MSc by Research in Chemistry

The aim of the UCD Chemistry MSc and PhD graduate research programmes is to permit all students to develop and exercise the personal responsibility, initiative, and specialist/generic skill sets needed to effectively engage with today’s complex and demanding professional career landscapes.

Completion of an MSc by Research typically takes about 15 months full-time to complete, after a bachelors degree. There are three start dates in the academic year when you can begin your postgraduate studies; September, January or May.  In many cases, we offer funded studentships (tax-free scholarship and payment of University fees). Graduate Applications are made directly through a member of our academic staff working in the area of research that most closely matches your field of study. You should email them directly, specifying your research interests, qualifications and experience and enquire about funding opportunities. 

All students registering for a PhD or Research Masters in the School of Chemistry take part in a structured research programme. The main features of these programmes are:

Your Research Project - the focus and central activity of your programme, with your principal supervisor as your primary source of information, training, advice and support.

Your Research Studies Panel - to provide advice and support and to monitor your progress.

Research & Professional Development Planning - ensures that your work is clearly focused on achieving your research and professional goals. 

Transfer Assessment - If you want to transfer to a PhD programme.

Taught Modules - All incoming PhD students must take 30 credits of taught modules but in MSc by Research programmes, students are not required to complete any taught modules and associated credits in order to complete their degree. However, if an MSc by Research student is considering subsequent transfer to a PhD programme via Transfer Assessment, the student must take certain modules (12.5 taught credits including the mandatory PhD Stage 1 modules) with the approval of their Supervisor and Research Panel. 

Please see How to Apply and UCD Graduate Studies for further details.