Whether it's harnessing renewable energy sources, next-gen nanotechnology or new medical breakthroughs, chemistry is an ever-present and vital tool for shaping the technologies of the future.

The Master of Science (Chemistry) embeds you in one of our cutting-edge chemistry research groups with world-leaders in areas such as molecular analysis, drug discovery, materials science, sustainable energy and nanotechnology.

Develop your skills with real-world problems

You’ll leave the course with a major research project to feature in your CV. You'll develop your technical skills and your ability to evaluate and analyse data, while contributing to important scientific research.

If you’d like to gain even more real-world experience, you can choose to complete an internship in a science or technology-related workplace for course credit.

Be research-ready

Your research experience might inspire you to continue to a PhD, or you can put your analytical and communication skills to use in the global workforce, alongside many of our alumni.

More than just technical know-how

You probably know that employers today are looking for more than just specialist technical skills. To round out your skill set, select from a range of high-level professional subjects, including scientific communication, modelling, programming, business and more.

The Master of Science (Chemistry) is a 200-point course, made up of:

• Discipline component (core) subjects (37.5–62.5 points)
• Professional skills subjects (12.5–25 points)
• A research project (125 points)

In your first-year, you’ll likely complete most of your coursework subjects, while beginning work on your major research project.

In your second year, you’ll concentrate on your research project, while completing any remaining coursework subjects.

You’ll select your elective subjects from a wide range available. Likewise, there’s a diverse range of professional skills subjects on offer – choose from a selection that includes modelling, working with data, ethics, business tools, and communication.

If you’d like to gain even more real-world experience, you can choose to complete an internship in a science or technology-related workplace for course credit.

All students undertake a research project, over 4 semesters, working on a real-world chemistry research question. To support you and provide direction, you’ll be matched with one of our expert researchers.

Career outcomes

Our graduates go on to work as: analytical chemists, environmental chemists, materials chemists, quality assurance analysts, geochemists, physical chemists, pharmaceutical chemists, patentattorneys, organic chemists, nanotechnologists, inorganic chemists, toxicologists, business development managers, secondary school teachers, and food scientists.

Employers in this field include:

• Universities and public research institutions such the CSIRO
• Medical research institutes such as the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and the Florey Institute
• Research hospitals such as the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
• Research-focused companies such as CSL.

Technical and professional skills

On graduating from the course you’ll have high level knowledge and research skills in chemistry.

Additionally, you’ll have strong professional skills in:

• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Research planning, literature reviews and reporting on research
• Scientific communication, both written and oral
• Project management.

Further study

At the end of the course, you’ll be well-placed to undertake a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

To be considered for entry into this course, you must have: An undergraduate degree in chemistry (or equivalent) with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% (or equivalent) in the best

IELTS (academic English Only): 6.5 (no band less than 6.0)
TOEFL Internet-based test: 79 + ; Writing 21; Speaking 18; Reading 13; Listening 13;
Pearson Test of English Academic: 58 + no communicative skill below 50
Cambridge English: Advanced/ Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): 176 + no skill below 169.