A personal approach

The Department of Chemistry highly values a personal approach, which manifests itself in lectures and extensive practical exercises in small groups. You have easy access to professors and teaching staff, who are available to coach you throughout your studies.

A wide choice of optional courses makes it possible to tailor your study program to your specific interests. You are also encouraged to carry out an internship in Belgium or abroad.

International Solvay Institutes

Chemistry in Brussels goes back to 1913, when Ernest Solvay founded the International Institute for Chemistry. In 1970, the Solvay family in association with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) founded and independent body, the International Institutes for Physics and Chemistry, to continue this important quest for the advancement of scientific knowledge. Over the years, these institutes have remained symbols of scientific excellence. The Solvay Institute organises conferences and meetings that attract and invite the most prominent chemists, and VUB's Chemistry Department is proud of this tradition.

VUB in the media

For all VUB news and recent developments, check our newspage vubtoday!

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes describe the intended knowledge and understanding, skills and attitudes that you must master after completing your studies.

Do you want to know more about the specific learning outcomes of this programme? Click here for more information.

Chemists wanted!

Did you know that Belgian companies are constantly searching for chemists? In Belgium, chemists are among the best-paying jobs. The Master in Chemistry prepares you for an interesting career in one of the most research intensive and growing sectors worldwide. Graduates work in a wide range of areas: in research, production, laboratories, sales and management. A number of chemists work in government labs, in food safety and research, production of drinking water, waste management and many other environmental aspects. In medical labs, hospitals and the pharmaceutical industry there is also a growing need for chemists.

The profile Industry prepares you for a career in both technical and business aspects of chemistry (e.g. as Quality Assurance Officer, Technical Director, Project Manager, etc.). The profile Research opens the way to a scientific career, focused on research at universities (PhD research), institutes or even industry (e.g. as Pharmaceutical R&D manager, Compound Development Team Leader, Expert Analytical Development, etc.).

Admission criteria

For Bachelors in science, applied science and life sciences, admission will be evaluated based on academic records and skills.

To be accepted applicants should have the equivalent of at least an upper second class honours degree (overall mark of more than 70%) and have written a Bachelor’s dissertation (with at least 6% weight of the bachelor credits).

Specialisations:

• Chemical Theory, (Bio-)Molecular Design and Synthesis: applicants are required to have a solid background in organic and quantum chemistry.
• Analytical and Environmental Chemistry: a solid background in analytical/inorganic and organic chemistry is required. Applicants who have a background in environmental chemistry, geochemistry, environmental science and technology are also encouraged to apply.

Online application

Students who don't have a Flemish bachelor degree are required to submit an online application. The application procedure consists out of three steps:

1. Apply online
   Fill out your personal information and upload your documents.
2. Screening of your application
   The Admissions Office and the Faculty will check if you are eligible.
3. Result via e-mail
   If your application is accepted, we will send you a Letter of Acceptance.

All information on the admission procedure, requirements, deadlines and application forms can be found on the application page.

Application deadlines

There are two separate deadlines to submit an application if you are applying with a foreign degree, depending on whether or not you require a visa to enter Belgium.

You can find all information on the application page.

The programme MSc in Chemistry will be organised during the academic year 2020-2021.

We are currently preparing for different scenarios, depending on the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even in case of a second major outbreak, our progamme guarantees that its students will obtain the intended learning outcomes.

We aim to have live classes on campus as much as possible under the condition that they can be organised safely, but will also provide the necessary online alternatives.

The VUB traditionally works with small to medium-sized groups of students. This important asset guarantees a unique and personalised learning experience with a lot of practical work and interactions with teaching staff. These smaller groups also make it possible for us to org anise classes and practicals in line with the safety regulations related to ‘physical distancing’.

The online learning platform Canvas offers the necessary technological support for the courses. We also use screencasts, recordings, discussion fora and virtual classrooms in order to keep distance learning interactive.