Chemistry is one of the most important fields of physical science that studies the composition of matter at an atomic level. Pursuing higher education in the subject 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. It enables them to stay in the country for two years and start their career 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 bring students to the island nation. Chemistry is part of the Critical Skills Occupations List in the country, which leads to an almost 96% employability rate among graduates after completion of 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 which are the best chemistry universities in Ireland.
Learn more about studying chemistry at top Irish educational institutions (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022) below and book a free consultation with SI-Ireland today to start your application.
Top Five Universities for Chemistry in Canada
1. Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin is a top-rated Irish university that was founded 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. 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: €27,610 per year
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 areas such as 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 cutting-edge research in various fields, allowing students to go for laboratory work and research projects while pursuing their courses. Some of the most interesting courses available at the university include MSc in Analytical Chemistry and MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The state-of-the-art facilities at the university enable students to learn the latest skills and apply them same 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
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 works in synthetic, materials, theoretical, and environmental chemistry, among others.
- 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
4. University of Limerick
The Department of Chemical Sciences at UL is an innovative and dynamic department providing high-quality education to students. The university offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the subject, imparted through a state-of-the-art infrastructure and award-winning faculty members. The curriculum is largely focused on the areas of biochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and environmental fields. The department plays a significant role in the University of Limerick’s world-class interdisciplinary research on structured materials. The research students work closely with the faculty members and have access to the various world-class facilities at the university, 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 the equivalent of 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: €17,200 per year
5. University of Galway
The School of Biological and Chemical Sciences at the University of Galway offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate options to students. 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 in the subject that impart advanced knowledge and practical skills in the chosen area of study. 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: €24,040 per year
Study Chemistry Degree in Ireland
Begin your application to study for a chemistry degree at a university in Ireland by arranging a free consultation with SI-Ireland today.