This English-taught MSc in Chemistry is organized around two distinct specializations. The "Molecules and Materials" track concentrates on inorganic and organic chemistry, while "Experiment and Theory" emphasizes physical, theoretical and industrial chemistry. Students also have access to courses in analytical chemistry as detailed in the module handbook.
Alongside compulsory elective lectures and laboratory courses, students are expected to take selected courses from the complementary major to broaden their perspective. Each student completes a research practical within a sub-field of their chosen major and finishes the degree with a Master’s thesis in that same area — demonstrating the ability to carry out independent scientific research. The programme therefore balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimental and research experience, preparing graduates for research careers or further academic study.
This Master's programme is built to combine advanced coursework, intensive laboratory training, and independent research. You complete 11 compulsory-elective lecture modules, take four advanced compulsory-elective laboratory courses, carry out a dedicated research project, and write and defend a Master's thesis. The structure gives a clear progression from deepening subject knowledge to applying that knowledge in hands‑on experiments and an extended research study.
Lecture modules are highly flexible and can be selected to shape your specialisation. Options span inorganic, organic, physical/theoretical and industrial chemistry, with the possibility to include courses from related natural sciences or other approved subjects in line with the programme regulations. This allows you to tailor your curriculum toward synthesis, spectroscopy, catalysis, computational chemistry, chemical engineering applications, or interdisciplinary areas depending on your interests.
Expected learning outcomes focus on advanced theoretical understanding, practical laboratory competence, and independent research capability. Graduates will have strengthened analytical and experimental skills, experience in designing and executing research projects, and the ability to communicate and defend scientific results—preparing them for careers in academia, industry R&D, or further doctoral study.
Requirements (core components)
To be admitted you must hold a bachelor's degree that is comparable in content and level to the Chemistry bachelor's programme at TU Dortmund University. Equivalence is not assumed automatically for foreign or differently named degrees — an application must be submitted so the programme can formally assess whether your prior studies meet their comparability criteria.
In addition to content comparability, applicants must meet an academic-grade threshold. A minimum German grade of 3.2 (where 1.0 is the highest and 4.0 is the minimum passing grade) is required for admission. If your transcript uses a different grading system, expect the admissions office to convert or evaluate your grade during the equivalence check; contact the admissions team if you are unsure how your grades will translate.
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Graduates are well prepared for careers in research and development within chemical, pharmaceutical, materials and related industries, where advanced laboratory skills and specialised theoretical knowledge are valued. The combination of laboratory training and an independent research thesis also provides a direct pathway to doctoral studies (PhD) and careers in academic research.
Other possible roles include positions in quality control and analytics, technical specialist roles in industrial chemistry, and interdisciplinary work in chemical biology or materials science. The programme’s emphasis on independent projects and scientific communication helps graduates move into roles requiring project management and research leadership.