Chemistry - Master

This degree program is free of admission, i.e. you will receive a study place if you meet the admission requirements. An application is nevertheless required to check these prerequisites. The study program can be started in both the winter and summer semesters.

The prerequisite for studying in the master's program is the completion of a bachelor's degree program in chemistry or an equivalent degree with at least an inclusive grade of 3.0.

The language of study and examination is German. Individual courses may be held in English. A good knowledge of English is expected for the study of literature. Therefore, knowledge of English is required. However, formal proof of English proficiency is not required. International applicants *without* a German-language university entrance qualification must provide evidence of German language proficiency in accordance with the university's matriculation regulations (see also information on proof of linguistic study ability / DSH language test).

The Master´s program cannot be complemented with a minor subject.

The Master's program is based on the Bachelor's program Chemistry B.Sc. and consists of the three core subjects

• Inorganic,

• Organic and

• physical chemistry

• and one of the following electives

  • Analytical Chemistry

  • Biochemistry

  • Materials science

  • Synthetic Chemistry

  • Medicinal Chemistry or

  • Theoretical Chemistry.

The combination of the three core subjects Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry with the optimal options in the elective subjects provides Tübingen graduates with excellent career prospects later on.

Why Tübingen in particular? Because ...

• the chemistry building is one of the most modern university chemistry buildings in Germany and, with its seminar and practical course rooms, guarantees the best conditions for successful studies.

• there are specialization subjects, elective subjects and focus subjects.

• there is a successfully tested study plan that enables career paths in a wide variety of directions after the basic studies.

• the course of study follows individual preferences and inclinations and it is also possible to change to other subjects.

• the study times are short.

• Lectures can be followed on the Internet and scripts with animations are available on the Internet.

• Master's and doctoral theses are offered in the most current fields.

• project work is learned and contacts can be established.

• many cooperations with universities, research institutes and industry exist.

• attendance of conferences is encouraged.

The program includes the subjects Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, which have to be taken by the students as major modules (15 ECTS points each) or minor modules (9 ECTS points each). Furthermore, one major or minor module must be chosen from the range of elective subjects Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Materials Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Synthesis Chemistry or Theoretical Chemistry. A total of two major modules and two minor modules must be completed.

From the four areas of Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry and the elective subject, three practical modules, each worth 12 ECTS points, must be chosen from different areas.

Study plan of the M.Sc. Chemistry

Information of the Department about studying abroad / ERASMUS

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

In the winter semester 2023/24, the Department of Chemistry has approximately 820 students enrolled for all degrees. The enrollees are distributed among the following degree programs, among others:

The module handbook of the M.Sc. Chemistry describes the goals and structure of a degree program. In the module handbook you will find details of the type of modules offered and their respective workloads as well as the classes, requirements and assessment. An ideal course plan is set out in the module handbook to help you plan your studies. The module handbook and the exam regulations help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/ classes.

The exam regulations of the M.Sc. Chemistry contain the legally binding regulations for a degree program. They set out, for instance, which modules must be taken and which assessment must be completed in order to successfully complete the degree program. The exam regulations also regulate how often exams may be repeated, which deadlines apply to assessment, and how the final grade is calculated. The exam regulations and the module handbook help you to understand the framework and conditions of your program, and enable you to choose the right modules/ classes.

Graduates of chemistry programs have good career prospects, e.g. in industry, research institutes, government agencies and investigation offices.

Chemists have usually chosen a degree with a doctorate. In the meantime, not only the master's degree is a possible qualification, but also the bachelor's degree is considered to be professionally qualifying. In particular, the possibilities of continuing the studies in other subjects are considered.

In the Tübingen chemistry program, all these challenges of modern natural sciences are taught and the best prerequisites for later qualified positions are created. Therefore, even in times of crisis, well-educated chemists from Tübingen have always found good jobs in all possible areas of (large, medium and even small) industry, research institutes, public institutions or as freelancers, not only in the chemical industry, but also as management personnel

• in the automotive industry

• in medium-sized companies

• in the pharmaceutical industry

• with equipment manufacturers

• for tasks in a hospital

• in software development

• with patent attorneys

• in many other areas

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.

Graduates of the Master program have the opportunity to continue with a PhD. For further information see the website Faculty of Science - Doctoral Studies.

Information about the Alumni of Tübingen.