Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science Bachelor of Science (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Atlantic Technological University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science at Atlantic Technological University is a four-year honours degree that combines core chemistry with pharmaceutical and analytical science to teach students how new medicines are discovered, manufactured, and quality-assured. It suits students who are enthusiastic about chemistry and want to work in pharmaceutical, chemical, biomedical, biotechnology, and quality management sectors where strong laboratory and analytical skills are essential.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students develop a broad scientific foundation with modules in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and academic and professional skills, establishing essential knowledge and laboratory techniques that prepare them for more specialised topics in later years.

Year 2
The second year builds on this foundation with a stronger focus on analytical chemistry, microbiological analysis, and material characterisation, enhancing students’ ability to analyse chemical substances and begin applying scientific methods to pharmaceutical contexts.

Year 3
In the third year, students progress further into chemistry and applied pharmaceutical science, taking deeper study in areas such as organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical forensics, and industrial applications, supported by project work that strengthens problem-solving and practical lab skills.

Year 4
The final honours year emphasises professional readiness through advanced topics in pharmaceutical science, quality management, and project-based learning, often including extended lab research or industry-aligned projects that mirror real-world scientific challenges.

Focus areas
Foundational and advanced chemistry, pharmaceutical science, analytical techniques, microbiological analysis, quality management, and regulatory science.

Learning outcomes
Graduates will demonstrate practical competence in laboratory and analytical methods, interpret complex scientific data, apply pharmaceutical science principles to industry problems, understand quality assurance systems, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

Professional alignment (accreditation)
This Level 8 honours degree adheres to Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications, aligning academic learning with professional industry expectations for scientific and pharmaceutical roles, and positions graduates well for technical, research, and quality-focused careers or postgraduate study.

Reputation (employability rankings)
Atlantic Technological University’s science programmes are designed with a strong emphasis on practical skills and industry relevance, and graduates are well regarded by employers in pharmaceutical, chemical, biomedical, and biotechnology fields for their readiness to contribute in laboratory and quality roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science at Atlantic Technological University blends practical laboratory practice with applied scientific learning from the very first year. Students work extensively in modern chemistry and pharmaceutical laboratories where they learn how medicines are discovered, tested, analysed and ensured to be of high quality — preparing them for real roles in industry. Throughout the four‑year honours degree, hands‑on projects, lab experiments, and quality management exercises help students build confidence in core scientific techniques while understanding regulatory and quality systems. As students advance through the programme, they encounter opportunities to apply their learning to industry‑focused contexts and quality assurance challenges, reinforcing skills that are directly relevant to pharmaceutical, biomedical and chemical sectors.

Key Experiential Learning Elements Include:

Frequent laboratory practical sessions throughout the degree that develop core competence in chemical and pharmaceutical analysis.
Training in medicinal chemistry, analytical techniques and quality management, mirroring tasks used by professional scientists in industry.
Modules focused on instrumentation, data modelling and scientific communication, improving students’ ability to process and present results.
A six‑month industry placement in later years, giving students real workplace experience in pharmaceutical, biomedical or chemical environments.
Collaborative projects and group work that build teamwork, problem‑solving and professional communication skills.
Final‑year research or extended project work, where students apply scientific methods to a substantive analytical or pharmaceutical science challenge.

Why This Degree Matters
This honours degree prepares students for careers across the pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotechnology and chemical industries, where practical analytical skills, quality assurance understanding and scientific thinking are highly valued. Graduates leave ready to contribute in research and development, quality control, regulatory affairs, manufacturing and laboratory analysis — with both hands‑on experience and scientific credibility built into the programme.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science at Atlantic Technological University graduate with a broad and practice‑focused foundation in chemistry, pharmaceutical science, analytical techniques, quality management, medicinal chemistry, and forensic analysis. Typical roles include Quality Control/Assurance Analyst, Research & Development Technician, Regulatory Affairs Associate, and Process Development Specialist in pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical, environmental, and biotechnology sectors. The programme’s emphasis on practical laboratory work and industry‑relevant skills ensures graduates are ready for immediate employment and further academic advancement.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Career Services and Industry Support: Students have access to ATU’s career support services, including personalised career guidance, internships advice, industry networking events, and connections with employers in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, and quality services. These services help students build professional networks and secure roles after graduation.

Employment Stats & Salary Potential: Graduates are in demand across a range of analytical, regulatory, and quality roles in industry, including quality assurance, process development, regulatory compliance, laboratory analysis, and research assistant positions. Entry‑level salaries for science and pharmaceutical graduates are competitive within the STEM and life sciences sectors, reflecting strong industry demand.

Professional Experience: The honours degree includes substantial practical laboratory work and applied projects that build hands‑on competence in techniques such as medicinal chemistry, analytical methods, instrumentation, and quality systems. These experiences are directly relevant to employer expectations in pharmaceutical and scientific workplaces.

Industry Relevance & Partnerships: The Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science curriculum was developed in consultation with industry needs, ensuring students study current scientific methods, regulatory frameworks, and quality assurance practices that graduate employers value. This industry alignment enhances employability and professional readiness.

Accreditation and Long‑Term Value: As a Level 8 honours qualification at a recognised technological university in Ireland, this degree provides enduring professional value. Graduates gain scientific, analytical, and quality‑focused competencies that are applicable in regulated sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and biotechnology, where qualified professionals are increasingly sought after.

Further Academic Progression
After completing the Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science, students can pursue postgraduate study such as Master’s degrees in pharmaceutical science, medicinal chemistry, analytical chemistry, regulatory affairs, or biotechnology to specialise further. Options also include PhD research in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or related life sciences fields, as well as professional certificates that support roles in quality systems, regulatory science, or technical leadership.