Chemistry, Physical Chemistry - Master Programme

You will receive broad knowledge in physical and computational chemistry and chemical physics. You will develop your laboratory skills and learn about fundamental, molecular mechanisms as well as practical applications within the environmental field, materials science and catalysis, for example.

As a student you will obtain knowledge within thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy and surface and colloid chemistry. Special emphasis is placed on creating coherent understanding that stretches from a quantum mechanical description of atoms and molecules to complex supramolecular structures and their industrial and biological applications.

You will learn to independently plan, conduct, and critically evaluate experiments. You will also learn to use scientific literature as well as manage and analyse data in various forms.

All of the teaching staff are researchers. Our department is characterised by a broad spectrum of basic research and applied research, as well as close contact with industry and external research centres.

Lund is also home to two world-unique research facilities. The MAX IV Laboratory is the world’s first fourth-generation synchrotron light source, and ESS (European Spallation Source) will be the world’s most powerful neutron source. Both facilities offer applications in many areas of chemistry.

The Master’s programme has a varied structure and includes lectures, seminars, group exercises, laboratory work, calculation exercises, computer exercises and project work, including oral and written presentations. Teaching takes place on modern premises and in laboratories with advanced equipment. The language of instruction is English.

You can influence and plan your study design to a large extent. During the first semester you will initially take a course on molecular driving forces and chemical bonding, followed by studies in advanced surface and colloid chemistry. In the next semester you can choose from courses on, for example, statistical thermodynamics and molecular simulation, molecular quantum mechanics, magnetic resonance and scattering methods. The spring semester concludes with a course on molecular spectroscopy.

There are several options during the second academic year. The degree project can be worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is conducted in a research group or at a company. If you decide to do a degree project worth less than the maximum number of credits, you can do a second project or take more courses.

The Master’s programme offers the option of doing an internship, which can provide valuable professional contacts during the programme.

The Master’s programme provides a good foundation for both doctoral studies and a career at research-intensive companies. Half of our Master’s students continue to doctoral studies, and the other half enter the industry, both locally and internationally.

Our programme graduates are highly skilled in conducting research and development work within a wide variety of areas such as smart materials, photochemistry, food science and biomolecular design.

Prerequisites

Specialisation: Physical Chemistry Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, including at least 90 credits in chemistry, of which at least 15 credits must be in physical chemistry. In addition to courses in chemistry, 15 credits in mathematics are required. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school. or Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, including at least 75 credits in physics and 30 credits in mathematics. Proficiency in English equivalent to English 6/B from Swedish upper-secondary school.

Selection criteria

Based on grades awarded for previous academic courses in science, engineering and mathematics.

Requirements for working safely in a laboratory environment

The education includes mandatory elements that require you to independently and without assistance be able to work safely in a laboratory environment. Examples of such elements include working in a fume hood, fire extinguishing, handling flammable and corrosive substances, weighing, visual inspection of chemical reactions and chemical analyses, among other. These elements also require the ability to follow applicable safety regulations and instructions, as well as being able to move around and quickly evacuate the premises safely. Certain physical disabilities may make it difficult or impossible to complete the mandatory elements. For more information, contact studievagledare [at] kemi [dot] lu [dot] se.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 370,000
First payment: SEK 92,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Pioneering Women in STEM Scholarship

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships for Master's studies in Sweden for women from selected countries in Africa and Asia who want to pursue degrees in STEM fields. Check the country and programme requirements on the Swedish Institute's website to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

SI Scholarship Pioneering Women in STEM

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships