Chemistry

Degree: Master of Science in Chemistry
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: Flexible, for international students preferably September or January
Language of instruction: English (some specialisations in Dutch)
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 66857
Specialisations:
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Chemistry is the central science enabling a healthy future in a sustainable society. Chemistry researchers in Leiden take a fundamental approach in finding tailored solutions for complex societal problems in human health and environmental issues.

In the Master of Science speciaisations in Communication, Education or Science-Based Business, specific career opportunities in science-related professions can be explored.

Within the first four specialisations students have the choice of three major research areas:

  • Biological Chemistry
  • Design & Synthesis
  • Physical & Theoretical Chemistry

The aim of each programme is to train the student as an independent scientist and to develop the necessary skills and proficiency to advance his/her career.
All specialisations are intended for students with an internationally recognised bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry. The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a profound theoretical basis. Master of Science students in Leiden work in an environment with many internationally renowned researchers and are able to operate on the international market.
All students with a Master of Science degree are admissible to a PhD programme.

Reasons to Choose Chemistry in Leiden

  1. The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is highly acclaimed for the international character of its education with a young and enthusiastic research staff.
  2. The LIC offers tailor-made individual study programmes.
  3. Students become true members of internationally renowned multidisciplinary research teams.
  4. The Chemistry MSc programme offers ample opportunities for research projects in distinguished groups worldwide or in an industrial environment.
  5. The high standard of education ensures excellent job prospects in research or industry.
Photo science indoor

Prof. Overkleeft

“An organic chemist can make a con-tribution to the development of new medicines.”

“My specialisation is organic chemistry, a very research-intensive science that couples a healthy dose of knowledge and a strong feeling for the subject with a highly developed capacity for imagination and
intuition. What makes one molecule react with another? How can I predict and control this reaction, and then apply the knowledge gained to develop new molecules with new characteristics?

Organic chemistry fulfils an important bridging function between physics on the one hand and biology on the other. This means an organic chemist can make a contribution to the development of new medicines. My inspiration comes primarily from nature. In the laboratory environment I try to prepare and imitate molecules which occur readily in nature, which are often very complex. I then use these molecules to influence biological processes, in order to gain more insight into the underlying biological processes. Certainly now that the human genome and that of other organisms has been identified, more emphasis will be placed on gaining insight into biological processes at molecular level. The combination of organic chemistry and biology has in this light a great future.”