• The Chemistry Master’s is a challenging program for students with a solid Chemistry background who are eager to expand their knowledge and skills.
  • Chemistry is not an isolated discipline. It is a bridge between the two ends of the science spectrum: it connects biology (biomolecular chemistry) with physics, mathematics, and computer sciences (physical-theoretical chemistry).
  • Chemistry in Amsterdam is a joint degree from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. UvA and VU jointly issue a degree certificate to graduates. As a student, students benefit from the expertise, networks, and research projects at both universities and affiliated research institutes.
  • To complete students Master’s, they will choose a specific track, according to their future ambitions: Analytical Sciences, Science for Energy and Sustainability, or Molecular Sciences. Each track includes compulsory courses and optional courses.
    1. Analytical Sciences focus on finding and determining the presence and compositions of chemical compounds in substrates. For example, for drug tests in hospital labs, blood-alcohol tests or blood-glucose sensors. But student's skills are also in demand for industry work, making safer and more durable car paints, advancements in the petrochemical industry, etc.
    2. Science for Energy and Sustainability focuses on creating a more resilient and sustainable world through chemistry. students will explore ways to capture phosphorus in the ground or CO2 in the air. This requires a look at climate, but also at how to create durable, biodegradable plastics that require much less energy to produce.
    3. Molecular Sciences is the fundamental chemistry track and is very broad. Here, students will immerse themselves in the topics that interest them, like synthesis and catalysis, or in theoretical chemistry, computational chemistry, new material creation, photonics, and more.
    • If students are interested in the theory and research, but also want to apply it in other areas, the Chemistry Master’s program offers three specializations ('major') in the second year: Teaching, Science in Society, and Science Communication. Declaring a major is optional, not obligatory.