Science - Chemical Sciences
Chemistry provides a scientific understanding of molecules and how they react together, leading to exciting developments in the use of the advanced materials we see around us in the world. It is the study of the properties and behaviour of all matter.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 years, full-time.
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At Least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7 or H4*
Lab Science O6/H7 or H4*
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Note
H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science*
* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme LCVP
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
For further information on further study options from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates are highly valued in industry and research alike. Not all chemists wear white coats (!) and there are a variety of options in sectors such as in materials, environmental applications, and in the pharmaceutical industry sector, patents, sales, and management.
For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme.
Further information
September 2026
Approximate Available Places 3
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 31
Entry 2026
Early online application (discounted): Fee €35 Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €50 Closing Date: 1 February 2026 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: €65 Closing Date: 1 May 2026 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2026 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2026 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2026. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2026, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2026 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €65 applies.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2026 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Course Outline
Chemistry provides a scientific understanding of molecules and how they react together, leading to exciting developments in the use of the advanced materials we see around us in the world. It is the study of the properties and behaviour of all matter.
The introductory first year in Chemical Sciences gives you access to the three degree programmes:
- Chemistry
- Chemistry with Forensic Science
- Chemical Physics
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Study Abroad
The School of Chemistry is an active participant in Erasmus and undergraduate student-exchange programmes, with partner universities across Europe and USA where you can apply to study in your third year. We also run a shorter programme for places in Zurich, Switzerland for the second semester of third year.
Year 1 Modules
You will take 60 credits from a variety of modules, but note that there is a slight variation in module choice in first year depending on your preferred degree programme. You will have two options regarding which modules you take in first year:
- Option 1 leads to the BSc Chemistry or the BSc Chemistry with Forensic Science degree awards.
- Option 2 leads to the BSc Chemical Physics or the BSc Chemistry degree awards.
Option 1
CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 1 (10 credits)
CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 2 (10 credits)
MA1001 Calculus for Science I (5 credits)
MA1002 Calculus for Science II (5 credits)
PY1010 Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences (10 credits)
Plus 20 credits from the following:
BC1001 Introduction to Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease (5 credits)
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
CS1068 Programming in Python (5 credits)
GL1001 Introduction to Geology (5 credits)
MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
Option 2
CM1200 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 1 (10 credits)
CM1201 Fundamentals of Modern Chemistry Parts 2 (10 credits)
AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
MA1011 Mathematical Methods I (5 credits)
MA1012 Mathematical Methods II (5 credits)
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
Plus 5 credits from the following:
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python (5 credits)
GL1001 Introduction to Geology (5 credits)
MB1003 Microbiology in Society (5 credits)
Students who have not taken higher-level Mathematics or Physics in the Leaving Certificate examinations are strongly advised to take Option 1.
Students wishing to pursue BSc Chemistry with Forensic Science must take the modules BC1001, BL1002, and MB1003.
Dr Dave Otway
dave.otway@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 1894
http://www.ucc.ie/en/chemistry/