Programme structure
The master's programme Chemistry is a two year full time study consisting of 120 ECTS credits.
The programme has the following structure:
- Theoretical curriculum, 60 or 90 ECTS credits
- Master's thesis, 30 or 60 ECTS credits
The programme has 7 programme options:
- 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
Programme structure for students attending this study programme 2017 or earlier.
Course of study
Example with a master's thesis consisting of 60 ECTS credits:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester | Master's course | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
| 2. semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's thesis |
| 1. semester | Master's course + HSE-courses | Master's course | Master's course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
Example with a master's thesis consisting of 30 ECTS credits:
| 4. semester | Master's thesis | Master's thesis | Master's thesis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3. semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 2. semester | Master's course | Master's course | Master's course |
| 1. semester | Master's course + HSE-courses | Master's course | Master's course |
| 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits | 10 ECTS credits |
Theoretical curriculum
The following guidelines apply to the theoretical syllabus consisting of 60 or 90 ECTS credits in total:
- at least 40 ECTS credit courses at 4000/5000 Level. At least 30 of these must be in the field of chemistry.
- up to 20 ECTS credits of advanced bachelor courses in chemistry or other fields may be included.
- up to 15 ECTS credits may be special curriculum, or other professional training as approved by the Programme Council.
A special curriculum may include lecture series, literature, articles and so on that are relevant to the topic of your master's thesis. This may not include literature that you would be expected to study in direct relation to your thesis.
You will meet potenial supervisors and get help with course selection during the starting week of the first semester. Please see each programme option for relevant courses.
There are mandatory courses in Health, safety and environment (HSE) at the beginning of the first semester:
- HMS0501 - Safety and Physical Environment
- HMS0502 - Positive Learning Environment
- HMS0507 - Fire Safety
- HMS0505 – Electricity Safety
- HMS0503 - Laboratory Safety
HSE-courses do not give credits. If you have previously passed equivalent courses at the University of Oslo, you will not need to re-apply these.
Being a master student
Information on HSE courses, generic competences, planning and writing your master's thesis etc.
Master's thesis
The master's thesis is an independent scientific academic research project conducted in connection with research at the Department of Chemistry. The thesis is conducted under the supervision of a member of the academic staff at the Department of Chemistry. You will usually choose the theme of your thesis and find a supervisor during the first semester. It is also possible to plan an external research project but your primary supervisor will be from the Department of Chemistry.
The master's thesis can have a workload of either 60 or 30 ECTS credits. All supervisors at the Department of Chemistry offer master's thesis of 60 ECTS credits, but within the most experimental programme options, for instance Organic chemistry, Analytical chemistry and Inorganic chemistry and materials chemistry, there will be few opportunities if you want a 30 ECTS credit thesis.
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.
Recognition of master's courses from former education
If you are admitted to the master's programme and you have completed master's courses outside the University of Oslo, you may apply to have these courses recognised as part of your degree. Please contact the Department of Chemistry for more information.
Diploma and degree
This programme leads to the following degree: Master of Science in Chemistry
The diploma is issued when you have completed the courses that meet the requirements for a degree. Read more about diplomas.