Master of Science in Industrial Chemistry

Program overview

This English-taught MSc track is structured around intensive coursework in the first and second semesters, combining classroom modules with laboratory/practical components. Each taught module comprises 45 contact hours and is paired with a practical session. Teaching and practical work are delivered at campus facilities at NUS or TUM Asia and are led by faculty from TUM or NUS. The course mix emphasises both core chemical sciences (organometallics, reaction engineering, polymers, inorganic/material chemistry) and applied skills relevant to industry.

Students start with pre-essential modules to ensure a common foundation, then take core modules before moving into one of three specialisation routes or an interdisciplinary combination. Specialisation options focus on Catalysis & Petrochemistry or Building & Material Science; alternatively, the interdisciplinary route lets you combine modules across the two technical specialisations and selected non-technical electives. In addition to academic modules, the curriculum includes an internship and a master’s thesis. Note that module availability depends on student numbers and staff availability; TUM Asia may cancel or postpone modules under unforeseen circumstances.

Key requirements (concise)

• Semester structure: coursework mainly in first and second semesters.
• Module format: each module = 45 contact hours + an associated practical.
• Teaching locations: practicals and modules take place at NUS or TUM Asia facilities; instruction by TUM or NUS professors.
• Pre-essential modules: Business and Technical English; Chemistry Laboratory course.
• Core modules:
  • Organometallic and Coordination Chemistry
  • Chemical Reaction Engineering
  • Polymer and Macromolecular Chemistry
  • Inorganic and Material Chemistry
  • Business and Technical English (listed as core/pre-essential)
  • Chemistry Laboratory course (listed as core/pre-essential)
• Specialisation choices (students follow one specialisation or the interdisciplinary combination):
  • Catalysis and Petrochemistry:
    • Molecular and Heterogeneous Catalysis
    • Petroleum and Petrochemical Processes
    • Unit Operations
  • Building and Material Science:
    • Building Chemistry and Construction Chemicals
    • Material Chemistry and Engineering
  • Interdisciplinary Module Combination:
    • Complete three modules consisting of:
      • one module from Catalysis & Petrochemistry, and
      • one module from Building & Material Science, and
      • one additional module chosen from either of the two technical specialisations or from the non-technical elective list
• Non-technical elective modules (choose four from):
  • Business Administration
  • Production Planning in Industry
  • Innovation and Technology Management
  • Industrial Marketing
  • Modern Developments in Industry
  • International Intellectual Property Law
  • Paradigm Shift to Industry 4.0
  • Cyber-Physical Systems
  • Industrial Additive Manufacturing Quality Certification
  • Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Digital Twin
  • Project Management Principles
• Other programme components: internship and master’s thesis.
• Important note: Specialisation and elective offerings are subject to availability; modules may be cancelled or postponed if too few students enroll or if a professor is unavailable.

Curriculum overview

The program begins with two semesters of intensive coursework delivered in Singapore in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS). During this period students complete both theoretical and practical modules taught in English by faculty drawn from the German partner university, NUS, and other highly ranked institutions in Germany and Asia. The joint teaching format gives a strong mix of academic perspectives and cross‑regional expertise.

After completing coursework, every student undertakes a mandatory internship with an industrial partner followed by a six‑month master’s thesis. Both the internship and the thesis may be carried out in Singapore, in Germany, or in any other country in Asia, Europe or beyond, giving substantial international mobility and industry exposure. Overall the curriculum is designed to combine rigorous classroom and laboratory training with hands‑on industrial experience and independent research.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Key modules

  • Two semesters of integrated theoretical and practical modules delivered jointly with the partner university in Singapore (content focused on industrial chemistry and its applications).
  • Industry‑oriented internship supervised by an industrial partner.
  • A six‑month master’s thesis project that synthesizes coursework and applied research.

• Learning outcomes

  • Advanced theoretical understanding of industrial chemistry concepts and methods.
  • Practical laboratory and process‑oriented skills applicable in industrial settings.
  • Ability to conduct independent research, plan and execute a substantial thesis project.
  • Experience working in international and interdisciplinary teams and familiarity with industry practices, enhancing employability in R&D, production, and quality roles or preparation for doctoral studies.

Program requirements (summary)

• First two semesters: all theoretical and practical coursework held in Singapore together with NUS.
• Language of instruction: English.
• Teaching staff: professors from the German partner university, NUS, and other top universities in Germany or Asia.
• Compulsory internship with an industrial partner (placement can be in Singapore, Germany or elsewhere).
• Mandatory six‑month master’s thesis (can be completed in Singapore, Germany or any other country).

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles in chemical and process industries, including petrochemicals, polymers and materials, construction-chemical sectors, and related manufacturing fields. Typical positions include process engineer, R&D scientist, product development specialist, quality control/assurance roles and technical consultancy.

The mandatory internship and international thesis mobility build industry contacts and practical experience, supporting transitions into industrial employers, research institutions or further doctoral study. The programme’s international delivery and English-language instruction also support careers in multinational companies and cross-border research collaborations.