Chemistry: VU University Amsterdam

Course Description

The Master’s programme in Chemistry is a cutting-edge degree programme. These days, chemistry is no longer an isolated discipline: it forms the bridge between biology at one end of the spectrum (biomolecular chemistry) and physics and mathematics at the other (physical-theoretical chemistry). Traditionally, organic and analytical chemistry – synthesizing and measuring – lie at the heart of the discipline.

Study programme

The Master's is a two-year programme. The Master’s programme (your chosen profile combined with your individual specialization track) consists of:

• introductory courses
• advanced courses
• research project in the field of your specialization (including a Master’s thesis)
• a dissertation
• a colloquium
• optional courses

Career prospects

Organizations and companies in the chemical sector are always on the lookout for talent. There are many different career opportunities, depending on your choice of profile and specialization track.

Research positions are available with institutes like TNO or Solvay. Industrial giants like AKZO Nobel and DSM are eager to hire chemists.

Students who opt for the education profile often find work as teachers. If you choose to follow the communication profile, then you could find work as a public relations officer, a science journalist or an education officer at a publishing house or museum.

Admission requirements

Students with a Dutch preliminary education

The Master’s in Chemistry is open to students:

• with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry
• with a Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences
• with a Bachelor's degree from a relevant Dutch hbo programme

Students who want to specialize in the Education variant must have successfully completed the third year Bachelor orientation course on education (12 ECTS).

Students with an international preliminary education

Direct admission tot the Master's programme in Chemistry is possible with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Students with a Bachelor's degree in a related subject will have to satisfy certain entry requirements depending on the course they have in mind. The Master's programme provides opportunities to fill specific gaps in your knowledge.

Language requirements

Foreign students for whom English is not the first language are required to have adequate results in an English language proficiency test: a TOEFL score of 580 (237 in the TOEFL computer-based test) or an IELTS score of 6.5, or they must obtain one of these qualifications upon applying to VU University Amsterdam. If you have another English qualification, please enclose relevant information and, if possible, a photocopy of the diploma, so that the Examination Board can take these factors into consideration.