The Chemistry of Pharmaceutical Compounds (Honours) programme at University College Cork (UCC) builds your expertise in the chemical and biological foundations of medicines. You’ll develop practical laboratory skills and learn how pharmaceutical products are developed, analysed, and regulated.
The course includes an industry placement and is designed to support careers in pharmaceutical science and related sectors.
Programme level: Honours undergraduate degree
Duration: Includes a five-month industrial placement (full programme duration to be confirmed by UCC)
Credits: ECTS/credit value to be confirmed by UCC
Delivery: On-campus (laboratory-based learning)
Industry experience: Five-month industrial placement
Accreditation/affiliations: Programme is accredited by the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland and the Royal Society of Chemistry (as stated in the record)
Language of instruction: English
Tuition fees: Fees vary by applicant category—check UCC for the latest figures
Start dates: Check UCC programme page for the next intake
Application deadlines: Check UCC programme page for the latest deadlines
Programme structure (indicative):
Core science and foundations
- Cell, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
- Biochemistry and the Biological Basis of Disease
- Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals
- Microbiology in Society
- Modern Chemistry
- Calculus for Science
- Physics for Biological and Chemical Sciences
Applied pharmaceutical learning
- Laboratory modules focused on pharmaceutical synthesis and analysis
- Training in analytical chemistry techniques such as chromatography (e.g., HPLC) and spectroscopy (e.g., NMR)
Industry placement and professional development
- Five-month industrial placement in a relevant pharmaceutical or related setting
- Professional communication through document preparation, poster writing, oral presentations, and interview practice
Assessment and progression
- Combination of laboratory work, written assignments, presentations, and problem-solving activities
Note: The exact semester-by-semester module list and credit weighting should be confirmed on the UCC programme curriculum page.
Academic requirements: Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications considered equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate.
English requirements (minimums shown in the record):
- IELTS Academic: 6.5 (overall)
- TOEFL iBT: 90 (overall)
- PTE Academic: 63 (overall)
- Oxford Test of English (OTE): 140 (overall)
- Duolingo English Test: 120 (overall)
General requirements:
- Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English language proficiency to the university’s requirements.
Documents typically required (confirm with UCC):
- Academic transcripts/qualification certificates
- Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)
- Passport/ID
- Application form and any additional programme-specific documents
Deadlines and intake dates: Check UCC for the latest application deadlines and start dates for this programme.
Work rights after graduation (Ireland)
Check for any work restrictions
After completing your degree in Ireland, your ability to work will depend on your immigration status and the type of permission granted to you. Rules can change, so you should confirm the latest requirements with the Irish immigration authorities and your university international office.
- General eligibility: International graduates may be eligible to apply for a post-study work permission/visa option after finishing an eligible programme in Ireland.
- Duration: The permitted work period is typically linked to the level and duration of your qualification. You must meet the conditions of the specific post-study scheme in force at the time of application.
- Timing: Applications are usually time-limited after graduation and may require proof of completion (e.g., official confirmation of award).
- Conditions: You may need to remain compliant with visa/registration requirements while applying and working.
Important: This programme record provides general guidance only. For the most accurate, country-specific information for UCC graduates, check the official programme and university guidance pages and the relevant Irish immigration website.