Course Summary
This course is designed to give participants a thorough training in the theory and practice of modern analytical techniques, with special regard to solving problems such as arise in various areas of Irish industry. Towards these ends the course will consist of lectures, laboratory work on set experiments and a short analytical research/development project.
College Link
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.
Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements - Direct Entry
Candidates must have a Merit or Distinction in BSc or HETAC/NCEA Ordinary Degree/Diploma (NFQ, Level 7, or equivalent).
The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree. Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment. Candidates must be approved by the Professor of Analytical Chemistry and/or the Co-ordinator of the MSc Programme, and by the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science.
Bridging courses may be assigned as a pre-requisite depending on the background of the individual candidate.
Progression to the MSc
Students of the Postgraduate Diploma who achieve at least a Second Class Honours, Grade 1, aggregate across all modules at the first attempt qualify to progress to the MSc programme in the same year and be permitted to undertake the MSc research dissertation module. Interested students should discuss this option with the Programme Director in the first instance.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Application Details
Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Non-EU Closing Date
Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Start Date 7 September 2026
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.