Chemistry (Structured MSc)

The objective of this one year structured programme is to provide internationally recognised training in Chemistry for graduates to the highest level of professional and scientific standards. An aim is to produce graduates who can independently tackle problems in Chemistry and who have developed professionally relevant skills with a view to gaining employment or entering a PhD. The course has taught modules (30 ECTS credits) and a research module (60 ECTS credits).

The structured Master’s Degree has the following aims:

• To provide Chemistry (and related) bachelor graduates with further training focused on developing their skills, including employability skills


• To develop students who can solve unseen problems where they have not been coached previously


• To prepare students for jobs in the chemical science sector


• Where possible to offer graduates the opportunity to conduct their research project in Industry


• Where possible to offer graduates the opportunity to have part of their research project at an approved laboratory outside NUI Galway


• To give graduates an additional year before having to commit to a particular area of specialisation before undertaking PhD study


• To assist graduates become more competitive in applications for PhD scholarships


• To enable graduates demonstrate their potential for research and prepare them for doctoral study


• To offer graduates a significant period of time on an original research project to generate outputs that will be publishable.

Structure of the programme

Students will take taught courses (30 ECTS credits) and a research project (60 ECTS credits). Students will develop employer relevant skills during the programme.

Taught modules:

1. Techniques and Skills for Chemistry Research (15 ECTS): Students will be introduced to a variety of analytical techniques and skills used for research. Individual students carry out short laboratory based projects putting into practice each technique or skill. Assessment will be based on laboratory work and a written exam.


2. Frontiers in Chemistry (10 ECTS): Students will gain knowledge in modern Chemistry in areas such as synthesis, green chemistry, biomedical and pharmaceutical chemistry. Assessment will be based on contribution to a journal club and written examination.


3. Elective Module (5 credits): Students will have a choice in taking a module to improve their teaching or improve their knowledge in relation to working in industry (Validation in Industry – 5 ECTS). Students may choose another elective module available at NUI Galway in consultation with the Programme Director.

Research in the programme:

A distinctively different research project will be offered to each student and they will be supervised by a member of the academic staff.

1. Students will normally spend their research project in the School of Chemistry working with a member of the academic staff.


2. When possible students may carry out part of their project work at an approved partner laboratory.


3. When possible students will be facilitated to carry out their project work in the laboratory of an approved industrial partner.