Course details

Summary

Chemistry is the central science. It deals with the composition, structure and behaviour of the atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. Understanding the world at an atomic level is essential to all areas of science. Chemistry interlinks and contributes to medicine, geology, materials science, molecular physics, biology and astronomy.

Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biological Sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme and with Physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.

Chemistry propels advances in modern society and has an important role to play in solving major global challenges such as energy sustainability, food supply, health and the environment. Every day we utilise products developed by experimental chemists such as plastics, fabrics, petrol and pharmaceuticals.

Qualification structure and duration

Part I of the MSc usually consists of coursework while Part II usually consists of a thesis or dissertation. Coursework must be satisfactorily completed in Part I before the student can proceed to Part II. The requirements vary depending on your choice of subject, as some subjects require only Part II.

Duration

• Part I and Part II must be completed in two years full-time; up to four years part-time.
• Part I must be completed full-time in one year.
• Part II is completed full-time in one to two years or, with the Dean of Science's permission part-time in up to four years.

Career opportunities

New Zealand's unique mix of primary and secondary industries provides a wide choice of careers in chemistry. Expanding industries in New Zealand, for example those related to new sources of energy and to the development of forestry and dairy resources, are further increasing the demand for qualified chemists.

New Zealand needs chemists in teaching, industry, health and research.

• Chemists are key members of developmental teams in the pharmaceutical industry.
• Industry uses chemists in such areas as research and development of new products, monitoring product composition and quality, and environmental monitoring and regulation.
• Hospitals and other health services employ chemists in areas such as biochemical research, medical analysis and toxicology.
• A degree in Chemistry is a good start to a teaching career with its emphasis on laboratory work and its relevance to other sciences.
• The majority of chemical research in New Zealand is done in universities, Crown Research Institutes and private laboratories. These institutions provide chemical challenges equal to any in the world.

Chemists are well trained in problem-solving and skilled at handling information, which leads naturally into a wide diversity of job opportunities including, for example, sales and management.

Entry criteria

Candidates must have completed one of the following:

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Science with Honours*
• Bachelor of Speech and Language Pathology with Honours
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science*
• Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Geology
• or any bachelor's degree and a qualifying programme.

* Students who have qualified for a Bachelor of Science with Honours or Postgraduate Diploma in Science in a subject may be admitted to a MSc Part II (by thesis-only) in that subject.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.