Master's Programme in Chemistry 120 credits
About the programme
The Master´s programme in Chemistry deepens your knowledge of proteins' function in the body, chemicals’ effect in the environment, and of the development of new pharmaceuticals. The education has close proximity to three strong research areas at Umeå University – medicinal chemistry, environmental chemistry and protein chemistry. Your future career is as a scientist, in the industry or with public authorities.
Proximity to research
Specialise:
• environmental chemistry
• medicinal chemistry
• protein chemistry
Learn advanced laboratory techniques
While studying
The Master´s programme in Chemistry provides you with knowledge for solving and critically assessing chemistry-related problems. You will learn how to compile, analyse, critically review, and present scientific texts and your own data.
Advanced methods of analysis
The first year includes four in-depth courses that cover tools and theories in modern chemistry and brings you to a level required for the following profile courses. The training provided in these courses focuses primarily on advanced instrumental methodologies for chemical analysis, and modelling and interpretation of physiochemical and biochemical phenomena. These courses also offer intense laboratory training to prepare you well for more advanced courses and work towards your Master's thesis in the second year.
Proximity to strong research
The three profiles of the Master's programme match the strong research areas of the Chemistry Department; environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry and protein chemistry. Your teachers are scientists and the projects you will do during your education always have a close relation to ongoing research projects.
All teaching is in English.
Read more about Chemistry research at Umeå University
Three profiles
Courses within the programme
Year 1
- Biophysical-Chemical Concepts
- Advanced Experimental Tools in Chemistry
- Chemometrics
- Computational Chemistry
- Elective course
Year 2
- Elective courses
- Degree project
Future and career opportunities
Your future work is within chemical industry as for example paper and wood pulp industry, pharmaceutical and food industry, engineering and electronics, environmental consulting or public authorities. The education also provides a base for PhD studies in chemistry.
Common job titles
- Analytical Chemist
- Pharmaceutical Chemist
- Chemical Risk Manager
- Environmental Consultant
Programme director
Apply
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Autumn 2025
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Master's Programme in Chemistry
International admissions round
HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2025
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5020
Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in Chemistry.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing a bachelor's degree, the student has the right to obtain a master's degree in science (M.Sc.) in accordance with the local degree description established by the Vice Chancellor, as detailed in the following link:
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
"Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen" translates to Degree of Master of Science (120 ECTS) in English. The degree is awarded in the main area of Chemistry or in Chemistry with one of these three specializations: Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry.ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
-
Master's Programme in Chemistry
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT25 / Umeå / English / On site
Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2025
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P5020
Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in Chemistry.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing a bachelor's degree, the student has the right to obtain a master's degree in science (M.Sc.) in accordance with the local degree description established by the Vice Chancellor, as detailed in the following link:
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
"Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen" translates to Degree of Master of Science (120 ECTS) in English. The degree is awarded in the main area of Chemistry or in Chemistry with one of these three specializations: Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry.ApplicationApplication deadline was 15 April 2025. The application period is closed. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
-
-
Autumn 2026
-
Master's Programme in Chemistry
International admissions round
HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 16 October 2025Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-M5020
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in Chemistry.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing a bachelor's degree, the student has the right to obtain a master's degree in science (M.Sc.) in accordance with the local degree description established by the Vice Chancellor, as detailed in the following link:
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
"Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen" translates to Degree of Master of Science (120 ECTS) in English. The degree is awarded in the main area of Chemistry or in Chemistry with one of these three specializations: Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry.ApplicationThe online application opens 16 October 2025 at 13:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 January 2026.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
-
Master's Programme in Chemistry
Second admissions round for EU/EEA citizens
HT26 / Umeå / English / On site
Application opens 16 March 2026Show more Show less
StartAutumn term 2026
Number of credits120 credits
Type of studiesOn site
Study pace100%
Length2 years
Study locationUmeå
LanguageEnglish
Application codeUMU-P5020
EligibilityA Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. Specific entry requirements are: 60 ECTS in Chemistry.Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2.
SelectionAcademic credits completed by the last application date (in the range of 30-285 credits equivalent to ECTS)
DegreeAfter completing a bachelor's degree, the student has the right to obtain a master's degree in science (M.Sc.) in accordance with the local degree description established by the Vice Chancellor, as detailed in the following link:
https://www.umu.se/en/student/my-studies/getting-your-degree/degree-requirements-and-main-fields-of-study/local-qualification-descriptors/
"Naturvetenskaplig masterexamen" translates to Degree of Master of Science (120 ECTS) in English. The degree is awarded in the main area of Chemistry or in Chemistry with one of these three specializations: Medicinal Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Biochemistry.ApplicationThe online application opens 16 March 2026 at 09:00 CET. Application deadline is 15 April 2026. Please note: This second application round is intended only for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens.
Application and tuition feesAs a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 76,150
Total fee: SEK 304,600
-
How to apply
Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.
More about application and admission
Film about the programme
What is it like to study chemistry at Umeå University? Learn more about the master's programme in this film.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a one-year master or a two-year master?
The programme is designed for two years of studies (120 credits) but students can take a one-year master’s degree after 60 credits.
What are the requirements for the thesis?
Biophysical- chemical concepts, Advanced Experimental tools in chemistry, Chemometrics, Computational chemistry or equivalent. English 6/B or equivalent.
How do I find a supervisor for my thesis?
If you have decided within what field of chemistry you want to write your thesis, you can contact a supervisor that is active within that field e.g. Organic chemistry or Biochemistry. If you do not know of any potential supervisors, please contact the programme director/coordinator to discuss potential supervisors.
If you are doing a project outside the chemistry department, you need a supervisor at the department/institution you are attending and an internal supervisor at the chemistry department.
What courses are electable?
The first four courses in the programme are mandatory and required for the master thesis courses.
You also need a master thesis consisting of 30,45 or 60 credits. The rest adding up to 120 credits are electable.
There is a list on the programme site of what courses are electable at the chemistry department. If you have further questions regarding courses please contact the student affairs office svl.chem@umu.se
Do I need to apply for courses?
For the mandatory courses (except for the master thesis) you do not need to apply. They will be added automatically to your Ladok. For the electable courses you need to apply on universityadmissions.se/antagning.se. The student affairs office will notify you when it the application window will open and close on Canvas.
What are the requirements for the degree?
120 credits in total, 90 credits needs to be advanced and 60 needs to be within the field of Chemistry.
You also need a 30/45/60 credit master thesis.
For more information please contact the programme director or the student affairs office svl.chem@umu.se
Research excellence at Umeå University
Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 geneediting began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.
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Innovative with international impact
Research for society, nature and the future. Read about our research research environments and infrastructure.
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Open climate for groundbreaking research
Emmanuelle Charpentier credits the research environment in Umeå as a key factor in her discovery.
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