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Chemistry, Synthetic and Analytical Chemistry - Master Programme

Master's programme • 2 years • 120 credits

Are you passionate about producing new molecules and materials? Would you like to explore the world of chemical compounds or solve environmental problems at the molecular level? This programme enables you to embark on a career in either academia or at research-intensive companies.
Application dates
Student in lab coat with pipette.

Start

Autumn 2026

Duration

2 years

Level

Master's

Language

English

Place of study

Lund

Application dates

The Master’s programme provides both theoretical and practical knowledge in analytical, organic, organometallic and coordination chemistry. Some of the areas covered include drug production, food, environmental issues and nanotechnology.

You will obtain specialised knowledge in advanced organic synthesis, learn about reaction mechanisms in organic and organometallic compounds and the importance of metals in biological systems. You will obtain ample experience in different chromatography and mass spectrometry methods as well as in modern characterisation methods. The importance of green analytical chemistry for a sustainable society is also emphasised.

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 programme has a varied structure and includes lectures, seminars, group exercises, extensive 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 will begin the first semester with a course on molecular driving forces and chemical bonding. The recommendation for the next course is advanced analytical chemistry. During the spring semester courses on advanced organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry and coordination chemistry will follow. You can influence and plan your study design to a large extent.

In the second academic year you have several possibilities. The degree project can be worth 30, 45 or 60 credits and is conducted in a research team 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.

The Master’s programme provides you with general and subject-specific skills that prepare you for a career in the chemical industry, other related industries and the public sector, or you can continue to doctoral studies. Half of our Master’s students continue to doctoral studies, and the other half enter the industry, both locally and internationally.
Typical employment in industry includes working as a research and development engineer at an innovative start-up or as a synthetic organic chemist at a large pharmaceutical company, for example. Employers have been full of praise for our graduates’ laboratory skills.

Autumn Semester 2026

This application round is recommended for international applicants.

Start

31 August 2026

31 Aug 2026

End

4 June 2028

4 Jun 2028

Form

Normal learning

Pace

Full time

Language

English

City

Lund

Good to know about applying for international Master's programmes

Most international Master's programmes require you to submit programme-specific documents as part of your application. Make sure to check the requirements carefully.

Prerequisites

Specialisation: Synthetic and Analytical Chemistry Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits or the equivalent, including at least 90 credits in chemistry, of which at least 7.5 credits must be in general chemistry, 15 credits in physical chemistry, 15 credits in inorganic chemistry, 22.5 credits in organic chemistry, 15 credits in analytical 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.

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

Convert currency – xe.com

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

Contact us

Programme coordinator

Sophie Manner

Email: sophie.manner@chem.lu.se

Study counsellor

Johan Reimer

Email: studievagledare@kemi.lu.se

Phone: +46 46 222 81 33