Medical ScienceEolaíocht Leighis

Medical Science is the science related to medical conditions, their causes, diagnosis and treatment. This course provides multi-disciplinary training and clinical laboratory placement in all Biomedical Science disciplines, so that you may work in any of the following areas in pathology: Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology, Clinical Cytology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Diagnostics, and Transfusion Science.

Year 1 covers the core sciences and introduces you to Biomedical Science. Year 2 includes Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, as well as a module in each of the five major diagnostic pathology biomedical disciplines.

In your final year, you study core modules in Molecular Diagnostics, Professional Skills and Quality Systems, and Research Methods and Data Interpretation, and select two further modular options from Clinical Chemistry, Cellular Pathology, Haematology, Transfusion Science, Medical Microbiology and Clinical Immunology.

You then undertake a 12-week research project, hosted in a hospital pathology laboratory, a national reference site, an international research centre (under the Erasmus/Socrates scheme) or in a research facility in TU Dublin.

Study Abroad Opportunities

In final year, you may elect to undertake a 12-week research project in an international research centre (under the Erasmus/Socrates scheme). The School of Biological Sciences currently has the following EU partners for Research Project Placement: Belgium – Gent University, KU Leuven and Odisee University College; France – University of Lille and University of Limoges; Portugal – University of Coimbra; Spain – University of Navarra, and Sweden – University of Gothenburg, Karolinska Institute and Uppsala University.

Work Placement

In Year 3, you will undertake a 30-week Clinical Laboratory Placement in a hospital pathology laboratory. You thus will have completed both the Clinical Laboratory Placement and an honours degree in Biomedical Science, required for eligibility to practice as a medical scientist in clinical pathology laboratories in Ireland.

Professional Accreditation

This degree, which is accredited by both the Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine (Ireland) and the Institute of Biomedical Science (UK), is recognised for employment in both public and private pathology and research labs, and Biomedical Science positions worldwide. The course is also recognised by CORU. 

Leaving Certificate Requirements

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

Please Note: Mature and other non-standard applicants may be called to interview as part of the application process.

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6.5 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Garda Vetting

Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting 

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

There are many opportunities for Medical Science graduates in both diagnostic pathology laboratories in the Health Service and in research laboratories. You would be eligible to work as a medical/biomedical scientist in clinical diagnostic pathology laboratories in Ireland, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

• Medical Scientist
• Pathology Lab Technician

Graduate Employers

• HSE
• In vitro diagnostic companies
• Private hospital laboratories
• Research laboratories

Irish/EU Applicants

Applications from all Irish/EU citizens are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

The standard closing date to apply is February 1st. Late applications will close on May 1st. For restricted courses, the closing date is February 1st. Please see important dates on the CAO website. For a detailed guide on how to apply, please visit our CAO Hub.

International Students (Non-EU) 

Applications from international students are welcome for this programme. If you meet any of the following criteria, applications should be made directly to TU Dublin via the “Apply Now – Non-EU” link on each programme webpage.

• You hold Non-EU Nationality, and you live in a Non-EU country.
• You hold EU Nationality, but you have not lived in an EU country for 3 of the last 5 years AND you have not attended 5 years primary/secondary education in an EU country.
• You require a Student Visa to study in Ireland

Note: Applicants presenting with the Irish Leaving Certificate or a QQI FET award, regardless of nationality, should apply through the CAO.

For full details on How to Apply, Visa & Immigration Information, Accommodation Information and International Fees, please visit our International Hub.

Application Dates for Non-EU Applicants

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing September 2025 are now closed.

Applications for undergraduate courses commencing in September 2026 will open in November 2025. Applications will close in June 2026.

Advanced entry applications are currently not accepted to this course.

On graduation, you may also proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.