| Code | MRESCS |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months Full-time; 24 Months Part-time |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time |
| Qualifications | MRes |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| EU Fees | Full-time: €5,840 + €5,000 bench fee
Part-time: €2,955 + €2,500 bench fee See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Non-EU Fees | €15,070 + €5,000 bench fee |
| Start Date | September 2027 |
Course Outline
The MRes in Advanced Chemical Synthesis is a 12 month full-time (or 24 months part-time) research programme based within the School of Chemistry. This programme will give students the opportunity to study advanced topics in synthetic organic and inorganic chemistry relevant to future employment in chemical development roles or further study. The programme also offers an extensive research induction prior to joining a research team to work towards the completion of a major research thesis. Subject to approval of the programme team, there may be opportunities for the MRes to be conducted in industry.
Students will undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the full programme.
The taught component of the MRes constitutes 20 credits, with the remaining 70 credits being awarded for completion of the research thesis.
Core Taught Modules (20 Credits):
- CM6200 Frontiers in Synthetic Chemistry (10 Credits)
- CM6201 Core skills for Research and Development in Synthetic Chemistry (10 Credits)
Research (70 Credits):
Students undertake independent research towards completion of a research thesis to a student workload equivalent of 70 credits on a selected topic in Synthetic Inorganic or Organic Chemistry.
Course Practicalities
Prospective applicants must contact the Programme Director in advance of application to discuss potential project areas and supervisory arrangements. Prospective applicants must also contact potential supervisors in advance of applying.
Students should consult the Fees Office page for information on EU and non-EU College and bench fees.
Why Choose This Course
The MRes in Advanced Chemical Synthesis equips students to conduct independent research and to thrive in development roles within the evolving chemical and (bio)pharmaceutical industries seeking to secure future health and wellbeing for all.
Advances in chemical synthesis are critically important to address emerging global health threats such as antimicrobial resistance, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and age-related illness. The MRes in Advanced Chemical Synthesis programme has been specifically designed to examine frontier topics in both inorganic and organic synthesis and to enable students to develop skills to put this into practice through the lens of a modern researcher.
The MRes in Advanced Chemical Synthesis is supported by its strong links to an Irish (bio)pharmaceutical industry that employs over 80,000 people and accounts for 20% of Irish GDP. This course offers students unique networking opportunities with industry experts with a view to transitioning into development roles beyond their degree. Industry involvement in the form of guest lectures, networking opportunities and collaborative projects is a core component of the curriculum. Our research graduates in the synthetic chemistry area typically go on to secure stable employment in the global pharmaceutical industry or academia. This programme may also be of interest those currently working in industry looking to upskill or transition to a development role.
Our school has an excellent reputation for providing quality education and state-of-the-art teaching and research facilities and infrastructure. The course will be delivered with a research-led focus by leading academic experts in organic, inorganic and pharmaceutical chemistry. Importantly, students will be able to choose their specific subject area and supervisor for their research thesis thereby offering a tailored MRes experience to suit student interests. There may also be opportunities for MRes graduates to pursue PhD programmes within the School.
Requirements
Applicants must have a Second Class Honours degree (minimum 2H2 or equivalent) in a primary degree (NQF, Level 8) in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Materials Chemistry, Life Sciences.
You must be approved by the MRes coordinator and programme team, including the Head of the School of Chemistry. Students will not be admitted to the programme without the support of a suitable supervisor.
The number of places is limited and decisions on entry to the programme will be made based on the applicant’s performance in their primary degree and interview according to the following criteria: academic qualifications, research experience and focus, scientific understanding, personal statement and strong recommendations from two academic referees.
Fees and Costs
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
How To Apply
The best way to find a prospective supervisor is to review the staff bios and research activity in the relevant discipline. You may also contact the Programme Director who will be able to guide you towards potential supervisors based on your research interests.
Once you have narrowed down your search, you must make direct contact with the prospective supervisor to initiate a conversation and informally discuss your proposal and their availability to supervise.
You must also contact the Programme Director in advance of making a formal application to the programme.
Once you have both secured a supervisor and discussed your application with the Programme Director, please see our How to Apply page for more information on how to complete the formal application.
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