Course Summary
Are you curious about how chemistry affects our world, both in nature and when it comes to preparing and using everyday materials such as polymers, pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, flavours and fragrances. If that’s the case and you’re a highly motivated independent student who is eager to challenge yourself in the different branches of chemistry, this course is for you.
This course offers a compelling mix of technical knowledge and more hands-on practical experience than other similar courses, meaning you’ll be better prepared for the workforce or postgraduate study. During it, you’ll gain fundamental knowledge in organic, inorganic, physical, medicinal and analytical chemistry, along with practical lab skills and the ability to apply the theory you’ve learned. You’ll also build your creative, innovation and presentation skills.
Preparing for exciting future opportunities: In third year, you’ll do a four- to six-month INTRA work placement in industry or in academic labs, in Ireland or overseas. This will give you vital experience, and enable you to learn new skills and develop contacts that can often lead to employment opportunities after finishing your degree.
As a graduate you’ll be sought after in sectors such as the pharmaceutical/biopharmaceutical, chemical/materials, specialty chemical, food and government laboratories. Typical roles could include process development, synthetic chemistry, formulation, regulatory affairs, quality control/assurance, analytical method development and medicinal chemistry. Others may go into teaching or patent law, while some decide to go on to further study for a masters or a doctorate.
College Link
College Virtual Tour
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Language Options
Language options with this course
The following language options are available to study as part of this programme:
* Time abroad utilising this language
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Entry Requirements
Disclaimer: Details subject to change - If this is a course you are considering applying for you should check on the Colleges' website to ensure you have the latest entry requirements information.
To view Mature Entry requirements, or alternative requirements, please visit Qualifax or the Colleges' website
If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.
QQI / FET Links
PLC courses leading to the following QQI Major Awards may be used for entry into this course.
Search for PLC Courses offering these awards
(Click on the Codes)
| Note: Information for 2025 Entry | |
| Award Code | Award Title |
| 5M3807 | Laboratory Techniques |
Points Calculator for QQI Awards:
Details of the QQI scoring system and a points calculator can be found HERE
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Career Progression
Your opportunities are extensive both at home and abroad. Obviously, much will depend on your specialisations, but you can expect to fill such positions as process chemist, development chemist, analytical chemist and research chemist/scientist in diverse sectors such as the pharmaceutical, food and drink, brewing and fine chemical industries.
Further Research
DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.
