Master chemistry, shape the future
Combine advanced chemistry with professional skills in chemical management policy, regulation, or communication. The Master of Chemistry (MChem) will open career opportunities in a range of fields.
You could deeply explore organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry. Analyse materials and advanced techniques that power the growth of clean-tech industries. Or align your love of chemistry with professional development by taking our new Hazardous Substances and Laboratory Safety course.
Our MChem degree gives you skills for careers outside the lab. As well as our chemistry courses, you can take courses from other subject areas, like Workplace Health and Safety, Education, and Policy. You can also include 400-level science courses outside Chemistry.
Who can study for this qualification
To study for the Master of Chemistry (MChem), you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree with a B average grade—preferably in chemistry or a closely related area like:
- chemical biology
- chemical engineering
- chemical physics
- environmental chemistry
- medicinal chemistry
- materials science.
What you’ll learn
In the MChem, you’ll study advanced chemistry alongside professional and interdisciplinary subjects.
The MChem has two parts.
Part 1
You’ll complete four courses that cover safety and fundamental chemistry knowledge.
You’ll also take four elective courses from a range of subjects, including:
- Chemistry
- Education
- Government and Policy
- Workplace Health and Safety
- Science Communication
- other 400-level science courses.
Part 2
You’ll do independent study and choose from:
- an internship placement with an industry, policy, or regulation organisation
- a research project where you design, conduct, and report on a Chemistry topic
- a dissertation where you investigate a topic and produce a research essay of up to 12,000 words.
How you’ll study
The 180-point MChem includes both coursework and the option of research or an internship. Studying full time, you’ll complete the MChem in 1 year.
You’ll study through:
- lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars
- assignments and oral presentations
- group work projects
- workplace reports and a written research project report
- term tests and written examinations
- self-reflections.
You’ll have access to modern laboratory and computational learning environments, and you’ll work closely with staff and external partners.
Our postgraduate Chemistry qualifications
We offer three postgraduate Chemistry qualifications. These are ‘staircased’ so that courses completed for each qualification can count towards the next step.
- The Master of Chemistry provides the most comprehensive study as it includes eight courses and choice of internship, research project, or dissertation.
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry has in-depth study over eight courses.
- The Postgraduate Certificate in Chemistry is an opportunity for specialised professional development and can be a step towards higher study. It includes four courses.
Part-time study options
Studying part time, you can complete the MChem over a maximum of 2 years.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for domestic students
- Requirements for students who completed university in:
If you live in New Zealand and are a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you're considered a domestic student.
Some citizens of the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau may automatically hold New Zealand citizenship.
Diplomatic residents living in New Zealand are also regarded as domestic students.
To be accepted into this qualification, you need:
1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MChem degree shall have:
(i) completed a bachelor’s degree with an average grade of at least B in Chemistry or a closely related subject or, at the discretion of the Head of School, an equivalent qualification; and
(ii) been accepted by the Head of School or their nominee as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.
(b) Requirement (a)(i) may be waived by the Associate Dean (Students) for a candidate who has extensive practical, professional, or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind.
Qualification requirements
Excerpt from the regulations for the MChem
2. (a) The course of study for the MChem shall consist of courses worth 180 points, consisting of:
Part 1: (i) Hazardous Substances and Laboratory Safety (CHEM 481);
(ii) At least 45 points from CHEM 401–479;
(iii) Up to 60 further approved points from the schedules to the MChem, BSc(Hons), MDDD, MEnvSc, or from Research Preparation (CHEM 580), EDUC 504–553, Government and Governing (GOVT 501)–543, Principles of Health and Safety Management (HLWB 507)–512, Science Communication (SCIS 410)–439.
Part 2: One of Internship in Chemistry (CHEM 510)–512.
(b) In exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Head of School, a candidate may replace Part 2 and 30 points of courses from part 1 (iii) with Thesis in Chemistry (CHEM 592).
3. Admission to Part 2 will require a B+ grade average or better across all Part 1 courses or approval of the head of school.
4. The standard and normal maximum periods of enrolment in the qualification are:
(a) A candidate for the MChem shall normally be enrolled for at least three trimesters and shall complete the degree within four years of first enrolling.
(b) A student transferring from another qualification shall be deemed to have commenced the MChem on the date of first enrolment in a course or courses credited to the qualification.
(c) In special cases, this period may be extended by the Associate Dean (Students) of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
5. A candidate who has been awarded the PGDipChem, PGCertChem, or equivalent qualification shall abandon that qualification upon being awarded the MChem.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study for a PhD
If you do well in your Master’s degree and show an aptitude for advanced research, you could apply to do a PhD—the highest-level qualification we offer.
You’ll carry out original and sustained research, supervised by our world-class academics.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.
Future careers
Master of Chemistry graduates move into a range of jobs in a large number of different industries and research organisations.
Depending on your qualification, you might work as:
- an analytical chemist
- an industrial chemist
- a laboratory technician
- a quality control scientist
- a product development chemist.
You could also work in related fields like teaching, science writing, or patent law.
Your chemistry skills will be in demand in industries ranging from food and wine production to cosmetics companies to public research organisations.
More career information
Find out more about careers in data science.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science
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Applicants must be enrolled, or intending to enrol full time, in a Master’s or PhD degree in areas related to identity management and are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.
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This scholarship is for students undertaking or intending to undertake an Honours or Masters degree at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington in areas related to Peace Building or Peace Studies, Trust Building, Conflict Resolution, addressing Historical Injustice, Restorative Justice, Social Cohesion, Community building and promoting cross-cultural understanding, Change Making or Ethical Leadership.
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Applicants must be full-time post graduate student studying at Victoria University of Wellington. This scholarship is open to students from any course of study which focuses on social justice but students studying Criminology, Psychology, Sociology, Law and Restorative Justice are encouraged to apply. Students holding a full three-year PhD scholarship are not eligible to apply.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Science and Engineering
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The purpose of this scholarship is to assist female students in the area of Mathematical Sciences or Geosciences to complete their M.Sc. or PhD thesis, by helping to extend enrolment in the final months of writing up their thesis.
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The scholarship is open to students at the Masters by Thesis or PhD level at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, with their research focusing on a long-term seismogenesis and long-range earthquake forecasting.
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The scholarship is intended to support students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Psychology (with preference given to Cognitive and Behavioural Neuroscience applicants).
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Our academic staff are active across a range of specialist research areas.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.