Chemistry - Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds

Course Outline

MSc degree courses are provided in three key areas of Analytical Chemistry, Environmental Analytical Chemistry and in Pharmaceutical Analysis. They are designed to provide advanced knowledge and hands-on training in modern analytical instrumental techniques. Separation science, sensors, and spectroscopic techniques are key elements alongside chemometrics, instrumentation and advanced research project completion. Students will have the flexibility to specialise in a chosen field and further advancement to PhD research is available to highly motivated and talented postgraduates.



The MSc in Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds is a one-year course designed to provide you with the theoretical and practical skills for employment in a diverse range of industries that require analytical expertise. The course curriculum consists of six months of lectures, laboratory practical sessions, career service workshops, industry-based seminars/workshops, site visits to industry and a six-month research project (industry, research institute, aboard).



The curriculum has been developed with input from staff in the chemistry department and also by the industry advisory board, to provide you with the necessary skills required by employers. Students have the choice to complete the six-month research project in a national or international industry or university environment. They also have the opportunity to present their research at the annual George Guilbault Symposium that is sponsored by industry with a number of awards being presented to students at this event.

The MSc course in Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds consists of eight-course modules that include lectures, set practical sessions, career service workshops, industry guest lectures, industry workshops and site visits and a six-month research project.



Students study 90 credits course work from the following modules:



Core Modules (60 credits)



CM6012 Modern Analytical Techniques, Chemical Data Analysis and GLP (10 credits)

CM6031 Process Analytical Technology in BioPharma (5 credits)

PF6614 Advanced (Bio)Pharma Technology and Data Analysis

CM6029 Introduction to Quality and Regulatory Affairs for BioPharma

CM6013 Separation Science, Sensors and Process Analytical Technology (10 credits)

CM6015 Practice of Analytical Chemistry (10 credits)

CM6026 Industry-Led Workshops (5 credits)

CM6027 Taught Postgraduate Transferable Skills Development (5 credits)

Research Project Module (30 credits)



CM6022 Research Project and Dissertation in Pharmaceutical Analysis (30 credits)



Programme Requirements



The MSc Degree in Analysis of Pharmaceutical Compounds is awarded to successful candidates after passing written examinations across all taught modules, including the continuously assessed practical module CM6015, and the research project, which has to be written up in the form of a dissertation and approved by the external examiner.



The written examinations are split between the Winter and Spring examination periods. CM6012 and PF6301 are taken in the Winter, whilst CM6013 and CM6014 are taken in the Spring. Students taking the course part-time over two years can decide in advance what exams to take in each of the two years.



The research projects commence in Semester 2 and continue into Semester 3 and cover the time period of April to September. Dissertation completion and submission deadlines are the beginning of October each year.



Research Project and Industry Placement:



You will be required to complete a six-month research project based on your individual research and development in a selected field of modern science. You carry out your research in UCC’s laboratories or at an approved academic or industrial partner.



When you complete your research dissertation in an industrial setting, it provides the company with an opportunity to assess your skills and abilities and to screen potential future full-time employees. Students also have the opportunity to travel aboard to do their research project. This highlights the international recognition of the course and the close links established between the course and the relevant institutes.



Students who secure employment upon graduation fit into the organisation and contribute productively much sooner than other graduates. For students with an interest in future careers as PhD researchers, research projects are offered across a broad range of topics.



Additional Teaching Mode Information

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.

Entry Requirements - Direct Entry



Applicants must have a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a subject(s) related to that of the MSc programme. Relevant subjects typically include any subject in Chemistry, Engineering or Life Sciences.



Applicants with a Second Class Honours Grade 1 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in other related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience, may be considered for admission under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) following assessment and interview.



Compulsory modules may be assigned to individuals depending on their background.



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.

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.

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date 7 September 2026

Skills and Careers Information

The MSc courses aim to provide you with the necessary skill set to develop methods and solve problems as demanded by many industries today (including pharmaceutical, environmental and forensic analytical laboratories). You are also introduced to research and innovation in analytical science.



Many analytical chemists, pharmaceutical chemical analysts and environmental chemical analysts go on to pursue careers in industry, government and forensic laboratories and opportunities for further research often result.



The course sets out to bridge the gap between the current undergraduate degree knowledge and what is relevant and expected by the industry. There is a strong emphasis on developing transferable skills and ensuring that the career path for the student is either industry or academically focused. A large percentage of students gain employment in the industry after completion of the course, however, a number of graduates also decide to progress to international Ph.D. opportunities.