BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

Curious about the natural world? If you want to understand how it works, from the tiniest atom to the sheer magnitude of space, our Bachelor of Science degree is a versatile and rewarding choice. Begin your scientific journey with MH201.

Qualification
Bachelor Of Science Degree
CAO Points
346
CAO/MU Apply code
MH201
Award Type and NFQ level
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE (8)
Study Mode
Full time
Closing Date
01 July 2027

Overview

Science is the key to tackling humanity’s greatest challenges. It improves our lives, strengthens our health and wellbeing, drives innovation, builds reliable knowledge and separates fact from opinion.

When you study science at Maynooth University, you become part of the push for positive change.[SF1]

Our most popular science degree, the Bachelor of Science (MH201) is a great fit if you’re interested in multiple areas of science.

Want to stay flexible and explore your interests before specialising? It’s ideal for that too.

Skills that advance careers

This degree gives you valuable skills that go beyond the classroom.

With the Bachelor of Science (BSc), you’ll gain the skills that are in demand across a host of careers, including:

  • critical thinking skills
  • problem-solving skills
  • analytical skills
  • communication skills for complex ideas, verbal and written

Why study science at Maynooth University?

From how stars are formed to how drones support search-and-rescue operations, our Faculty of Science and Engineering drives innovative research.

Our warm and supportive campus community creates a positive learning environment. Here, you can thrive and feel comfortable asking questions.

Our professors bring their real-world expertise into the classroom, guiding you as you discover what areas of science excite you most.

Experienced staff and award-winning supports

From your very first day on campus, you become part of the vibrant Maynooth University community.

Our experienced staff will be on hand to provide advice and support throughout the year. You can find them at our award-winning Maths Support Centre and our dedicated Computer Science Centre.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering includes the departments of:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Electronic Engineering
  • Mathematics and Statistics
  • Physics
  • Psychology

Ready to start your scientific journey? Choose MH201.


Course structure

Duration: 4 years

First year

  • 4 subjects, one of which is Mathematics. Students choose their three other science subjects from the seven remaining subjects - see below.
    No decision about subject choice is necessary until four weeks after commencement of first year. This gives you a chance to sample various subjects and make an informed decision.

Second year

  • Continue with three of your first year subjects or 2 subjects + 10 credits in a third subject + 10 credits of an Elective (where possible).

Third year

  • Continue with two subjects.

Fourth year

  • Continue with one or two subjects.

MH201 offers potential transfer opportunities into other degrees which are outlined together with the transfer criteria below.

First year

Mathematics (required in first year) and choose three subjects from:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Experimental Physics
  • Mathematical Physics

Second year

Continue with 3 of the 4 subjects taken in first year or apply to *transfer into a specialised degree (*the number of transfer places is limited and it is competitive).

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Experimental Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Elective or Critical Skills (10 credit optional)

Third year

Continue with 2 of the 3 subjects taken in second year

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Experimental Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Mathematics (Pure)
  • Statistics

4th year:

Option 1: Double Major, continue with your two subjects taken in third year

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Experimental Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Mathematics (Pure)
  • Statistics

or

Option 2: Single Major, continue with one of the two subjects taken in third year
Applied Mathematics

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering Science
  • Experimental Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Mathematics (Pure)

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.
Important: The information on this page is for prospective students, MU current students and staff should use Programme Directory.

After Graduation

MH201 BSc Science will equip you with valuable skills that go beyond specific scientific knowledge. You will hone your critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical abilities. You will learn to communicate complex ideas effectively, both in writing and verbally. These skills are highly sought after by employers in various fields, making it a versatile and rewarding choice.

Career pathways for MH201 graduates: depending on the subjects chosen (and potential further specialisation), roles for MH201 graduates include, but are not limited to:

  • Astrophysicist
  • Global Health Specialist
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Immunologist
  • Botanist
  • Mathematician
  • Chemist
  • Medical Physician
  • Computer Scientist
  • Meteorologist
  • Cosmologists
  • Physicist
  • Cryptographer
  • Science Communications
  • Data Scientist
  • Science Educator
  • Environmentalist
  • Statistician
  • Genetic Specialist
  • Zoologist

All Faculty of Science and Engineering departments are involved in a diverse range of interesting and dynamic research areas. Postgraduate study options at Maynooth University are available to view on the Postgraduate Studies website.

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present: 2H5 & 4O6/H7, O6/H7 Irish, English & a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics or Physics with Chemistry) & O4/H7 Mathematics.

This table displays the requirements for Leaving Certificate applicants.

Entry requirements table

Subject

Required

Ordinary Level Grade

Higher Level Grade

Irish

Yes

O6

H7

English

Yes

O6

H7

Language

No

N/A

N/A

Mathematics

Yes

O4

H7

Science

Yes

O6

H7

* This course requires 2 additional subjects.

  1. EU / EFTA Applicants - Further information can be found by navigating to our EU/EFTA applicant information page
  2. International Applicants - International (Non-EU) applicants for undergraduate programmes submit their application online via our online application portal. Applications open on 14th October 2026 and close on 1st July 2027. For further information, please navigate to our International applicant page

Mature Applicants

Mature applicants are assessed separately to school-leavers. Mature applicants are 23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University. For part-time degrees the mature age is 21. CAO restricted-application course.

Visit our mature applicant information page - tab 3 on this page outlines application steps for this degree.

Mature applicants who have a disability

If you have a disability or specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia), and require support for any required written exercise/interview/online video audition which may form part of your application assessment, you must complete an online request form and submit supporting documentation by 15 March 2027. Applications for alternative examination accommodation cannot be considered after this deadline.

For further information on the supporting documentation required, as well as examination and other supports visit the Access Office website.

Mature applicant deadline: 01 February 2027


How to apply

Apply online to the CAO (Central Applications Office)

The application process depends on the type of applicant you are. Visit our application information for information about how to apply.

Categories of applicant:

  • School-leavers (Leaving Certificate students) - Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 in a Science subject (i.e. one of Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry).
  • Mature students (23 years or older by 1st January in the year of entry to the University/part-time degrees the mature age is 21)
  • EU/EFTA/UK students
  • International students (outside the EU)
  • QQI (Further Education) students
  • Transferring students
  • Deferring students

Got a question about this course?