Universiteit Leiden

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Chemistry (MSc)

Career prospects

With a MSc in Chemistry you are well prepared for a wide range of career opportunities. The chemical industry is one of the largest contributors to economic prosperity worldwide.

Acquired skills and competence

All students are trained as a chemist, with a strong focus on independent academic and analytical thinking. They also participate in a series of compulsory components, namely core theoretical subjects, research training and academic skills. This set of compulsory components ensures that all MSc Chemistry students acquire a set of common learning outcomes, regardless of their chosen specialisation. These learning outcomes include knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts of Chemistry from textbooks and primary literature related to the research area “Chemical Biology” or “Energy & Sustainability” and the ability to plan chemical research and conduct experiments within an appropriate time frame. In addition, students have developed an appropriate critical scientific attitude, i.e. the ability to analyse results and critically evaluate their validity and accuracy, as well as the ability to communicate the progress and results of chemical research to colleagues, supervisors and experts. 

Career

After completing the MSc Chemistry programme, you will have a wide range of career options. All students with a Master of Science degree in Chemistry are admissible to a PhD programme. If you have a desire to apply your knowledge of chemistry outside the university, there are excellent job opportunities in Research & Development departments in industry, business, public utility companies, education, consultancy and government agencies. Many students eventually reach senior management positions.

•    Consultant at McKinsey & Company
•    Account Manager (FR) @ 3D Hubs
•    Quality Assurance Officer at Centrafarm
•    Business Manager at ALTEN
•    Sales Execution Coordinator Retail NL at The Kraft Heinz Company
•    Research Engineer at BASF
•    Research Analyst at Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
•    ECP Associate R&D at Avery Dennison
•    Chemist at MariPharm
•    Strategy Consultant at Monitor Deloitte
•    Marketing Manager at LUMICKS
•    Junior adviser Circular Economy at Tauw Nederland
•    Intern Maintenance Planner at SABIC
•    Consultant Safety and Environment at Antea Group NL
•    Sales Support Intern at Merck Group
•    Analytical Services Manager bij Eurofins Environment
•    Science-based Targets analyst at CDP
•    Medical Affairs Officer at Servier Nederland Pharma
•    Formulation scientist bij SeraNovo B.V.
•    Customs and Inbound Shipping Coordinator at DSM
•    (Web)redacteur bij Koninklijke Nederlandse Chemische Vereniging-KNCV
•    Executive Vice President Technology and Chief Technology Officer at Shell
•    Account Manager at Astellas Pharma
•    Patent Attorney at Danone Nutricia Research
•    Environmental Specialist at Ministry of Defense NL
•    Head of IP Portfolio management Philips
•    Lawyer, Patent Attorney at Procter & Gamble
•    Senior chemist at DSM NeoResins+
 

The Research in Chemistry specialisation is the excellent preparation to start a PhD track. You are trained for a career in research. There are also excellent job opportunities outside academia.

Acquired skills and competence
After graduating you will have excellent knowledge of fundamental Chemistry and highly developed research skills. You will be a creative and independent scientist who is ready to continue in research. You have developed skills and knowledge to contribute in Research and Development departments in industrial as well as non-profit organisations.

After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: academics are highly sought after in Dutch secondary education or mbo teaching. You can also aim for a management position or work as a researcher within the field of Chemistry.

Acquired skills and competence
The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis. After graduating you have excellent knowledge of fundamental Chemistry and have developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your Chemistry background to issues of classroom practice.

After graduation you have a lot of opportunities: the field of science communication is very broad. You can also aim for a career in industry or research.


Acquired skills and competence
The Master of Science programme guarantees thorough research training founded on a sound theoretical basis. After graduating you have excellent knowledge of fundamental Chemistry and highly developed research skills. Moreover you have obtained the skills and knowledge to apply your Chemistry background to SCS careers. Some examples of career at the interface of science and public affairs are:  science writer, science policymaker, public relations officer or research scientist with particular communication skills.

Many students receive their first job offer during or right after their Business Studies internship. After graduation you can also aim for a career in Chemistry research.

Acquired skills and competence
As a science student you have been trained to develop analytical skills, the attitude for problem solving and the ability to learn quickly as well as to apply creative thinking. This rather unique skill set is necessary to become a good researcher. At the same time, these qualifications are also valuable for industry and business. Many companies are looking for science graduates who will be able to fulfil challenging jobs requiring the above mentioned skills.