Chemistry

A master's in chemistry provides you with skills and competence at an advanced level. As a team player in one of our renowned research groups, you will have the opportunity to carry out an ambitious research project, with access to our state-of-the-art laboratories.

A brief description of the programme

At the University of Oslo we offer training across the whole range of chemistry, from quantum mechanics to disease diagnostics. You therefore have the opportunity to specialize in one of chemistry's subdivisions.

As a master's student at the Department of Chemistry, you join Norway's leading research environment in chemistry. For example, we host the Hylleraas center, a Center of Excellence in computational chemistry. In addition, our researchers are leaders and members of several large international collaborations.

The master's thesis is carried out in one of our research environments under the guidance of experienced researchers. The research project in the thesis gives you training in critical assessment of research literature, data analysis, typically in connection with laboratory work. You get training in planning and undertaking independent research, but also experience in being a scientific team player. You also have the opportunity to do the master's thesis at one of the many research institutes in the Oslo region, as well as at companies approved by the department. There are great ambitions linked to our master's programme, and the students' results are often included in scientific publications, with students as authors.

There are seven programme options within the programme, with different qualification requirements:

• Analytical chemistry
• Atmospheric chemistry and nuclear chemistry
• Biomolecules and soft matter
• Chemistry education and communication
• Inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Theoretical and physical chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties, composition and reactions. Our researchers in analytical chemistry develop new technologies and methods for measuring matter, whereas our organic chemists study the way in which small organic molecules can be produced. Some researchers want to understand how the environment functions and how we can best handle environmental challenges, others study biomolecules and their structure and function with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques. We also conduct research in inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry, which is a broad field including synthesis, characterisation and theoretical understanding of solid compounds. A basic aspect of chemistry research is understanding how a material behaves on atomic and molecular levels, how this behaviour determines the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the material, and how chemical reactions take place. In addition, we are interested in the didactics of chemistry, including investigating teaching methods that encourage motivation and learning in chemistry.

Study environment

We know that happy students are more likely to succeed in their studies, so it is important to us that you enjoy student life. We organise introductory days with talks and presentations of the various possible master's projects. You will also receive practical information about the courses and you will be able to meet those who are responsible for the programme. Attendance at these introductory days is mandatory. When you start the programme, you will also have the opportunity to meet old and new students and members of staff, both in academic and social settings.

If you have any practical questions concerning the programme or if you need other advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We encourage all students to get involved socially. As a student you will have access to pleasant student areas linked to the research areas, both for studying and social activities. Read more about the study environment at the Department of Chemistry. And student life at the University of Oslo is rich and abundant with more than 200 student societies.

Studying abroad

As a student at the University of Oslo there are many possibilities to take part of your education at a university abroad. More about exchange programmes abroad.

Further studies and employment

With a master's degree in Chemistry, job opportunities exist both in the private sector, research institutions, pharmacy and other industries. Many chemists also work in public administration or teaching.

A number of former students have become entrepreneurs and have founded their own companies. An interdisciplinary background opens up many opportunities. Check out Gründerskolen (in Norwegian) at the Centre for Entrepreneurship.

The master's programme, in particular with a 60 ECTS credit thesis, qualifies you for further PhD studies in chemistry and, depending on your field of specialisation, also in associated fields such as biotechnology and materials science.

Read more about career prospects.

Honours certificate

Are you academically ambitious? It is possible to supplement your master's degree with an honours certificate worth 20 credits. You take the certificate concurrently with the master's programme.