Master of Chemistry

Combine strong scientific training in chemistry with real-world skills in policy, regulation, communication, and industry practice.

Available from 2027

The Master of Chemistry will be offered from 2027.

In the Master of Chemistry (MChem), you can combine advanced chemistry with professional skills in policy, regulation, or communication. You’ll learn skills for careers beyond the lab, as well as research-focused pathways.

The Master of Chemistry (MChem) is a 180-point qualification, focused on real-world solutions and employability. It can be completed in 12 months of full-time study.

The MChem is flexible, and can include internships, applied projects, or interdisciplinary study.

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.

Who can study for the MChem

To get into this programme, you’ll need a Bachelor’s degree—preferably in chemistry or a very closely related area, such as chemical biology, chemical engineering, chemical physics, environmental chemistry, materials science, or medicinal chemistry.

Flexible study options

The Master of Chemistry is a 180-point programme, normally completed over 12 months.

It consists of three parts:

• core chemistry knowledge (at least 60 points)
• professional and interdisciplinary study (up to 60 points)
• capstone experience (60 points).

Options for your capstone experience include:

• internship
• research project
• dissertation
• thesis.

The MChem is part of a tiered family of qualifications:

• Master of Chemistry (180 points)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry (120 points)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Chemistry (60 points).

These qualifications are ‘staircased’. If you start with the Diploma or Certificate and want to continue studying after you finish, your completed courses can count towards the Master’s.

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.

What you’ll learn

In the MChem, you’ll study advanced chemistry alongside professional and interdisciplinary subjects. You’ll take part in lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.

You’ll have access to modern laboratory and computational learning environments, and you’ll work closely with staff and external partners.

How you’ll study

Your study will expose you to real-world problems and professional practice. The MChem is flexible, and options include:

• internship placements with organisations in industry, policy, or regulation
• applied projects or research projects
• a dissertation or thesis.

Future careers

You'll be prepared for roles such as:

• a chemist in laboratory and industry
• an advisor, regulator, or policy analysts
• working in public sector agencies and private businesses.

It will also prepare you for pathways into the education, intellectual property, or legal professions.

You may work for organisations like:

• WorkSafe
• AsureQuality
• government ministries
• public research organisations.

Live and study in New Zealand's creative, compact, and beautiful capital. With more scientific research organisations here than anywhere else in New Zealand, you'll be part of a thriving scientific community.

Financial support

You can get support to stay on top of your finances by downloading our money management resources or by meeting with one of our student finance advisers.

We can show you how to manage your student loan or allowance, and help you sort out your budget. For students facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for support from the Hardship Fund. Depending on your situation, you might also be able to get government or community support. Talk to a student finance adviser Financing your study

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.

• Postgraduate and doctoral scholarships
• Search scholarships.

Join our postgraduate community

Become part of an active community of scientists. Postgraduate study at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.

The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information about postgraduate study and provides a voice for you on campus.

Study for a PhD

Once you’ve completed your MChem, if you want to pursue an academic or research career, you’ll be eligible to apply for PhD programmes, carrying out original and sustained research under supervision from world-class academics in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll also be supported by the Faculty of Graduate Research.