- Analyse scientific results and communicate them clearly, both verbally and in written form, according to the conventions of the discipline.
- Be able to use online resources for searching the literature and collating and analysing primary research.
- Demonstrate an ability to take significant responsibility, both alone and in groups, and be able to act in a wide variety of professional levels and contexts.
- Demonstrate the ability to self-evaluate, and take responsibility for self-directed further study or continuous professional development.
- Demonstrate the specialised technical knowledge and skills required to work safely in synthetic chemistry laboratories.
- Design and implement efficient, safe and sustainable methods for the synthesis of molecules and materials especially drug-like ‘small molecule’ targets.
- Develop and employ methods for the measurement, characterisation, and analysis of molecular systems.
- Display, to a high level, a systematic and in-depth knowledge of methods for the synthesis of target molecules.
- Understand the nature of scientific research and be able to design, plan and execute research projects.
Internship Opportunity
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
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.
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.
About This Course
The MSc Advanced 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.
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40160 | Chemistry Seminar Programme I | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40760 | Org Synthesis 2 | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40830 | Metals in Biology | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40370 | Advanced NMR Spectroscopy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40750 | Org Synthesis 1 | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40790 | Modern Catalysis | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM41210 | Professional Career Developmen | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40940 | Advanced synthetic chem (MSc) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40960 | Green and Sustainable Chem | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41470 | Modern Mass Spectrometry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41510 | Chem Synth of Natural Products | Autumn | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41520 | Computational Chemistry | Autumn | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41530 | Green & Sus Chem - Taught MSc | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40290 | Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 4) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40810 | Topics in MCCB | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40950 | Advanced Inorganic Synthesis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41450 | Sustainable Development Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41490 | Sustainable Development Chem | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41540 | Academic Writing in Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM41550 | Advanced Functional Materials | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40350 | Commerialisation of Chemical Research | Summer | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)20CR: Please select modules as per guidance from Programme Director to total 20 credits |
CHEM40360 | Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B)30CR: Please select one of the two modules to complete the 90 credits required for the programme |
CHEM40880 | Research project (Taught MSc) | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - B)30CR: Please select one of the two modules to complete the 90 credits required for the programme |
CHEM41400 | Chemistry MSc Internship | Summer | 30 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
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.
This programme is intended for applicants with a Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of chemistry.
An upper second class honours undergraduate degree 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, such as TOEFL (iBT) score of 90 or PTE score of 63. Visit the UCD Admissions website for further details.
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
Part Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants: No
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Advanced Synthetic Chemistry:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F267 Advanced Synthetic Chemistry Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught |
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F268 Advanced Synthetic Chemistry Master of Science Part-Time Commencing September 2026 Graduate Taught Not available to International applicantsApply |
* you can change options at the top of the page