Course Overview

Full-time programme
The Structured Master of Science in Chemistry Research is a one-year research programme, designed to provide internationally recognised training in chemistry for graduates to the highest level of professional and scientific standards. The aim of this course is to produce high calibre graduates who can independently tackle problems in chemistry and closely related areas. It also aims to develop employment ready professionals with the view of gaining employment in this field or entering a PhD. The course comprises taught modules (30 ECTS credits) during the first three months of the programme followed by an eight months research project (60 ECTS credits). Students have the option to carry out the research project in the School of Chemistry, in a partner laboratory in Ireland or abroad or in industry. Research opportunities are offered in a wide range of different areas including: synthesis, analytical chemistry, combustion chemistry and energy, green chemistry, protein chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, biomedical chemistry, marine chemistry, and polymer chemistry.

Part-time programme
The Structured Master of Science in Chemistry Research (part-time) is a two-year research programme, designed to provide internationally recognised training in chemistry for graduates to the highest level of professional and scientific standards. The aim of this course is to produce high calibre graduates who can independently tackle problems in chemistry and closely related areas. This course is ideally suited to graduates in employment who wish to upskill. The course comprises taught modules (30 ECTS credits) and a research component (60 ECTS credits), spread over two years. Students will take one or two taught modules (15 ECTS) per year. Lectures are scheduled on one afternoon per week, while flexible hours can be agreed with the research project supervisor to facilitate students who are in employment. Students have the option to carry out the research project in the School of Chemistry, in a partner laboratory in Ireland or abroad or in industry. Research opportunities are offered in a wide range of different areas including: synthesis, analytical chemistry, combustion chemistry and energy, green chemistry, protein chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, medicinal chemistry, computational chemistry, biomedical chemistry, marine chemistry, and polymer chemistry.

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You may also be interested in one of our other Life and Biomedical Sciences postgraduate programmes.

Programmes Available

Structured MSc, full-time, 1 year; part-time, 2 years
Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System

Associated

Learning Outcomes

Entry Requirements

First Class or 2.1 Honours Degree in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biopharmaceutical Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry at Level 8; Students with a 2.2 Honours Degree may be admitted after interview. Graduates with BSc Honours Degrees from other cognate areas may be admitted based on the amount of Chemistry taken through their primary BSc programme.

Who’s Suited to This Course

Current research projects

Current funded research opportunity

Work Placement

Related Student Organisations

Career Opportunities

Find a Supervisor / PhD Project

If you are still looking for a potential supervisor or PhD project or would like to identify the key research interests of our academic staff and researchers, you can use our online portal to help in that search

Course Outline

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Research Areas

Research in the School of Chemistry is organized into three complementary groupings or clusters which cut across the traditional boundaries of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical chemistry.  This research aligns with themes identified in Innovation 2020 (Ireland’s strategy for research and development, science and technology), particularly in the areas of health & medical; energy; manufacturing & materials.  It is also aligned with the national priority research areas of therapeutics – synthesis, formulation, processing and drug delivery; diagnostics and medical devices.

Medicinal and Bioactive Chemistry (MBC)

This cluster encompasses synthetic and natural products chemistry, with a focus on the discovery and characterisation of novel bioactive compounds/materials. Key areas include carbohydrates, marine natural products, peptides, heterocycles, bioactive metal complexes, polymers and solid-state pharmaceuticals.  Members actively engage with CÚRAMMarine InstituteRyan Institute, and the Synthesis & Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre. (SSPC)

Bioanalytical and Biophysical Chemistry (BBC)

Using a variety of chemical, bio-analytical, and computational techniques this cluster investigates the structure and function of biomolecules and biomaterials, with applications in the bio-pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors.  There is emphasis on understanding biomolecules in complex environments, such as the crowded cell interior, and at surfaces/interfaces.  The members actively contribute to centres, including CCB, CÚRAMNIBRT, and SSPC. There are multiple large-scale Biopharma industry engagements.

Materials for Energy and Environment (MEE)

Here the aim is to develop novel materials and devices for energy and environmental applications. The research includes improved understanding of (bio)fuel combustion, development of nanomaterials for green energy, and novel devices for environmental analysis and biosensing. Members of this cluster are part of research centres including MAREI and the Ryan Institute. 

Click here—Chemistry Researcher profiles with additional details

Researcher Profiles

  • Burnell, Dr Erica
  • Cheung, Dr David
  • Crowley, Professor Peter
  • Curran, Professor Henry
  • Erxleben, Dr Andrea
  • Farras, Dr Pau
  • Leech, Professor Donal
  • Myers, Dr Eddie
  • Murphy, Professor Paul
  • O’Duill, Dr Miriam
  • O’Leary, Dr Patrick
  • Papatriantafyllopoulou, Dr Constantina 
  • Rochev, Dr Yury
  • Ronconi, Dr Luca
  • Ryder, Professor Alan
  • Thomas, Professor Olivier

Web-link to School of Chemistry staff profiles 

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€7,890 p.a. 2023/24 (incl. levy)

Fees: Non EU

€24,740 p.a. 2023/24 (incl. levy)

Contact Us

Dr Andrea Erxleben
T: +353 91 492 483
E: andrea.erxleben@universityofgalway.ie
www.universityofgalway.ie/science/school-of-chemistry/postgraduate-courses/msc/

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