Master's Programme in Chemistry – Physical Chemistry

Do you want to learn in depth about important physical and chemical processes at a molecular level, combining theory and advanced experimental techniques? The specialisation in Physical chemistry will allow you to understand and control many of the fundamental processes important for the transition to a sustainable society. After graduation, you will be well-prepared to undertake research and development in both academia and industry.

Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

2 September 2024

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 90 credits in chemistry and physics, of which at least 60 credits must be in chemistry.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English

Location

Uppsala

Pace of study

100%

Teaching form

On-campus

Instructional time

Daytime

Start date

1 September 2025

Language of instruction

English

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.

Also required is 90 credits in chemistry and physics, of which at least 60 credits must be in chemistry.

Language requirements

Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.

Selection

Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.

Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.

Fees

If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.

First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000

About the programme

Choosing the specialisation in Physical chemistry at Uppsala University will allow you to dive into advanced topics in physical chemistry and modern experimental techniques such as (laser)spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and photochemistry. As this specialisation is oriented towards fundamental physical chemistry, it also includes the physical and chemical foundations needed in the development of new solutions for the sustainability of society.

Some of these topics are vital for understanding solar energy conversion and storage, artificial photosynthesis and photocatalysis. Specifically, we utilize steady-state and ultrafast time-resolved laser spectroscopy and electrochemistry to investigate materials, polymers, molecular model systems, proteins and solar cells. This specialisation also includes the theoretical aspects and simulation methods needed for the fundamental understanding on a molecular level for the development of new materials and technology. You will thus be well-equipped both to undertake research within academia or research and development in industry.

During the programme, you can expect to

be offered a personal mentor to prepare you for your future career,
gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills in advanced physical chemistry.
be a part of a university with two Nobel prizes in chemistry.
meet and discuss with professors who are leading experts in their respective fields.

Our research groups within physical chemistry are very international and have a well-developed cooperation with other institutions across the world, which is beneficial for you when choosing a project for the Master's thesis and making contacts for your future career in academia or industry.

Student profile

You are probably coming directly from your Bachelor's degree or have had a relevant job to strengthen your analytical and experimental skills. You have an analytical mind, are extremely motivated and will take the responsibility needed to complete your studies.

Degree

The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Chemistry as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).

Content

Year 1

During the first semester you will study chemistry courses which provide you with the theoretical and experimental skills needed for the subsequent semesters, Some of these courses are common to other specialisations in the Master Programme in Chemistry. The semester ends with a profile course in physical chemistry.

The second semester, you will take courses in different areas of physical chemistry, including photochemistry, catalysis and advanced electrochemistry. You will also have the opportunity to choose a research training course to further develop your practical skills.

Year 2

The third semester you will have a course in statistical thermodynamics and simulation methods, as well as a course in advanced laser spectroscopy taught by leading experts in the field.

Given the close connection to research, these courses often provide the inspiration for a degree project of 30 credits or 45 credits which ends the programme.

Some examples of recent degree projects:

E. Säbb: Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution with a de novo designed enzyme.
H. Wagner: Investigating the intramolecular electron transfer in bilirubin oxidase.
J. Wega: Influence of the Heavy atom effect on the cage escape yields of iron(III)-photosensitizers with N-heterocyclic carbene ligands.
L. Fransén: Photophysics and photoinduced electron-transfer reactivity of a doublet charge-transfer excited ruthenium(III) N-heterocyclic carbene.

Courses within the programme

See the programme outline for courses within the programme.

Learning experience

Instruction takes place in the form of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving, seminars and projects. Theory and practical work are always interwoven into the courses. In seminars, you present your ideas and discuss course material or work you have conducted with your classmates, while the teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills which will be required in your future professional development. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

You will participate in seminars, group meetings and other events to prepare you for professional communication in your future career. You will also receive systematic training in oral and written presentations as part of the courses. The ability to communicate well will be very important in your future career.

The lecturers are active researchers who will coach you to adopt a scientific approach in your work, where you will develop the necessary skills to solve problems, think critically and analytically, plan and formulate research problems, and independently carry out the necessary experiments and analysis as well as interpret the results.

The language of instruction is English.

Career

A degree from Uppsala University will give you close connection to excellent and world-leading research and you will have the opportunity to develop a personal contact network.

Surveys have shown that the labour market for chemists with a degree from Uppsala University is excellent, with 97% of those who obtained their degree during the last ten years either employed or undertaking doctoral studies.

A Master of Science in Chemistry from Uppsala University will provide you with many opportunities to build an exciting future career in academia, industry, the public sector, or entrepreneurship. Not only will you gain the knowledge and ability to perform special and advanced tasks in chemistry, but you will also be qualified for positions in many other areas where problem-solving, abstract thinking and analytical ability are required.

Possible career paths can vary, you may work with:

Research and development
Production processes
Analysis of materials
Management of safety and legal issues
Patenting of inventions
Marketing and sales
Environmental and sustainability issues
Developing new and improved methods for quality control.

Physical Chemistry allows the students to work in many fields and companies due to the relevance for many industries. Our former students work at, for example but not limited to:

Defense Research Institute
Stora Enso
CR Com
AFRY AB,
PhD students in, e.g., Uppsala University, University of Geneva, University of Cambridge, and Nantes Université

The salary in Sweden can vary greatly depending on education level, work task, previous experience, location, sector, etc. According to one of the largest Swedish work unions, SACO, newly graduated students in chemistry earned about SEK 35 000 per month before tax in 2023.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.