BSc Hons Biological and Chemical Sciences

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Application Fee: € 50

Academic Qualifications: For undergraduate programs, applicants require a minimum academic score of 80-85% or above in their previous studies.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 or 6.5, with no individual band below 5.5.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 90, with specific section requirements: Listening 20, Reading 20, Speaking 21, Writing 20.
• PTE: Overall score of 63, with no section below 59.
• DET: Overall score of 120, with a minimum of 110.

Students must provide:

• academic marksheets & transcripts
• letters of recommendation
• a personal statement - SOP
• passport
• other supporting documents as required by the university.

It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.

University College Cork (UCC) offers various scholarships and financial aid options to support international students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships are aimed at assisting students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. 

International Merit-Based Scholarships: UCC provides merit-based scholarships for high-achieving international students entering undergraduate or postgraduate programs. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and may cover partial tuition fees or provide stipends.

Government and External Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by their home governments, non-governmental organizations, or external funding bodies. UCC assists students by providing information and support in applying for these external scholarship opportunities.

Research Scholarships and Grants: For postgraduate research students, UCC offers various grants and scholarships to support research endeavors. These scholarships often cover tuition fees and provide additional stipends for living expenses.

Sports Scholarships: UCC recognizes talented athletes and offers sports scholarships to support their academic and athletic pursuits. These scholarships assist students in balancing their sports with their studies.

Faculty-Specific Scholarships: Certain faculties or departments within UCC offer scholarships tailored to specific academic disciplines. These scholarships aim to attract exceptional students to particular programs and fields of study.

Need-Based Financial Aid: The university understands the financial challenges international students might face and offers need-based financial aid programs to assist students who demonstrate financial need.

The BSc Hons in Biological and Chemical Sciences program at University College Cork prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding career opportunities in research, industry, healthcare, environmental science, education, and beyond. With its interdisciplinary nature, practical focus, and emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and versatility needed to succeed in the dynamic and evolving fields of biology, chemistry, and related disciplines.

1. Research Scientist: Graduates of the BSc Hons in Biological and Chemical Sciences program often pursue careers as research scientists in academic institutions, government laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, or research institutes. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to scientific discoveries in areas such as drug development, molecular biology, genetics, environmental science, and biotechnology. Research scientists may specialize in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, or pharmacology, advancing our understanding of biological and chemical processes and developing new therapies, technologies, and products to address societal challenges.

2. Laboratory Technician: Some graduates choose to work as laboratory technicians in research laboratories, quality control laboratories, or diagnostic laboratories in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, or environmental science. They perform experiments, conduct tests, and analyze samples using a variety of laboratory techniques and instrumentation. Laboratory technicians play a vital role in supporting research projects, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and providing accurate and reliable data for decision-making in research, development, production, or regulatory activities.

3. Quality Assurance/Quality Control Specialist: Graduates may work as quality assurance (QA) or quality control (QC) specialists in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food and beverage, cosmetics, or environmental science. They ensure compliance with regulatory standards, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and quality management systems to maintain product quality, safety, and efficacy. QA/QC specialists may perform audits, inspections, or validations, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), or conduct investigations into deviations or non-conformities, contributing to the continuous improvement of processes and products and safeguarding public health and safety.

4. Environmental Scientist: With their understanding of biological and chemical processes, graduates may pursue careers as environmental scientists, working for environmental consulting firms, government agencies, research organizations, or non-profit organizations. They assess environmental impacts, monitor air and water quality, analyze pollutants, and develop strategies to mitigate environmental pollution and protect natural resources. Environmental scientists may specialize in areas such as environmental chemistry, toxicology, ecotoxicology, or environmental monitoring, contributing to efforts to address environmental challenges such as pollution, climate change, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss.

5. Healthcare Professional: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in healthcare professions such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or allied health fields. With their knowledge of biological and chemical sciences, graduates may work as doctors, dentists, pharmacists, or healthcare researchers, diagnosing and treating diseases, prescribing medications, conducting medical research, or providing healthcare services to patients. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in promoting health, preventing disease, and improving the quality of life for individuals and communities, using their expertise to address medical challenges and advance healthcare delivery.

6. Biotechnologist: Graduates may work in the biotechnology industry, developing and producing biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, enzymes, or genetically engineered products. They may work for biotech startups, research institutes, or biomanufacturing facilities, utilizing biotechnological techniques such as recombinant DNA technology, gene editing, or protein expression systems to produce bio-based products with applications in healthcare, agriculture, environmental remediation, or industrial processes. Biotechnologists contribute to the development and commercialization of novel therapies and technologies to address medical, agricultural, and environmental challenges and improve human health and well-being.

7. Educator/Scientific Writer: Some graduates choose to pursue careers in education or scientific writing, teaching biological and chemical sciences at schools, colleges, or universities or communicating scientific knowledge through writing, editing, or publishing. They may work as teachers, lecturers, professors, or science writers, inspiring and educating students, communicating scientific discoveries to the public, or writing articles, textbooks, or educational materials on topics such as biology, chemistry, or biotechnology. Educators and scientific writers play a vital role in promoting scientific literacy, fostering curiosity and critical thinking, and bridging the gap between scientists and the general public.