MSc Chemistry

Program overview

This English-taught MSc is strongly research-focused and combines advanced practical laboratory training with in-depth work in the fundamental branches of chemistry. The curriculum is designed so you gain both hands-on experimental skills and a solid theoretical grounding across core chemical disciplines, preparing you to tackle contemporary research questions.

You tailor your studies by selecting two of four major specializations—organic, inorganic, physical, or theoretical chemistry—while also having the option to deepen your profile with contemporary research topics. Example elective areas include bioorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, advanced organic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, interface and catalysis research, and energy materials, allowing for an interdisciplinary approach to current scientific challenges.

Requirements / key features

• Instruction language: English
• Strong research orientation with emphasis on advanced laboratory skills
• Choose two majors from: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, theoretical chemistry
• Elective/supplementary research topics may include: Advances in Bioorganic & Bioinorganic Chemistry; Advances in Organic Chemistry; Advances in Homogeneous Catalysis; Advances in Interface & Catalysis Research; Advances in Energy Materials

For precise admission criteria, credit/semester structure, and application deadlines, consult the university’s official programme page.

Overview

This MSc programme combines lectures, seminars, exercises and hands-on laboratory courses to build advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills in chemistry. The curriculum spans four semesters: during the first two you focus on core discipline modules and a required elective; the third semester is devoted to a broader elective plus an intensive advanced research phase; successful completion of semester three allows you to progress to the independent Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

Key modules

• Core compulsory modules (chosen during semesters 1–2) from: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or Quantum & Computer Chemistry.
• A compulsory elective module in semesters 1–2 taken from a predefined list of topics, designed to complement the chosen core modules.
• Semester 3 elective module with a wide selection of topics — including options beyond traditional chemistry — to broaden interdisciplinary competence.
• An advanced research phase in semester 3 conducted within the core disciplines represented at FAU, which prepares you for the Master’s thesis in semester 4.

Learning outcomes

• Consolidate and deepen specialist knowledge across chosen areas of chemistry (inorganic, organic, physical, or computational/quantum).
• Acquire and refine practical laboratory abilities and experimental techniques through extensive lab courses and exercises.
• Develop independent research skills and the capacity to design, execute and report research projects during the advanced research phase and the Master’s thesis.
• Gain transferable academic skills — scientific communication, critical analysis, and problem-solving — and the flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary topics that expand career and research opportunities.

Requirements (curriculum milestones)

• Semesters 1–2: complete two compulsory core modules (select from Inorganic, Organic, Physical, or Quantum & Computer Chemistry).
• Semesters 1–2: complete a compulsory elective module chosen from a predefined list.
• Semester 3: complete one elective module (wide selection, including non-chemistry options) plus the advanced research phase within FAU’s core chemistry disciplines.
• Upon successful completion of semester 3: promotion to the Master’s thesis in semester 4.
• Teaching and assessment formats throughout the programme include lectures, seminars, exercises and laboratory courses.

Graduates are well prepared for research careers in academia and industry due to the programme’s strong emphasis on laboratory skills, advanced topics, and an extended research phase culminating in a Master’s thesis. The combination of core-discipline specialisation and exposure to modern research areas makes graduates competitive candidates for doctoral programmes and research positions.