Overview
What is Chemistry?
Chemistry is a creative science that is used to develop everything from new materials for superconductors and new batteries, to new drug molecules for the pharmaceutical industry. Without it, many modern science disciplines, such as materials science, molecular biology and environmental science, would not be possible.
Do you enjoy...
- Finding out how things work?
- Carrying out laboratory experiments?
- Analysing results and coming up with a theory?
Chemistry: The course for you?
If you are strong in science, if you enjoy laboratory experiments and want to work in industry or research after university, and if you are innovative, creative and logical then you will be well suited to this course.
Chemistry at Trinity
The School of Chemistry at Trinity is ranked 1st in Ireland and in the top 100 worldwide (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Our Chemistry degree is designed to provide you with the practical and analytical skills needed for a career in research and industry. Many of the School’s academic staff carry out research at the cutting edge of their fields in areas as diverse as nanoscience, energy, and drug design. In fourth year, you will have the opportunity to undertake a significant Capstone research project either in the School or abroad at one of the many third level/research institutes with which the School has agreements.
Graduate skills and career opportunities
A Chemistry degree combines specialist practical training with analytical, problem solving and presentation skills and is excellent preparation for graduates considering a diverse range of career paths. Trinity’s chemistry graduates are highly sought after by the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and graduates have worked in companies such as Henkel, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. Patent offices, government advisory and information services, food science, public analytical laboratories, schools and third-level institutes also employ our chemists. Our graduates can also pursue postgraduate degrees either in the School of Chemistry or in other world-class research institutes. Historically, chemistry graduates have been in demand in a wide range of non-scientific fields including the financial sector.
Your degree and what you’ll study
Following foundation- and core-level modules in first and second year chosen from a number of science subjects (such as physics or biology) along with chemistry and mathematics, you will expand your knowledge of chemistry in third and fourth year, taking more advanced modules in organic, inorganic and physical chemistry. In fourth year, you will carry out a Capstone research project, either in one of the research labs in Trinity or abroad. Graduates often cite this as the most memorable and rewarding part of their undergraduate degree. You will have the opportunity to study the fundamentals of modern chemistry, whilst developing your interests in specific topics such as bio-inorganic/organic chemistry, solid-state materials, interfacial and environmental chemistry. This course is accredited by the RSC. It partially fulfils the academic requirements for Chartered Chem (CChem).
Click here for further information on modules/subjects.
Study abroad and internship opportunities
The School of Chemistry has exchange agreements with a large number of universities and research institutes where students may carry out their final year Capstone research projects, in places such as Vienna, Berlin, Bologna, Toulouse, and Utrecht, North America and Australia. A limited number of places are also available in China. The areas of research are wide-ranging, including cancer chemotherapy and DNA chemistry, device fabrication and materials processing, homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry and computational chemistry. Between third and fourth year, some students also take a year-long internship in a pharmaceutical company to enhance their knowledge of chemistry and their practical skills. Further information on student exchanges can be found at: www.tcd.ie/global/mobility/outbound
