Study matter in all its forms
Build deep understanding of the synthesis, composition, structure, properties, and reactivity of matter. Deepen your knowledge in an area of interest, choosing from a variety of courses and special topics.
You could delve into organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry. Explore materials and advanced techniques that power the rapid growth of clean-tech industries, or become expert in glove-box chemistries.
Chemistry intersects with physics and underpins geology and biology—giving you knowledge and expertise you can apply to many areas. Your study of Chemistry at an advanced level will open career opportunities in a range of fields.
Choose your study path
If you majored in Chemistry in your undergraduate degree, there's a range of postgraduate options for you. Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you'll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Science
- Graduate Diploma in Science
- Postgraduate Certificate in Chemistry
- Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry
Coursework and research
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Master of Chemistry
- Master of Science (coursework)
Focus on research
- Master of Science (thesis)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Our Postgraduate Chemistry qualifications
Our Master, Postgraduate Diploma, and Postgraduate Certificate in Chemistry are ‘staircased’. If you start with the Diploma or Certificate and want to continue studying after you finish, your completed courses can count towards a higher qualification.
Or, if you enrol in the Master’s but choose not to finish it, you may have completed enough courses to be awarded a Diploma or Certificate.
Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints, and financial situation.
Postgraduate Drug Discovery and Development
Learn how new medicines are conceived, created, and brought to market.
Build on your foundations in chemistry and the biological sciences to gain skills to identify promising drug targets and turn laboratory discoveries into real-world treatments.
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 options
Find out how you can study Postgraduate Chemistry at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Wellington has the highest concentration of scientists and science organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in areas such green energy, geo-hazards, global warming, space science, human geography, volcanology, artificial intelligence, drug development, and viral diseases.
Affiliated centres and institutes
Major research centres and institutes are affiliated with our Faculty of Science and Engineering, including:
World-class facilities
Advance your laboratory skills and expertise using state-of-the-art research equipment and modern laboratory facilities. You’ll have access to NMR spectrometers, ultrafast lasers, electron microscope suite, cleanroom facility, and other specialist laboratories and equipment.
Future careers
Postgraduate Chemistry students 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.
Or you might go into related fields such as 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 Chemistry.
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 Postgraduate Chemistry
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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 Postgraduate Chemistry
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These scholarships are open to full-time or transferring students enrolling in a Master’s programme in Chemistry at the School of Chemical and Physical Sciences or in a Master’s programme at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University of Wellington.
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Applicants must be female, New Zealand or Canadian citizens studying full time at 300 level BSc (Hons) and Master's by Coursework in any area of Science, including Architecture and Design at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
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The scholarship was established through the Victoria University of Wellington Foundation in 1998 by a bequest from Dan Fletcher Jones, who retained an active and enquiring interest in science and mathematics.
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.
Research topics
The School has an active culture of research. Current topics include:
- organic, bio-organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry (including total synthesis)
- marine natural products chemistry
- porous materials chemistry
- molecular self-assembly and liquid crystals
- environmental analytical chemistry
- nanotechnology—synthesis, characterisation and novel applications
- main group chemistry
- computational studies of the electronic structure of compounds
- organometallic chemistry
- ultrafast optical spectroscopy
- luminescent materials
- electrocatalysis.
Research areas
Our School of Chemical and Physical Sciences has research experience in many areas, with particular strengths in materials science and nanotechnology.
You’ll work with internationally recognised staff who publish regularly in peer-reviewed journals.
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.