CAO (Higher Education - HET)

Degree - Honours Bachelor

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dublin City University - DCU
Dublin City University - DCU
Course Code
DC162
Zone
Level
NFQ Type
Major
Duration
4 Years
Attendance
Full Time
CAO Points 2025 Round 1
477  
Points Change

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.

Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2) - DC162
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2) - DC162
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (1) - DC162
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (1) - DC162

Please note some video content may not reflect the most current information

College Link

College Link > DC162 - Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

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:

Languages
Study Level
Includes time abroad*
Notes
Chinese
Elective
French
Elective
German
Elective
Japanese
Elective
Spanish
Elective

* Time abroad utilising this language

Disclaimer: Details subject to change - always check with the college.
Note: It may also be possible to do an Erasmus+ Programme allowing you to study abroad for a period of at least 2 months to 12 months. This study can be through English or through your language of choice � please check with your course coordinator to see if this is possible for this course.

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.

If you believe the data above to be incorrect, please let us know at [email protected] - thank you.

PLC Progression 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)

PLC Codes Award Title
5M3807 Laboratory Techniques
This Information is Correct for 2025 Entry

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

College Link > DC162 - Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Colleges often have information about the course on their own website, along with other useful information relating to the college. (Note: Not always available)

DISCLAIMER: These links are to official sources of information for this course - we accept no responsibility for the information on them.

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