Graduate Testimonials

Our graduates go on to exciting and diverse careers across industry, research, education, and beyond—both in Ireland and internationally. Through their time in the School of Chemical Sciences at DCU, they’ve gained not only deep scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also the confidence, adaptability, and problem-solving ability that employers value.

In the stories below, our alumni share their experiences of studying at DCU, how their degree shaped their career paths, and the opportunities it opened up after graduation. From pharmaceutical laboratories to environmental consultancy and PhD research, their journeys reflect the strength, flexibility, and real-world relevance of a DCU chemistry degree.

These are just a few of the many paths our graduates take, each one demonstrating the impact and possibilities of a strong foundation in the chemical sciences.

"The degree in Analytical Science at DCU provided me with a diverse range of specialised skills across all the science disciplines, which offered me great flexibility in choosing a career. The fact that I chose to pursue postgraduate study in the Chemical Sciences department after my degree is a testament to the support and dedication of departmental staff, as well as the superb research facilities there." 

Kathleen Grennan, Lecturer, Department of Chemical & Life Sciences, Waterford Institute of Technology; BSc in Analytical Science graduate, PhD graduate.

"My time at DCU was very memorable. I had great encouragement and support from my academic supervisors and this gave me the confidence to make great progress and complete my studies. My postgraduate degree earned at DCU has given me the chance to work with some fascinating people in different countries on some interesting scientific problems."

Geraldine Dowling, Senior Analyst in Forensic Toxicology at The State Laboratory; MSc graduate.

"Studying in DCU Chemistry gave me a wide range of valuable laboratory skills as well as a significant understanding of environmental chemistry. Completing my research project inDCU Chemistry really taught me how to work in a co-operative and professional research environment, giving me a very rewarding experience."

Robert Kane, Environmental Officer, Access Waste Recycling; BSc in Environmental Science and Technology graduate.

"The "Chemical and Pharmaceutical" degree in DCU impressed me because of its broad scope, incorporating both analysis and synthesis. The six month experience in industry was a great insight into the type of jobs available in the area of science at degree level. Also, the 12 week research project in fourth year is very interesting and allows us to use and fully understand everything that we had learned over the four years. This aided my decision to take on a PhD position, as I was better informed as to the advantages this further qualification could provide."

Emma Harvey, postgraduate research student DCU; BSc Chemical and Pharmaceutical Science graduate.

"Even as a teenager in St. Oliver's Community College Drogheda, I've had an interest in forensic science – the science of trace analysis, of identification, the science of crime-busting. As the Leaving Cert loomed, I remember searching the CAO listings, but without a dedicated course in Ireland at the time, I began to doubt this career option. However, I then discovered that the B.Sc. in Analytical Science in DCU covered so many aspects needed for forensics, I decided that this would be the best choice for me to kickstart my career into forensics.

During the four-year degree course, the emphasis was always on helping us to develop as scientists, to be problem-solvers and competent in a wide range of laboratory techniques. I got the opportunity to test my skills while on INTRA placement with Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) in Swords Co. Dublin. I think that DCU's INTRA Programme is a very important and beneficial aspect of their academic approach. Not only did it give me insight into the day-to-day operations of an international pharmaceutical laboratory, but it also acted as the stepping stone to my future career. Upon graduating from DCU, I returned to BMS as a Quality Control Chemist, where I frequently called upon my skills in a variety of chromatographic techniques to ensure the stability of samples, as well as the integrity of the production facilities on site. Over the years I was also involved in the review and approval of analytical data pertaining to technology transfers of analytical methods for new products and stability testing in the QC laboratory."

Paula Clarke, Drugs Section of the Forensic Science Laboratory at Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park Dublin; MSc graduate.

Professional Recognition

The BSc in Analytical Science (Chemistry option) and the BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at DCU have received multiple prestigious endorsements, underscoring the international quality and professional relevance of our programmes.

These degrees are the first in Ireland to be awarded the Eurobachelor® Label, a European Chemistry Network (EChemTest) qualification that aligns with the Bologna process and ensures compatibility with chemistry degrees across Europe. This label signifies that our graduates meet rigorous European standards in chemistry education and are well positioned for both international study and employment.

Both programmes are also formally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This accreditation affirms the high standard of our curriculum and teaching, and confirms that the degrees provide the academic requirements for associate membership of the RSC.

In addition, these degrees are approved by the Council of the Institute of Chemistry of Ireland (ICI) for entry to Graduate Membership (GradICI). Graduates who gain professional experience can go on to apply for Member (MICI) or Fellow (FICI) status, supporting professional development and recognition within the chemical sciences community in Ireland.

These accreditations ensure our graduates are professionally recognised both nationally and internationally.