| Code | PDACM |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time. |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time, Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Qualifications | PG Dip |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| Fees | See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised. |
| Non-EU Closing Date | Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised. |
| Start Date | 8 September 2025 |
Course Outline
This course is designed to give participants a thorough training in the theory and practice of modern analytical techniques, with special regard to solving problems such as arise in various areas of Irish industry. Towards these ends the course will consist of lectures, laboratory work on set experiments and a short analytical research/development project.
Lectures are provided in a dedicated lecture schedule and through attendance at appropriate modules.
Among the topics covered in lectures are sampling methods, classical methods of analysis, instrumentation in spectroscopy, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, near-infrared nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, separation methods (incl. gas-liquid and high-performance liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid extraction), ion exchangers, potentiometry, voltammetry, sensors, process analysis, thermal methods, materials analysis, statistical data handling and the use of computers in analytical chemistry.
Set experiments
Set experiments are selected from the topics listed above and will involve the whole analytical process from sampling to the assessment of results and reliability parameters.
Project
A short research/development project is completed during the summer by full-time candidates (for part-time students special arrangements will be made).
Modules (60 credits)
- CM6012 Modern Analytical Techniques, Chemical Data Analysis and GLP (10 credits)
- CM6013 Separation Science, Sensors and Process Analytical Technology (10 credits)
- CM6014 Materials, Pharmaceutical and Bio-analysis (10 credits)
- CM6015 Practice of Analytical Chemistry (10 credits)
- CM6019 Research Project in Analytical Science (10 credits)
Elective Modules (choose 10 credits)
- PF6301 Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation, Secondary Processing and Regulation (10 credits) or
- EV4002 Environmental Monitoring (10 credits)
Additional Teaching Mode Information
The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years.
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue where you can search for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year to year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Why Choose This Course
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Opportunities exist for industrial placement both locally and through IAESTE and for the exchange of staff and students with other European research laboratories through various EU-supported Socrates networks, linked to University College Cork.
Requirements
Entry Requirements - Direct Entry
- Candidates must have a Merit or Distinction in BSc or HETAC/NCEA Ordinary Degree/Diploma (NFQ, Level 7, or equivalent).
- The number of places is limited and selection will be made on the basis of the candidate's performance in his/her primary degree. Graduates with equivalent qualifications in related areas of science and technology, or with proven and relevant industrial experience can be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for places following interview and assessment. Candidates must be approved by the Professor of Analytical Chemistry and/or the Co-ordinator of the MSc Programme, and by the College of Science, Engineering and Food Science.
- Bridging courses may be assigned as a pre-requisite depending on the background of the individual candidate.
For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.
International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.
- In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
- Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.
English Language Requirements
Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
Fees and Costs
Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026
See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
Deposits
If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.
Fee payment
Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.
How can I pay?
See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.
Any questions? See the 'Contact Us' section on the Fees Office page.
Bench Fee
Please be advised that a €1,000 bench fee is also required, payable directly to the department.
How To Apply
1. Check dates
Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage. The UCC online application portal usually opens around mid October.
2. Gather documents
Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
- Original qualification documents listed on your application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
- Any supplementary items requested for your course, if required.
3. Apply online
Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.
Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.
Deposit
Please note that successful EU applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €500 on acceptance of their place.
The closing date for non-EU applications is Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.
Apply Now