This Master's programme gives a comprehensive education in chemistry, covering the subject in all its major areas while allowing you to shape your own study path. Courses are offered in German and English, and the curriculum combines broad overviews with opportunities to go deeply into chosen topics.
The programme is strongly research-oriented and is designed to provide an excellent foundation for doctoral studies. Throughout the degree you will engage with current research questions and methods, preparing you for academic or research-focused careers.
You can tailor your degree by selecting individual focal points from a wide range of options. Study tracks range from broad, interdisciplinary chemistry to focused specialisations such as Sustainable Chemistry, Biomolecular Chemistry, or Theoretical Chemistry, and you can also concentrate on methodological aspects of the field.
Key facts / entry considerations
This master's curriculum is built around three interconnected components totalling 120 credits: an in-depth specialist course package (78 credits), an area of professionalisation (12 credits), and an independent master's thesis (30 credits). The programme concentrates on advanced chemistry topics across core sub-disciplines while also ensuring students develop broader scientific and professional capabilities needed for research or industry roles.
The specialist coursework covers a broad range of advanced modules: Methods; Special Inorganic Chemistry; Special Organic Chemistry; Special Physical Chemistry; Applied Chemistry; and a Thematic Specialisation. Students must successfully complete at least 48 credits within the Thematic Specialisation stream, enabling focused depth in a chosen topic area while maintaining a broad foundation across chemistry subfields. These modules together are designed to extend subject knowledge and technical competence in contemporary chemical science.
The area of professionalisation (12 credits) combines scientific competences — which may be satisfied through advanced chemistry content or selected lectures in related fields such as physics, biology, mathematics or informatics — with key competences aimed at professional development. The curriculum culminates in a 30-credit master's thesis, an independent research project that demonstrates the ability to plan and execute a substantive piece of work, synthesize results, and communicate findings.
Requirements (concise)
Notes for international applicants
Please consult the official admission rules and regulations ("Ordnung über die Zugangsvoraussetzungen und über die Zulassung für den Master-Studiengang Chemie") for the full details of application requirements and the selection process. If anything is unclear or you need guidance tailored to your situation, the admissions office is available to advise prospective applicants.
In brief, applicants are generally expected to hold a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry (normally completed over at least six semesters) with 180 ECTS credits. Students who are still finishing their undergraduate degree may apply once they have obtained at least 150 ECTS credits. If your Bachelor’s degree is in a subject other than chemistry, a selection committee will evaluate whether your prior studies are equivalent and suitable for entry to the MSc programme. International applicants must submit proof of adequate language skills in either German or English. Selection interviews are only organised if the number of applicants is twice the number of available places; if applicants are fewer than or equal to places, no interview will be held.
Key admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (International)
15 January 2027
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Summer Semester (EU/EEA)
15 January 2027
Graduates are well prepared for further academic research, including doctoral programmes, due to the strong research focus and the large thesis component. The programme's emphasis on specialised methods and independent project work equips students for roles in research laboratories and academia.
Beyond academia, students develop practical and transferable skills—methodological expertise, interdisciplinary knowledge and international experience—that are attractive to employers in the chemical and related industries, applied research institutes, and technology-driven companies. Industrial placements and international exchange opportunities further enhance employability in global contexts.