Master of Science [M.S] [Chemistry] From University of Groningen

How can I make a flexible solar cell out of organic molecules? Can I build a car engine on a molecular level? Can I synthesize life? Can I cure tuberculosis? You will encounter such questions in the Master's degree programme in Chemistry at the University of Groningen.

The 2-year programme from University of Groningen is fully taught in English and embedded in an internationally leading research environment. The programme offers a great deal of freedom in topics and has a strong focus on research; students spend 50% of their time in research labs. It is organized along three main specializations:

• Advanced Materials
• Catalysis and Green Chemistry
• Chemical Biology (also offers an honours programme)
• Science, Business and Policy

The Chemistry research project takes place in a research group within or across one of these specialisations. These groups are associated with three main research institutes that focus on chemistry: the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, the Zernike Institute of Advanced Materials and the Groningen Biomolecular Science & Biotechnology Institute. The programme also offers the opportunity to do research in a lab abroad or in industry.

Apart from general subjects including reaction mechanism and spectroscopic methods, we teach and offer research projects across the entire spectrum of Chemistry, including: (in)organic synthesis, stereochemistry, polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis & protein engineering, organometallic chemistry, molecular dynamic, quantum mechanics, green chemistry, synthetic biology and systems chemistry.

Job prospects

This degree programme in Chemistry is primarily meant for students who want to become researchers or research managers. It also provides an excellent preparation for a PhD project, either in Groningen or elsewhere. Groningen students have found jobs all over Europe and beyond in major companies, including DSM, Akzo Nobel, Corus, ASML or Philips.

In addition, many chemists who are trained as researchers find jobs that are less research-oriented. This is because the programme also pays attention to communication skills, teamwork, presentation techniques and IT skills. During their training as researchers in chemistry, students develop general competences that make them highly versatile and widely employable, so Groningen chemistry graduates can be found in consulting agencies, commercial functions, product research and development, product management or teaching.

Job examples

• PhD research project
• Work for a major multinational such as Akzo Nobel or Philps
• Consulting agencies
• Product management or commercial positions