About the School
The School of Chemical Sciences is a home to a vibrant and diverse learning environment. All of our teaching and practice is informed by the state-of-the-art research conducted within the School.
Our degree programmes in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Science, Environmental Science and Technology and Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence cover the fundamental principles and practice of chemical, pharmaceutical, analytical and environmental sciences, built to create an outstanding and stimulating educational experience.
Our degree programmes offer the skills and knowledge sought after by many industries. Our graduates are nationally and internationally regarded by prospective employers and research bodies. We offer a supportive and innovative learning environment for students, researchers, staff and collaborators.
The School possesses an outstanding track record for postgraduate research and we are currently home to more than 60 postgraduate students engaged in research-based postgraduate programmes, in diverse fields. These range from the development of chemical and biological sensors and intelligent materials, to drug design and discovery, and advances in materials chemistry for nanotechnology applications.
What sets us apart
The School of Chemical Sciences at DCU stands out for its unique blend of academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a supportive, hands-on learning environment. We’re more than just a place to study chemistry, we’re a hub for innovation, curiosity, and real-world impact.
Our teaching is deeply connected to the state-of-the-art research taking place within the School. From pharmaceutical chemistry to analytical, environmental, and sustainable science, our degree programmes are shaped by the latest discoveries and global challenges.
What truly sets us apart is how we bring science to life. Our students don’t just learn theory, they engage in practical, lab-based learning from the start, working alongside active researchers who are leaders in their fields. This exposure ensures graduates leave not only with deep subject knowledge but with the confidence and technical expertise that employers value.
Our graduates are highly regarded both in Ireland and internationally, with many progressing into leading roles across industry, academia, and public sector research. We are proud to offer a learning community where students, staff, and collaborators are supported to thrive, academically, professionally, and personally.
The History of the School
The School of Chemical Sciences at Dublin City University is a young, innovative, and impact-driven department with a strong reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and industry engagement. Established in the early 1980s as part of the National Institute for Higher Education, Dublin, the School welcomed its first students in 1980 and became part of DCU when the university was formally established in 1989.
From its inception, the School was built with a clear mission: to deliver chemistry education for the modern world. It was one of the first in Ireland to integrate applied science, interdisciplinary learning, and work placement opportunities into its undergraduate programmes. That forward-thinking ethos remains central to everything we do.
Over the decades, the School has continued to grow and evolve, launching new programmes such as Chemistry with Artificial Intelligence, leading collaborative research initiatives, and building strong connections with industry, government, and international partners. Our degrees are fully accredited by both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland, and we were the first Irish chemistry department to receive the Eurobachelor® Label, aligning our curriculum with European standards.
Today, we remain committed to educating the next generation of scientists and delivering research that addresses global challenges in health, energy, climate, and sustainability.