Advanced Synthetic Chemistry

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.

Stage 1 Core Modules

CHEM40160 Chemistry Seminar Programme I 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) 2.5

CHEM40760 Org Synthesis 2 Autumn 7.5

CHEM40830 Metals in Biology Autumn 7.5

CHEM40370 Advanced NMR Spectroscopy Spring 5

CHEM40750 Org Synthesis 1 Spring 7.5

CHEM40790 Modern Catalysis Spring 7.5

CHEM41210 Professional Career Development 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

CHEM40960 Green and Sustainable Chem Autumn 5

CHEM41470 Modern Mass Spectrometry Autumn 5

CHEM41510 Chem Synth of Natural Products Autumn 2.5

CHEM41520 Computational Chemistry Autumn 2.5

CHEM41530 Green & Sus Chem - Taught MSc Autumn 7.5

CHEM40290 Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 4) Spring 5

CHEM40810 Topics in MCCB Spring 7.5

CHEM40950 Advanced Inorganic Synthesis Spring 5

CHEM41450 Sustainable Development Chemistry Spring 5

CHEM41490 Sustainable Development Chem Spring 7.5

CHEM41540 Academic Writing in Chemistry Spring 5

CHEM40350 Commerialisation of Chemical Research Summer 2.5

CHEM40360 Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds Summer 5

CHEM41550 Advanced Functional Materials 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

CHEM41400 Chemistry MSc Internship Summer 30

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. https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/policiesandgeneralregulations/generalrequirements/minimumenglishlanguagerequirements/



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.

https://www.ucd.ie/registry/prospectivestudents/admissions/rpl/

Apply online



Who Should Apply?

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

1 year Full-time

2 years Part-time

F267 Advanced Synthetic Chemistry (Master of Science) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



F268 Advanced Synthetic Chemistry (Master of Science) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

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.