Structural Chemistry and Spectroscopy MSc

Subject-specific admission requirements are:

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry or in another natural science or engineering subject with at least 65% of the total credit points (115 credit points out of a total of 180 credit points) in chemistry at a level comparable to the bachelor's degree programme in chemistry at Leipzig University.
  • This must include at least 15% (25 credit points) inorganic chemistry, at least 15% (25 credit points) organic chemistry, at least 10% (20 credit points) physical chemistry and analytical chemistry with at least 5% (10 credit points).
  • Laboratory work in the fields of organic and inorganic chemistry totalling at least 250 hours each is also required.
• Knowledge of English at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The faculty will check whether the above requirements have been met and then issue an official notification. This serves as proof that candidate meets the admission requirements.

The Structural Chemistry and Spectroscopy programme is an international degree course taught in English with a strong focus on research. The master’s programme attaches just as much importance to a further deepening of specialist knowledge as it does to introducing students to the practical side of innovative work in science, as well as to solving problems when faced with the most challenging questions in modern technology and business.

The programme is based on the German-language master’s programme “Chemie” and is aimed primarily at students who did not complete a bachelor’s programme in chemistry in Germany. It introduces students to advanced spectroscopic methods, and centres around the structure of chemical and biochemical molecules, especially biopolymers.

The language of instruction is English. Special emphasis is placed on subject-specific English language skills. This ensures that international and German students enjoy a joint education with an international focus and makes it easier to engage in study stays abroad, make international academic contacts or conduct scientific work internationally in the future.

The programme consists of a compulsory area with 20 credits. In this area, four modules from the subdisciplines of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, analytic and physical chemistry or theoretical chemistry must be completed.

In the compulsory elective area (40 credits + 30 credits for internships), you can select modules from a list of appropriate topics. The three compulsory internships provide excellent preparation for independent research during the final thesis and for entering a career in research or the industrial sector.

The master’s thesis is typically completed alongside your studies during the second year of the programme.

• English-language degree programme
• Study stay abroad is possible
• Broad range of possibilities for selecting content in chemistry and the more interdisciplinary specialisations

The programme’s objective is to convey an appropriately broad base of knowledge that can be applied immediately. This will prepare you to take on positions in many areas such as:

• in the industrial sector, in particular in chemistry but also in physics, optics, medical technology and scientific instrument construction
• in research institutions outside of higher education institutions and at state institutions
• as a chemist at universities and higher education institutions in research and teaching.

One highly valued professional quality of chemists is their ability to systematically analyse and further develop complex scientific and technical processes from a material perspective. Because of these basic skills, chemistry graduates are also sought after in professional fields that are otherwise reserved for others, and in more distant areas such as management consulting, insurance and politics.

It is generally recommended that students carry out a study stay abroad. This must by organised by the students themselves.

• Study regulations (SO) and examination regulations (PO), curricula and module descriptions (in German)

Course start: winter semester and summer semester
Admission restriction (NCU): no
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb

Please ensure that you read and take note of the further information provided on the pages “Online application” and “Applying for a master’s programme”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Options in the winter semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Options in the summer semester: 2nd semester, 3rd semester and 4th semester – each without restrictions on admission
Application period: 2 May–15 September for the winter semester; 1 December–15 March for the summer semester
Application portal: AlmaWeb
Special enrolment requirements: credits form (Anrechnungsbescheid)

You can find more information on our page for “Applying for higher semesters of study”.

International students can find information about application periods and how to apply on the page “International”.

Compulsory curriculum in English