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Dive deeper into the world of chemistry

Employers are always on the lookout for talented chemists

With your Chemistry Master’s degree, you can pursue a PhD at chemistry institutes around the world, and then have a career in academia or industry. Industrial giants like Akzo Nobel and DSM are eager to hire chemists. Or start working at research institutes like TNO, KNMI and SRON. You can also find exciting roles at ICT companies, energy companies, investment banks or consultancy firms.

With the Science in Society major, you’ll likely find work in the chemical industry, with inspection services or consultancy firms, where there is an emphasis on management and/or policy aspects.

Science education is the foundation of innovations that improve our world. The shortage of certified science teachers and the fact that our economy is knowledge-based, means the Teaching major will make you highly valued both in and out of the classroom. You can contribute to improving science education as a teacher or in other academic positions. Practical and scientific knowledge of teaching methods and educational psychology can steer your career in many directions.

Students who opt for the Science Communication major often find work as public relations officers, science journalists or education officers at  publishing houses or museums.

Chemistry graduate Eva Blokker

Chemistry graduate Eva Blokker

Chemistry graduate Eva Blokker models molecules on the computer. To make plastics, you need an initiator. That is a molecule that splits in two, allowing the chain reaction for the long chain of the plastic to start. But the initiators that are being used now release undesirable volatile substances and a lot of heat. Therefore, Eva is using computer simulations to look for new initiators.

Watch the video
Eva Blokker

What can you do after your Master's degree?

Start working

Graduates of the Master's programme Chemistry typically pursue careers:

  • as PhD students at chemistry institutes around the world, progressing from there to careers in academia or industry
  • in research, within industry (e.g. Akzo Nobel, Shell and DSM)
  • in research, within research institutes (e.g. TNO, KNMI and SRON)
  • as teachers, within high schools or universities
  • as (technical) policy officers, within (science-oriented) governmental and non-profit organisations
  • in business (e.g. ICT companies, energy companies, investment banks, consultancy firms)
  • as writers, for (science-oriented) media
  • as entrepreneurs

Pursue your PhD

Graduates with excellent grades can apply for one of our PhD student positions. The first year will be mainly spent complementing your theoretical knowledge and preparing the ground for your research. After that, you’ll develop and carry out your own chemistry research project and write your PhD thesis.

Many PhDs end up in research positions or in managerial posts at universities, large companies, government institutions or banks. Research positions are available with institutes like TNO or Solvay.

Where did our students end up?

Want to apply for Chemistry?

Check the admission requirements

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