Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science Bachelor of Science (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University – Galway City

Program Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science at Atlantic Technological University in Galway is an exciting four‑year honours degree that blends core chemistry, pharmaceutical science, and real‑world laboratory skills to show you how medicines are discovered, developed, analysed, and quality‑assured. It’s ideal for curious and hands‑on learners who want to work in cutting‑edge sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotech, chemical analysis, quality assurance, or research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Strong Foundations

In your first year you’ll get a broad grounding in the sciences with modules such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Academic & Professional Skills, giving you the essential toolkit for advanced study. You’ll also start exploring how chemical principles apply to pharmaceutical contexts, setting up a smooth transition into more specialised topics later on. This foundation ensures you can succeed even if you haven’t studied chemistry before.

Year 2 – Exploring Chemical and Analytical Techniques

Second year is where your studies dive deeper into chemistry and its pharmaceutical applications. Expect an exciting mix of Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Techniques, Data Modelling & Statistics, and Quality Systems & Good Manufacturing Practice — all central to understanding how products are analysed, controlled, and assured in real‑world settings. This year is very hands‑on, with practical lab projects helping you turn theory into skill.

Year 3 – Skill Development and Industry Insight

In year three you’ll begin applying your training in more specialised areas like Spectrophotometric and Chromatographic Methods of Analysis, advanced chemistry lab work, and other techniques the industry depends on. A major highlight is a six‑month industry placement, where you’ll work alongside professionals — gaining experience, building networks, and becoming workplace‑ready before you even graduate.

Year 4 – Advanced Science & Research

Your final year brings opportunities to focus on complex subjects such as Medicinal and Analytical Chemistry, Physical & Computational Chemistry, and integrate your learning through a Research Project. You’ll synthesise knowledge from earlier years to investigate real scientific questions and present your findings, a vital experience for careers in research and development or for postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Medicinal Chemistry, Analytical Techniques, Quality Management and Assurance, Chemical Synthesis, Pharmaceutical Science, Instrumentation, Research Projects

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will develop strong laboratory competence, critical thinking in chemical and pharmaceutical problem‑solving, quality control expertise, industry‑relevant analytical skills, and the ability to conduct independent research and communicate complex scientific ideas.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This honours degree is a Level 8 programme under the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, designed to meet industry expectations in pharmaceutical, chemical, biomedical, and biotechnology sectors. It aligns with professional standards expected by employers or further study programmes.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

While specific global rankings for this program are not publicly listed, Atlantic Technological University is a recognised technological university in Ireland with strong ties to the pharma and biotech industries. Its emphasis on laboratory skills, industry placements, and applied research helps graduates stand out in a competitive job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Chemical & Pharmaceutical Science degree at Atlantic Technological University don’t just learn theory — they spend a lot of time in well-equipped laboratories putting ideas into practice, using real analytical instruments and scientific techniques that employers in the pharmaceutical industry value. The programme is designed so you build confidence with practical skills from day one, and you also gain a genuine taste of the scientific workplace through a structured industry placement. A mix of lab work, project work, and industry experience means you graduate with hands-on capabilities, familiarity with scientific software, and teamwork experience that go far beyond classroom learning.

Here’s how that translates into real experiential learning opportunities on this programme:

A strong laboratory focus across the degree, with students spending significant time carrying out experiments in medicinal chemistry, analytical techniques, and quality assurance, becoming comfortable with glassware, instrumentation, and scientific methods.
Hands-on experience with real scientific instrumentation and analytical tools used in pharmaceutical and chemical analysis.
A six-month industry placement in your third year, working in a pharmaceutical, chemical, or biotech environment, applying what you’ve learned in real workplace settings and building professional networks before you graduate.
Group and project-based work embedded throughout the course, reflecting how scientific teams collaborate on research, problem-solving, and quality projects in industry.
Access to science research facilities and labs at ATU’s Galway campus, supporting your development as a practical scientist and preparing you for roles in analysis, formulation, quality control, and regulatory science.

For a complete list of campus facilities that support hands-on learning in science and laboratories, you can explore the university’s facilities page.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science at Atlantic Technological University are well-positioned to step straight into meaningful scientific and quality-focused careers, with strong demand in Ireland’s pharmaceutical, biomedical, and chemical sectors. Typical roles include Quality Control Analyst, Pharmaceutical Laboratory Technician, Regulatory Affairs Assistant, and Research & Development Associate — all careers that allow you to work on real scientific problems and can grow into senior positions as you gain experience. Many students secure employment even before finishing their studies because of the practical skills and industry placement built into the programme.

Here’s how Atlantic Technological University supports your progression and future success:

Career Development Centre support with personalised guidance on CV writing, interview preparation, career fairs, and professional networking, helping you make the most of your practical experience.
Strong university–industry connections, particularly with pharmaceutical and biotech companies in Ireland, where graduates from ATU often secure roles after completing their industrial placements.
Graduate outcomes and job readiness: many students move quickly into relevant roles after graduation, with competitive starting salaries in the range of €28,000–€35,000, reflecting the high demand for skilled professionals.
Accreditation and long-term value: this Level 8 honours degree is nationally recognised and provides a solid foundation for a wide range of professional pathways and career growth.
Employers value ATU graduates for their hands-on lab experience, analytical skills, and ability to work both independently and in teams, which helps graduates succeed in roles across quality control, regulatory affairs, production support, and more.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this honours degree, students have excellent options to continue their studies if they want to deepen their expertise or move toward research and leadership roles. Many graduates pursue master’s degrees in pharmaceutical science, analytical chemistry, or related fields, including specialised MSc programmes that focus on advanced analytical techniques or industrial pharmaceutical applications. Others may go on to PhD research, enter clinical or regulatory science postgraduate programmes, or pursue professional qualifications in areas such as regulatory affairs or quality assurance, all of which can further enhance career prospects.