Pursuing higher education in chemistry helps students deepen their critical thinking, technical and autonomous learning skills, and research capabilities. Chemistry graduates get many career opportunities in various fields and can choose to become engineers, healthcare scientists, engineers, and researchers after graduation.
Ireland has been attracting thousands of international students to study chemistry due to its post-study work visa option. This enables them to stay in the country for two years and start their careers in Fortune 500 companies in the chemical, pharmaceuticals, and biotech industries, most of which have offices there. The presence of world-class universities imparting high-quality education through their state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories, experienced faculty members, and innovative teaching methods also attract students to the island nation.
Chemistry is also on the country's Critical Skills Occupations List, which leads to an almost 96% employability rate among graduates after they complete their course. Once you have graduated from the best chemistry courses offered by top-ranking Irish universities, several doors to exciting career options will open up. Keep reading ahead to find the best chemistry universities in Ireland.
Learn more about studying chemistry at top Irish institutions (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024) below and book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to start your application.
Top Five Universities for Chemistry in Ireland
1. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is a top-rated Irish university that has been imparting high-quality education since its inception in 1592. The School of Chemistry at the university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate study options in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Most of these programmes have been designed to give students a strong foundation in the subject and enable them to conduct research at various levels. The department gives access to advanced instrumentation, including mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. The department also has renowned faculty members who provide a friendly and stimulating student environment.
- Suggested course: BA Honours in Chemistry: Chemical Sciences
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have the equivalent of an Irish Leaving Certificate with H6 or O4 in Mathematics and H4 in two other subjects, which can be physics, chemistry, geology, applied mathematics, computer science, and agricultural science. English language proficiency is also required for admission.
- International fees: €28,250 per year
- Faculties: School of Chemistry
- Campus: Dublin
2. University College Dublin
The UCD School of Chemistry is one of Ireland's largest and most dynamic departments. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject, and students can specialise in materials, environmental, and medicinal chemistry, among others. Among the most popular research-intensive universities in the country, UCD provides world-class education in various subjects. The school engages in research in various fields, allowing students to go for laboratory work and research projects while pursuing their courses. The technologically advanced facilities at the university enable students to learn the latest skills and apply them to have fulfilling careers after graduation.
- Suggested course: BSc Honours in Chemistry
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have scored o2/H6 in Mathematics, o6/H7 in English and o2/H6 in a laboratory science subject at their senior secondary level. Non-native speakers of the language should show proficiency in the language.
- International fees: €27,720 per year
- Faculties: UCD School of Chemistry
- Campus: Dublin
3. University College Cork
The School of Chemistry at University College Cork is a leading centre of excellence for education and research. The department is known for delivering high-quality teaching through undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. All courses at the School of Chemistry are fully accredited by The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland. The SWAN Bronze Awards have also accredited the staff, faculty and students in 2018 and 2021. The research department at UCC is also active and works in synthetic materials theory and environmental chemistry, among others. The university has strong industrial connections, enabling students to access a curriculum updated per the latest industry standards.
- Suggested course: BSc Honours in Chemistry
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have passed Mathematics and Laboratory Science subjects at the senior secondary level. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €23,000 per year
- Faculties: School of Chemistry
- Campus: Cork
4. University of Limerick
The Department of Chemical Sciences at UL is an innovative and dynamic department that provides students with excellent educational and research opportunities. The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject, imparted through a technologically advanced infrastructure and award-winning faculty members. The curriculum focuses on the biochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental fields, allowing students to specialise in their chosen fields within the discipline. The department plays a significant role in the University of Limerick’s world-class interdisciplinary research on structured materials.
Students interested in research activities work closely with faculty members and have access to the university's various world-class facilities, including the Bernal Institute and the Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre.
- Suggested course: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Biochemistry
- Entry requirements: Applicants must hold educational qualifications equivalent to an Irish Leaving Certificate, including two subjects with H5 grades and four at O6. The subjects must include English, Mathematics and other science subjects. Non-native speakers of the language are needed to show proficiency in the language.
- International fees: €20,640 per year
- Faculties: Department of Chemical Sciences
- Campus: Limerick
5. University of Galway
The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway offers students various undergraduate and postgraduate options. At the undergraduate level, it offers chemistry courses that provide a strong foundation for the fundamental principles of chemistry in various subjects such as organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry. At the graduate level, the university offers taught and research programmes that impart advanced knowledge and practical skills in the chosen study area. Students also get access to specialised facilities at the university, including the Mass Spectrometry Centre and Biomedical Diagnostics Institute.
- Suggested course: BSc in Chemistry
- Entry requirements: Candidates must have a minimum grade of H5 in two subjects, with passes in the other four at o6/H7 at the senior secondary level. English language proficiency is required for non-native speakers of the language.
- International fees: €26,000
- Faculties: School of Biological and Chemical Sciences
- Campus: Galway
Study Chemistry in Ireland
Arrange a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to begin your application to study for a chemistry degree at a university in Ireland.
