Chemical Sciences General Entry

Dublin City University

Ireland, Dublin

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Dublin City University

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Foundation

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

DC163

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines12-Jan-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 16,900 / year

Next Intake 12-Jan-2026

Chemical Sciences General Entry

About

Overview

Chemistry is everywhere – in the water we drink, the air we breathe and in every device we use. In fact, it’s key to understanding our world. As a chemist, you can help to solve everyday challenges and change people’s lives for the better.

By choosing Chemical Sciences General Entry, you can spend your first year at DCU exploring different aspects of chemistry, so you discover which parts inspire you most. Among other topics, you’ll study drug design, introduction to synthetic methods to prepare drugs, industrial and forensic analytical techniques, environmental chemistry and biomolecules during this year. You can also take a language module such as French or Spanish.

Path to a chemistry specialism

Having studied different types of chemistry and gained excellent hands-on lab experience, you can choose your specialist degree programme at the end of first year, although this is based on your first year results. You’ll have three options: the BSc in Analytical Science, the BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the BSc in Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence.

Chemistry is a wide field and qualified specialist chemists are hugely sought after. Even in your first year on the Chemical Science General Entry programme, you’ll do a dynamic range of lab work, developing your problem-solving skills while conducting innovative experiments that reflect the needs of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and the broader chemical industry. Doing Chemical Sciences general entry will help you to decide which of the chemistry degrees you would like to pursue at the end of year one.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

General Entry Requirements

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science.

Leaving Cert

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

Minimum of O3 or H6 in Mathematics and minimum of O3 or H5 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry, Agricultural Science or Computer Science.

GCE A Level

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply

GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B Mathematics and GCE A Level D or GCE AS Level C or GCSE B in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics with Chemistry, Biology or Agricultural Science

FET Level 5

Please visit our Admissions webpage for details on course requirements or how to apply to DCU.

Please visit our QQI FET webpage for details on DCU courses, open days, campus tours or school visits.

To apply to DCU, please visit www.cao.ie.

Mature Applicants

Mature entry is a competitive process. Applicants must demonstrate:

a genuine interest in the programme(s) they are applying for
academic experience and competency in their chosen field of study
an ability to engage and succeed on the programme

All applicants must complete a statement of interest to be considered for the mature application route.

For further guidance on the mature application process please see the CAO Website

Advanced Entry

No Entry Path

International Applications

International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

English Program Requirements

Undergraduate Applicants - Minimum English Standards

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language, through their school leaving examination or in a recognised English language test. The minimum standards for entry to DCU are outlined below.

Applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only.

EXAMINATION

Level Required

Irish Leaving Certificate English

O6/H7

GCE A-Level English Language

Grade D

GSCE

Grade C

IELTS ACADEMIC

Composite score of 6.5 or above, with no less than 6.0 in any one component.

*Scores must be achieved in one sitting.

TOEFL

237 (computer-based),
580 (paper-based test)

TOEFL iBT

Total Score of 92

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAP)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE)

Overall score of 180 with a minimum of 169 in all components.

English Test for Academic and Professional Purposes (ETAPP)

Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

63 (with a minimum of 59 in all components)

Duolingo

Duolingo will be accepted with a minimum score of 120 and a score of at least 110 in each subscore. Please ensure the verification link is provided when submitting this evidence and you share your results with DCU.

Additional Information

Your English language certificate must be awarded within the two years prior to the start date of your DCU programme.
English Language requirements for individual programmes may be higher than published here. Please refer to the programme page for further details.
Scores on your English language proficiency test must be achieved in one sitting.

Alternative Requirements/Evidence of Competency

In exceptional circumstances, results in examinations other than those published may be accepted as proof of competence in English language. This may include non-native speakers of English who have completed their education through the medium of English in a country where English is the official language. Please include the details of any English language examinations and proof of successful completion when applying to DCU.

For further details about DCU English Language Requirements, please contact DCU Admissions.