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Overview

Programme Overview

Chemistry is at the foundation of the modern world. Everything that we eat, use and wear is made possible through modern chemistry.

This degree will offer the students the chance to further their chemistry knowledge and learn from experts in the field. The specialisations in analytical chemistry and materials science focus on real-world applications of chemistry.

The specialisations are designed to equip students with skills that will allow them to both progress their research study and make them job-ready.

Programme Careers

Potential Careers

The MChem will prepare students for careers in chemistry laboratories in private companies or government laboratories, as well as chemistry-related careers. Selected students can also proceed to advanced research degrees.

The Analytical Chemistry and Materials Science specialisations particularly focus on building skills needed for current commercial laboratory chemistry roles.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Chemical Analyst
  • Materials Analyst
  • Quality Assurance
  • Materials Research
  • Sensor development
  • Science teacher
  • Research chemist

Student career planning services

Once you become a student at the University, you can get help with planning and developing your career from Career Development and Employability Services.

Key Information for Students

Key Information for Students

Compare qualifications and academic information across different New Zealand institutions.

Experience the University

Video

Master of Chemistry

Find out more about the Master of Chemistry programme with Senior Lecturer Dr Lisa Pilkington.

Entry Requirements, Fees and Dates

Programme Entry Requirements

Other qualifications

If your highest qualification was gained from another tertiary institution, view our entry requirements.


University of Auckland minimum programme requirements

Minimum requirements listed here are the likely grades required and do not guarantee entry. We assess each application individually and applicants may require a higher grade to be offered a place.

Taught (180-point)  - 4.0 Grade Point Average     

Postgraduate Requirements

You'll also need to meet other requirements, including time limits and total points limits. See Postgraduate enrolment.

Find a Supervisor

Depending on the type of programme you are pursuing, you may have the opportunity to complete a unique research project. To find out more about the research carried out at the University of Auckland and to identify potential supervisors, check out our researcher profiles.

Other Pathways to Study

You must have completed a Bachelor of Science in a relevant major with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 in 60 points above Stage II.

Or, alternatively, have completed a Bachelors degree and passed at least 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science with a GPA of 4.0, and a specialisation in Chemistry (provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded). 

Relevant majors include chemistry, medicinal chemistry, green chemistry, food science, chemical engineering, and materials engineering.

If you do not meet the GPA requirement, you can still gain entry by passing 60 points towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Chemistry with a minimum 4.0 GPA.

If you do not meet the above entry requirements, but have other relevant experience and think you would be successful in postgraduate study, please contact us to discuss alternative pathways into our programmes. 

Fees and scholarships

Fees

Fees Disclaimer

Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee, course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses. For more information, please see Fees and Money Matters.

*Please note: amounts shown are indicative and estimates only.

Scholarships

Scholarships and awards

Find out about the scholarships you may be eligible for.

Loans and Allowances

Student loans and allowances

Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident? You could be eligible for a student loan or allowance.

Cost of Living

Cost of living

Get an idea of how much accommodation and general living in Auckland will cost.

Advice on Programme Limits

This is a limited entry programme: there is a limit on the number of enrolments due to staff or space capacity. For more information, please see the Programme and Course Limitations section of the University Academic and General Statutes and Regulations.

Key Dates

Application Advice

Please note: we will consider late applications if places are still available. International students should start the application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time to apply for a visa.

Key Dates

SemesterApplication Closing DateSemester Start DateSemester End Date
2026 Semester One08 December 202502 March 202629 June 2026
2026 Semester Two08 June 202620 July 202616 November 2026

Other Important Dates

See important dates for the academic year, including orientation, enrolment, study breaks, exams, and graduation.

Regulations

Preamble

The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.

Note: This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.

Admission

1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:

a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

or

b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation

or

c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study

and

(ii) passed at least 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Chemistry, provided the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.

2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.

3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.

Note: Relevant subjects may include chemistry, chemical and materials engineering or food science.

Duration and Total Points Value

4 A student enrolled for this degree must:

a pass courses with a total value of 180 points

and

b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.

Structure and Content

6 A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Chemistry Schedule, which may include the requirements for one of the specialisations listed.

7 A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher in at least 60 points of taught courses in this degree prior to enrolment in CHEM 794. If this Grade Point Average is not achieved, a student must enrol in CHEM 791.

8 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.

Research Component

9 a The dissertation or research project is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Academic Head.

b The dissertation or research project topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment in CHEM 791 or 794.

c The dissertation or research project is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Credit, Cross-credit and Reassignment

10 A student may apply to reassign courses passed for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Chemistry.

Distinction

11 This degree may be awarded with Honours in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.

Variations

12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.

Regulation Commencement or Amendment

13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.

Schedule

Programme Schedules

Complete 180 points comprising:

  • 180 points for one Specialisation from Master of Chemistry Schedule, and
  • 1 item from Academic Integrity Course

Academic Integrity Course

Complete exactly 1 of the following:

Graduate Profile and Programme Capabilities

Graduate Profile

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Programme Capabilities

#Programme Capability

Programme Capabilities to Graduate Profile Map