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NanoBio Science

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Internships Available

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This MSc programme unites the technological with the biological aspects of nanotechnology in a unique way, equipping graduates with a truly interdisciplinary perspective of the field. Manipulating matter at the nanoscale is already leading to new and improved imaging and display technologies, biomedical sensors, and solar cells for environmentally friendly energy production. The design, fabrication and control of devices with nanoscale (billionth of a metre) dimensions is an engine of innovation in almost every sector.
The MSc in NanoBio Science at the UCD School of Physics is for students excited by the prospect of studying and researching in this emerging interdisciplinary area, where physics, chemistry, engineering and life sciences all come together.

  • Interdisciplinary NanoBio Science for Research and Industry
  • Experimental and Theoretical Excellence
  • World-Class Academic Team

About This Course

  1. Describe the state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in NanoBio Science.
  2. Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to specific fundamental or industrial problems.
  3. Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.
  4. Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
  5. Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, teamwork, independent work, professional networking and project management.
  6. Present findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
  7. Formulate a mathematical/computational model of a physical phenomenon, execute and report the results of theoretical and numerical predictions and compare results critically with experimental evidence.

The programme prepares you for industry or further research. Career opportunities include the pharmaceutical industry, telecommunications, diagnostic imaging, green technologies and sensor applications, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of nanoscience, biophotonics and nanotechnology. 

Prospective employers include Abbott, Alcon, Allergan, Bausch & Lomb, Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Eblana Photonics, Intel, Pfizer, Pharma-Bio Serv, Philips, and SensL.

There are opportunities to apply for an internship* in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.



*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.


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.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40850 Physics Research Project 45 2 Trimester duration (Spr-Sum)  45
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40400 Nanooptics and biophotonics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40410 Physics of nanomaterials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40560 Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy for Bionanoscience Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC41090 Bio-inspired Technologies PHYC Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
PHYC40430 Nanomechanics - from single molecules to single cells Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:
Students should select their remaining credits from this module.
IA40310 Creative Thinking & Innovation Autumn&Spring&Summer(separate)  5

JiaJun Li, PhD student in Biomedical Optics

I chose to study the MSc in NanoBio Science because of its huge potential. The subjects in this course cover areas from physics to biology and the cutting-edge experiments and research will benefit you in your future career. The international aspect definitely brings new ideas and gives you a chance to get to know people in your area of study from around the world.

NanoBio Science (T149) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 10460
nonEU    fee per year - € 29100

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

  • This programme is intended for applicants with a degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Material Science or a related discipline. 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.
  • Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 
  • These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 
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


The recruits to the course will come from a range of disciplines, including Physics, Theoretical Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Biological Sciences and Medicine. 


General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to NanoBio Science:

ROWCLASS Apply to
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T149
NanoBio Science
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
* you can change options at the top of the page