Chemistry - Negotiated Learning

MSc Chemistry (Negotiated Learning) is a flexible programme which offers a diverse array of modules in a variety of Chemistry topics. The programme is suitable for you if you wish to sample different sides of the discipline ranging from the mathematical, through the physical and materials disciplines to the biological ends of the scientific spectrum. Initial academic advice ensures that your module choices can match your career aspirations or areas of interest. If you wish to broaden your understanding of chemistry, you could choose a range of modules across the discipline. If you are interested in progressing to a PhD programme, or into particular industries, you may choose to concentrate on a specific area, e.g., chemical biology, nanochemistry, medicinal, sustainable or materials chemistry.



The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in areas such as catalysis and new transformations, bionano interface, advanced spectroscopy, new materials for magnetic, medicinal, and electronic applications, and carbohydrate chemistry.



- Individualised programmes can be selected from a large suite of modules.

- A high-level research project will add significant value and lead to a qualification suited for career advancement in the chemical industry.

- Over 4000 m2 of high specification, modern laboratories within the state-of-the-art UCD O'Brien Centre for Science.



Student Internships

Limited places are available for a 30-credit industrial placement* as an alternative to the research project.



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

Negotiated Learning: student and academic discuss goals, and tailor a suitable programme for the student. Modules are subject to change and are not guaranteed by UCD. The modules are examples of modules for 2025/2026 students.



Examples of modules include:



Autumn Trimester

Organic Synthesis 2

Electrochemistry

Nanochemistry

Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Metals in Biology

Modern Techniques to Monitor Biological Processes

Green and Sustainable Chemistry

Advanced Synthetic (Organic) Chemistry

Computational biophysics

Advanced Atomic Force Microscopy for Bionanoscience

Physics of Nanomaterials

Chemistry of Materials

Spectroscopic Techniques

Modern Mass Spectrometry



Spring Trimester

Organic Synthesis 1

Topics in Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry

Bond Activation

Modern Catalysis

Advanced NMR Spectroscopy

Biophysics at the Nanoscale and Nanodevices

Advanced Characterisation Techniques

Advanced Inorganic Synthesis

Professional Career Development



Summer Trimester

Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds

Research Project

Research Integrity Training

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis

Commercialisation of Chemical Research

Chemistry MSc Internship



During the summer trimester students are placed within the research groups of a member of staff in the School to carry out a 30-credit three-month research project.

- This programme is intended for applicants with an honours undergraduate Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of chemistry (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent). An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. However all applicants will be assessed on a case by case basis and relevant or extensive work experience will be taken into account, so that in certain exceptional cases an award at a lower level or a 2.2 classification may be considered.



- 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. 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: Yes

1 year full-time (F042),

2 Years Part Time (F182).

Delivery: On Campus.

F042 Chemistry (Negotiated Learning) (Master of Science) Full-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught



F182 Chemistry (Negotiated Learning) (Master of Science) Part-Time

Commencing September 2026

Graduate Taught

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The MSc Chemistry (Negotiated Learning) provides a basis for graduates to enter the chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-pharmaceutical and materials industries. Analytical services, environmental protection and primary and secondary school teaching present other possible opportunities. Furthermore, through judicious choice of modules within one particular sub-discipline of chemistry, the programme is an attractive route for some students into a PhD programme.