme in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, which is informed by strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally. Relevant research topics in the School include:
This programme is aimed at students that have completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and wish to broaden or deepen their knowledge and skills in synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical or fine chemicals sectors. Students choose a suite of modules from our graduate school offering, which cover a wide range of topics in drug discovery and the synthesis and characterisation of target molecules. Immersed in a research-intensive environment, located in state-of-the-art facilities, students will work individually and in teams, and engage in projects that will hone their critical thinking, communications, autonomous learning, and technical skills. In addition to lectures, laboratory classes and tutorials, we use a range of student-centred, active-learning activities, including workshops, case studies, seminars, and team-based projects, culminating in research projects in which students are embedded in academic research teams to work on cutting-edge problems. Students can select the research area from our vibrant research programme in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, which is informed by strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally. Both the core material and the transferable skills acquired in the programme are assessed, using a range of authentic techniques, including assessment of critical reviews, of presentations, and of a research thesis, as well as an oral thesis defense and written examinations.
The structure of the programme is as follows:
Autumn Trimester
• Organic Synthesis
• Metals in Biology
• Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
• Spectroscopic Techniques
• Professional Career Development
Spring Trimester
• Organic Synthesis 2
• Modern Methods and Catalysis
• Chemistry Lab to Commercialisation
• Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis
• Advanced NMR and MS
• Advanced Organic Synthesis and Drug Discovery
Summer Trimester
• Research Project
Limited places for a 30 credit industrial placement as an alternative to the research project, are available.
MSc Synthetic Chemistry Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals Industries (F105) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 10200
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees & Grants website. Please note that UCD offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for full-time, selffunding international students, holding an offer of a place on masters programmes. Please visit International Scholarships for further details.
Internship Opportunities*
Limited places are available for a 30 credit industrial placement as an alternative to the research project during the Summer Trimester.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.
This programme is intended for applicants with a Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of Chemistry. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Graduate Profile
Gemma Tiffoney
I was initially attracted towards an MSc in Synthetic Chemistry at UCD because of the particular focus on modern research and the emphasis on learning new skills that can be carried into industry. This course has allowed me to complete a variety of subjects outside the range of my undergraduate degree which is beneficial for new future career possibilities.
The structure of the course is extremely flexible and the lectures provide an even mixture between individual and team-based work. This was important for me as I wanted to develop my ability to learn independently but also be able to make friends during the process.
The following entry routes are available:
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised